ObjectivesThe University of Sheffield is an international centre of excellence for research in the biosciences with prestigious research centres in fields as diverse as translational biomedicine, tissue engineering, molecular biology, stem cell research, plant and animal biology and nanotechnology. The Masters in Biotechnological Law and Ethics (MABLE) aims to examine the emerging social and economic issues arising from the use of new biotechnologies from a legal and ethical perspective. MABLE provides a forum for multidisciplinary dialogue and reflection between lawyers, ethicists, bioscientists, clinicians and policy makers. The curriculum combines courses on the contested bioethical values which are central to policy and law development on research and its commercialization, as well as an overview of regulation of the biosciences through national and international law. Discrete areas of study can be pursued through options focusing on areas such as law and genetics, research on human tissues and stem cells, biosecurity, and biobanks and gene patents. Students may also opt to study courses in legal areas relevant to the biosciences such as intellectual property, international law and commercial law. Beyond the integrated complement of modules offered by MABLE, Sheffield´s Institute for Biotechnology, Law and Ethics (SIBLE), acts as a forum for exchange of ideas between bioscientists, lawyers, bioethicists, policy makers and the biotech industry through regular seminars and conferences.
Entry requirementsEntry requirements We welcome students from all over the world to study this programme. You will need at least a good Upper-Second class degree or the international equivalent. Previous training in law, biology or medicine is not essential. If your first language is not English, and you have not studied at degree level in English before, we require a qualification in English, currently IELTS 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
Academic titleMA Biotechnological Law and Ethics
Course descriptionCourse Content
Core modules
-Regulation in the Biosciences
-Legal Research Methods
-Principles of Bioethics & Biolaw
Optional modules.
-Regulation of Human Tissue & Stem Cells
-Data Protection, Genetic Privacy and Biobanking
-Issues in Human Genetics
-Intellectual Property Law and the Biosciences
-International Environment Law
-EU Health Law