MA Safeguarding Adults - Law Policy Practice in Keele United Kingdom | Keele University

Our program was introduced more than a decade ago in response to industry demands for improved legal understanding among professionals in adult safeguarding. Centered on analyzing the legal and practical frameworks of adult protection, it offers flexible study options spanning one, two, or five years through intensive teaching modules, enabling you to schedule childcare or work leave accordingly. Whether you're new to the field or an experienced practitioner in social care, healthcare, mediation, criminal justice, or law, you'll enhance your expertise while earning a professional credential that may lead to career advancement, expanded responsibilities, or specialized positions. Adult safeguarding presents a dynamic, intricate, and evolving field of practice that impacts diverse populations, often requires multi-agency collaboration, and operates under shifting legislation and national policies.

This established master's degree, delivered at Keele University for over 10 years, offers a unique chance to examine adult safeguarding through legal, ethical, policy, and practical perspectives within a multi-disciplinary context involving health, social care, education, law enforcement, probation services, and other professions.

Through multiple analytical approaches, you'll critically examine judicial decisions, legislation, law reform initiatives, academic studies, policy materials, workplace procedures, and professional standards to deepen your practical and theoretical understanding of adult protection.

With its hands-on orientation and continuous updates to address emerging challenges and legal changes, the program covers topics ranging from decision-making capacity to criminal victimization, from organizational misconduct to the ethical balance between individual rights and protective measures.

The course appeals to anyone passionate about adult safeguarding, regardless of professional background, including legal professionals, nurses, social workers, probation officers, mental health specialists, police personnel, caregivers, and other practitioners working with vulnerable adults.

Students frequently highlight how much they appreciate the program's ability to build their confidence, skills, and understanding, particularly through exchanging insights with classmates from various sectors—some holding prominent positions in adult social care or legal practice across different regions or countries.

Whenever possible, we bring in distinguished guest lecturers who are recognized leaders in their specialties. Recent visiting experts have included Alex Ruck Keene QC and Neil Allen, accomplished barristers and educators specializing in mental capacity and mental health law; Professor Suzy Braye, honored with an OBE for her safeguarding contributions; and Dr. Margaret Flynn, who chaired a major Welsh care home investigation and now leads the National Mental Capacity Forum.

Upon completing the program, your specialized knowledge can unlock rewarding career prospects. Alumni have pioneered sector-leading safeguarding initiatives, handled increasingly complex cases, and some have pursued doctoral research.