Medical Ethics: An Introduction



Overview

Medical practice is essentially a peoples' profession and healthcare professionals (HCPs) ought not only be proficient in the science/knowledge of medicine but also in the art. 

Ethical decisions do not come by chance. They require an understanding of the principles and values that underpin such decisions. 

This course introduces ethical issues that arise in the clinical context focusing on the principles and virtues required to make ethical decisions. Using real-life cases/scenarios/film clips, the aim is to provide practical experience and equip you with skills to identify, analyse and resolve ethical issues in a manner that is both ethical (good/right) and practically wise.

The purpose is to develop a deeper understanding of the HCPs responsibilities and valuing diverse perspectives when making decisions.

Programme details

Course starts Friday 7 November 2025

This is an in-person course which requires your attendance at the weekly meetings in Oxford on Fridays, 2-4pm.

Week 1:Philosophical foundations of ethical decision making and practical wisdom

Week 2: Consent, confidentiality and trust

Week 3: Ethical issues in the use of  Artifical reproductive technologies 

Week 4: Ethical issue at the End of Life and Euthanasia

Week 5: Research ethics

Certification

Digital badge

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be issued with an official digital badge from the Department for Continuing Education, University of Oxford. In order to be issued with your badge, you will need to have attended at least 80% of the course.

After the course, you will receive an email with a link and instructions on how to download your digital badge. You will be able to add this badge to your email signature and share it on social media if you choose to do so.

Fees

Description Costs
Course fee £180.00

Funding

If you are in receipt of a UK state benefit, you are a full-time student in the UK or a student on a low income, you may be eligible for a reduction of 50% of tuition fees. See details of our concessionary fees for short courses.

Tutor

Dr Aisha Malik

Dr. Aisha Y. Malik (MBBS, M.Phil., MSc, D.Phil, AFHEA), a haematologist by training, teaches/facilitates medical/public health ethics (after obtaining her D. Phil), as a Senior Teaching Fellow and now as Senior Associate Tutor  (part-time) at Warwick Medical School. She  worked as Senior Research Fellow on the PMC project at HSMC, University of Birmingham. She is an expert member on a Health Research Authority (HRA) , Research ethics committee (REC).She also teaches medical ethics at medical institutions in Pakistan (AKU and LUMS-LLI) and is an Associate of The Phronesis Associates. Her areas of interest are Phronesis and decision making,  Gender and decision making, and  Justice in international research. 

 

 

Course aims

To develop ethical decision-making skills and practical wisdom. 

Course objectives

  • To understand the philosophical foundations of ethical decision making.
  • Use experiential knowledge to develop skills that are important in making ethically wise decisions.

Teaching methods

The purpose is to engage students in the knowledge-exchange environment so as to reinforce or transform their knowledge. 

The following methods may be employed:  

  • Didactic lectures (one day of the week will be to introduce the topic)
  • Case discussion (real-world clinical cases )
  • Narrative (stories that either the students bring or in newspapers regarding a specific issue)
  • Movie/s to engage students to identify an ethical issue  
  • Role play exercises

Learning outcomes

At the end of this course students will have been given the opportunity to learn how to:

  • Identify and analyse ethical issues.
  • Present their arguments for or against a decision they consider right/wrong.
  • Demonstrate the importance of context and facts as integral to making ethical decisions.
  • Develop a respectful understanding of alternative (others') views and perspectives.

Assessment methods

This course is not accredited, so there are no assessments or coursework.

Application

Please use the 'Book now' button on this page. Alternatively, please complete an enrolment form.

Level and demands

The Department's Weekly Classes are taught at first year undergraduate level.

Terms & conditions for applicants and students

Information on financial support