Stellenbosch University

​​Division of Medical Ethics and Law

At the Division of Medical Ethics and Law at Stellenbosch University, we are proud to be at the forefront of integrating ethical integrity and legal responsibility into every aspect of healthcare. Our division equips students and professionals with the tools needed to tackle these dilemmas head-on in an era of rapid technological advancement, evolving human rights debates and complex legal challenges. We were among the first in Africa to develop an integrated curriculum that bridges medical ethics with legal practice. Our faculty have authored influential policy papers that have shaped national healthcare guidelines.

We have forged strong partnerships with leading hospitals, legal institutions and governmental bodies, which enable us to test and refine our approaches in real-world settings. Our research into informed consent, patient rights and healthcare accountability has led to landmark studies affecting policy and practice. 

Physical address
Room 6039A, 6th Floor
Clinical Building
Tygerberg Campus
Francie van Zijl Drive

Contact us
+27 21 938 9600
 

“Our research into informed consent, patient rights and healthcare accountability has led to landmark studies impacting policy and practice.”

Our programmes

Undergraduate

We integrate ethics teaching into the MBChB programme, ensuring medical students develop a strong foundation in bioethics and medical law. Ethics training begins in the early years and continues throughout the programme.

Short Courses

These CPD-accredited short courses support healthcare professionals' ethical and legal training. The courses align with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) requirements.

GCP Refresher Training (ERECCA Programme)

An online course hosted on SUNOnline covering research ethics and clinical trial guidelines. The course is CPD-accredited with Ethics and General CPD points.

Bioethics Short Course

A CPD programme that explores bioethics, medical law and human rights. The course addresses the growing need for postgraduate ethics education in response to changing legal and ethical standards in healthcare.

Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) Course

A programme designed to introduce researchers to ethical principles in research, including responsible publication, data management and research integrity.

Ethical, Legal and Social Implications of Biobanking Course

A specialised course examining the ethical and legal considerations in biobanking research.