Masters graduate — Hannah Schofield

Hannah studied the LLM Healthcare Ethics and Law at The University of Manchester to refine her knowledge of the subject

What was the application process like?

It was very easy. As a former undergraduate with The University of Manchester I was able to ask for my information to be transferred over. The university system walked me through every step and provided clear guidance on what documentation was needed and when. Providing evidence of my past degrees and personal achievements was simple and straightforward, as the system accepted PDFs of my previous grades.

When it came to the interview process I was given a chance to discuss my research goals with staff and receive guidance on questions I would need to answer while doing my research. These critiques and comments helped to build the backbone of my research and provided me with areas to consider for further examination throughout my studies.

What did the course teach you that your first degree did not?

My Masters gave me the opportunity to dig into topics which, while addressed in my undergraduate degree, were not particularly in depth. I got to explore more topics than I could before, and start to develop research that was personal to me. The first term focused on general topics, such as 'Philosophical Bioethics' and 'Medico-Legal Problems'. While these courses provided an overview of important concepts, such as consent, autonomy, capacity, and the role of morality in legal decision-making, they provided an open door to modules in the second semester, such as 'Global Health Law', which further built on the concepts discussed. This stepped process of starting general and then moving through more specific topics allowed me to grapple with difficult concepts.

Tell us a bit about the course.

The course is assessed through six 4,000-word essays and one 10,000-12,000-word dissertation. All classes are taught through seminars with debate and discussion highly encouraged. I greatly enjoyed discussing nuance and topics that didn’t always have one correct answer, especially when applying complex approaches to both individual wishes for people’s healthcare and the responsibility of the state in providing healthcare to individuals.

The course ends with a dissertation, the topic of which we are allowed to choose, under the direction of a supervisor. I met with my supervisor multiple times throughout my dissertation writing process, as well as receiving guidance from senior staff in the form of seminars that provided outlines on how to write and present a dissertation. Throughout this process, I felt extremely well supported and assisted in reaching my goal, and I was very successful in writing my dissertation. As with my interview process, my supervisor asked questions and provided critique that clearly guided me towards areas of weakness in my dissertation, and also pointed me towards areas where I could incorporate further thought into my writing. This helped me learn not only how to take feedback and use it effectively, but provided me with guidance throughout a process that I had not done at the undergraduate level as I had opted for more taught courses. My dissertation and the work I put into it would not have been possible had it not been for the supportive and thorough guidance of my supervisor and senior staff on the course during the writing process.

What employability skills did you develop through the course?

• time management
• self-reliance
• research skills.

What have you done after graduation, and how did the course help?

I spent a year working as a paralegal in healthcare law, including spending time on secondment with a local trust to provide support. The LLM in Healthcare Law and Ethics provided me with a background during my interview with the firm to discuss not only the impact of more general legal topics, but also the specific impact of the law on people receiving and providing treatment.

I was able to discuss ethical issues such as consent to treatment, informed consent, and the nuances of intervention from a medical practitioner's perspective in a way that gave the firm insight into why I would be a good fit for their team. I greatly enjoyed my time working with them, and I credit my LLM as a part of the reason I was hired in that position.

I have since started a PhD in Bioethics and Medical Jurisprudence at The University of Manchester. The LLM in Health Care Law and Ethics provided me with a backbone of research as well as opening the door to my curiosity as to why the law functions a certain way.

The encouragement of staff throughout the learning process and the way in which the course is built to provide building blocks of understanding from theoretical concepts to practical application to self-directed research on a topic that means something to the individual student provided the best possible foundation for my current research in capacity law.

The LLM gave me a solid foundation of research skills, including distilling caselaw to its most accessible form, as well as researching via academic journal articles. Without this course, I would not be as solid in my ability to represent my research and research goals as I am today.

What tips would you give to others studying a Masters degree?

• Give yourself the time to explore new topics. Something you aren’t sure you’ll enjoy may turn out to be something you are more interested in than anything else.
• Use the course to expand your horizons. Take the opportunity to do something new.
• Take your time to grow, and be flexible. There are numerous ways to complete an LLM/MA in Healthcare Law and Ethics at The University of Manchester, whether in person or through distance learning, either part or full time. This allows you to tailor your education to your life and personal needs. Take the time to explore every option and make your education fit your life.

Find out more

• Take a look at the LLM Healthcare Ethics.
• Read all about LLM degrees.