LLM in Medical Law
The LLM in Medical Law programme engages with a new and expanding field which offers considerable scope for interdisciplinary study and collaboration. The responsibilities of those providing health care and the expectations of those receiving it are legally defined, and as a consequence the law is increasingly involved in dispute resolution.
The programme offers a comprehensive examination of the role of law within the contemporary healthcare environment. It provides a sound knowledge and understanding of the institutions and organisations associated with medical law and the interrelationships between them.
The LLM (Medical Law) is suitable for law graduates and practising lawyers and legal executives with an interest in developing their knowledge of medical law and health policy.
Group M - Medical Law
Taught Modules
To specialise in this area, students must select a minimum of two modules from this list and do their compulsory dissertation in the field of Medical Law. The additional required module can be in this area or can be unrelated and therefore selected from the full list of available modules.
Note: Not all of the modules listed will be available in any one year. Any modules not available in the forthcoming academic session will be marked as soon as this information is confirmed by teaching academics.
Teachers contributing to this programme include:
Yeo Sam Jay, Singapore
LLM in Medical Law 2011-12
Prior to studying law, I worked as an English Language teacher in Singapore and other parts of Asia. Upon completing the LLB course with the University of London International Programmes, I decided against practice and continued in academia, lecturing primarily in subjects such as Family Law and Common Law Reasoning and Institutions. A desire for deeper knowledge and passion for my job led me to embark on the LLM (Medical Law) course at Queen Mary; whose reputation and holistic excellence require no further elaboration.
The entire experience may be described as one that is both inspirational and liberating. There was so much to explore, so much to discover, making it a truly exhilarating journey for me. The teaching faculty exceeded expectations, in particular Professor Richard Ashcroft who may be described as a ‘star’ in the department. It was a rare opportunity for students to have come under the tutorage of an educator of his time, one who was both creative and meticulous in his lesson delivery.
I have no doubt that this course has benefitted me in more ways than one. The skills I have acquired will go towards inspiring my own students back in Singapore or at the Hongkong Polytechnic University, where I am also a visiting lecturer. Queen Mary School of Law has fuelled my insatiable quest for legal knowledge and allowed me to immerse in vast literature. The accessibility and vibrancy of London makes it a fascinating and conducive place for study. I recommend this experience wholeheartedly to other aspiring legal minds!
Diana Carolina Rivera Drago, Colombia
LLM Medical Law 2009-2010
"I graduated from the Law School of the Externado University of Colombia in Bogota in 2006. Between 2006 and 2007 I worked as a lawyer in Colombia in both the private and public sector.
In 2008 I came to London to work and improve my English and in 2009 I received an Externado University’s scholarship to study an LLM at Queen Mary, University of London. I am doing my LLM in Medical Law.
One of the classes I am attending is ‘Consent in Contemporary Medicine’ taught at Queen Mary. It is an absolutely interesting and innovative course with excellent material and great interactive lectures and debate. During the course we have seen very controversial subjects (as the right to decide about our own body, the right of autonomous decision making in reproduction, etc.), which are fundamental aspects in every individual’s life.
It is important to mention that all the other lectures are fascinating, the professors are very supportive and stimulating and that it is fantastic to have doctors, nurses and even philosophers as classmates. I am having a wonderful academic experience which I absolutely recommend.”
Linda Strazdina, Latvia
LLM in Medical Law 2008-2009
"I completed my legal education (LLM and LLB) in 2008 in Latvia. However, before I started my professional career I decided to study something different.
During my basic law studies my interest in medical law was growing as I have written a couple of course papers relating to patient’s rights. While working in a non-governmental organisation – the Latvian Patients’ Rights Office - as a volunteer lawyer-consultant, I realized that my knowledge in this field of law was just basic. Health law is new field of law and covers a lot of interesting and still unresolved issues. Therefore, I decided to broaden my knowledge in medical law in the UK.
As I was awarded the LLM scholarship, this gave me a wonderful opportunity to specifically study medical law.
I do not regret any hour spending time in the School of Law and going in depth into different aspects of consent, medical aspects of intellectual property and medical negligence. Being in London and in this University, I expanded my vision of law and it gave me a possibility to look to medico-legal issues from different angles. I was impressed by Professor Rachael Mulheron in Advanced Medical Negligence. She is so brilliant and a guru in her field; that inspires me to conduct further research into medical negligence. The University offers an excellent environment and library resources for its Master students. In addition, all the academics are professional in their field. That ensures a first class education. Therefore, I would recommend the School of Law to everybody who wants to continue their studies in law."
Chris Moller, UK
LLM in Medical Law 2008-2009
"My background is in criminal, mental health and human rights law. As a barrister I represent people detained in psychiatric institutions at Mental Health Tribunals. Issues of consent and autonomy are fundamental.
The LLM in Medical Law provides an opportunity to consider medical ethics in a wider context. Studying at Queen Mary, University of London is an inspiration. Seminars are well-structured, interactive and always fascinating. Written materials are excellent. All the lecturers are first rate.
Professional and cultural diversity contribute to the freshness of discussions with other students.
Currently my time is split between representing clients at hearings and reading for my degree. Juggling various deadlines is usually not a problem as the timetable is fixed early. t has been good to use knowledge gained on the LLM in my paid work.
After completing the LLM in Medical Law my intention is to develop a practice in medical and regulatory law. Everything I’m learning will be of use in my future career: facts, ideas and research skills. QMUL is an exciting place to study with great facilities and people."
Juliet Opoka Angwech, Uganda
LLM Medical Law, 2009-10
"I hold a bachelors degree from Makerere University Kampala and a post graduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Centre Kampala. I have worked as a humanitarian lawyer with the Norwegian Refugee Council and in private practice as well. I joined Queen Mary after being given a scholarship by the Department of law. I have enjoyed my stay at Queen Mary, loved the class interactions, the discussions during the seminars were great, my lecturers could be easily reached and the students are warm and very friendly. I particularly enjoyed the huge range of International backgrounds that characterise Queen Mary’s student body that exposes one to various learning experiences from the different backgrounds.”


