Program Overview

Introduction to the Medical Law Postgraduate Certificate

The Medical Law Postgraduate Certificate is a 1-year part-time distance learning course designed to meet the distinct needs of hospital doctors who are required to make medical decisions with legal implications. This practice-based course combines a practical approach with an in-depth study of Medical Law, enabling students to develop legal knowledge, legal application, and critical analysis skills in addition to the professional and reflective expertise necessary for safe and confident hospital medical practice.

Why Study Law at Northumbria?

Law at Northumbria is ranked 6th in the UK (Daily Mail University Guide, 2025) and 7th in the UK for research power (REF, 2021). The university offers a top-quality education, with a strong research ethos and a commitment to developing students' critical thinking and analytical skills.

Course Information

• Level of Study: Postgraduate
• Mode of Study: 1 year Part Time (Distance Learning)
• School: Northumbria School of Law
• Location: City Campus, Northumbria University
• City: Newcastle
• Start: September 2026
• Fees: Fee Information

Modules

The course consists of three core modules:

• Clinical Negligence (LW7144): This module covers the substantive law applicable to clinical negligence in England and Wales, focusing on statute and common law.
• Consent and Confidentiality (LW7145): This module examines the laws relating to consent to treatment, medical confidentiality, and access to medical records.
• Medical Law in Context (LW7146): This module provides a critical understanding of the substantive legal principles set out in the Mental Health Act 1983, the Mental Health Act 2007, the Mental Capacity Act 2005, and the Human Rights Act 1998.

Entry Requirements

• Standard Entry: Applicants should normally have a minimum of a 2:2 honours degree in medicine, a healthcare-related subject, or Law. Relevant professional qualifications or suitable experience will also be considered.
• International Qualifications: If you have studied a non-UK qualification, you can see how your qualifications compare to the standard entry criteria by selecting the country that you received the qualification in from our country pages.
• English Language Requirements: International applicants are required to have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 with 5.5 in each component (or approved equivalent).

Fees and Funding

• Full UK Fee: £3,316
• Full International Fee: £3,316
• Scholarships and Discounts: Discover more about fees, scholarships, and other funding options available for UK and international applicants.

Additional Costs

Whilst books are made available via the University Library, students may wish to purchase key texts. One text per module is recommended for purchase throughout this course. There is one study day, held at Northumbria University, associated with each of the three modules on this course that would give rise to travel and accommodation costs.

Research

Northumbria Law School contains a vibrant, collegiate, and growing research community with diverse interests, objectives, and methodologies. The school is committed to helping students develop their critical thinking and analytical skills, with a strong research ethos and a focus on practical, innovative law courses.

Careers

The course provides academic recognition of students' knowledge of medical law and their ability to apply that knowledge to practice. It enables students to undertake continuing professional development, improving their academic profile and allowing them to pursue career development opportunities in the field of medical law.

Facilities

Northumbria Law School offers a range of facilities, including a specialist Law Practice Library containing practitioner materials, journals, and law reports. The university's library has half a million electronic books, and students have online access to Northumbria's library, which achieves some of the highest levels of student satisfaction in the UK.

Accessibility and Student Inclusion

Northumbria University is committed to developing an inclusive, diverse, and accessible campus and wider university community. The university works in partnership with AccessAble to provide Detailed Access Guides to its buildings and facilities, ensuring that opportunities are open to all. Students who may require additional support during their student journey can access 1-1 advice and guidance appropriate to individual requirements.