Master of Bioethics

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Master of Bioethics, graduates will be able to:

1. Critically analyse knowledge and understanding of principles, debates, and arguments in bioethics with a focus on traditional and contemporary approaches to bioethics including religious, secularist and humanist
2. Demonstrate philosophical and analytical skills to generate and evaluate complex ideas and concepts in bioethics at an abstract level, including presenting them in debate and in the public square
3. Apply critical insight in bioethical knowledge and skills to professional practice; and
4. Engage in critical reflection in relation to issues raised in bioethics with high levels of accountability and responsibility.

A Master of Bioethics can lead to specialist roles in medicine, veterinary medicine, social work, health law, policymaking, public health, biomedical research, chaplaincy, and dentistry.

The Master of Bioethics explores major societal issues in relation to new technologies and conflicts in medicine, science, law, politics, and philosophy. Designed for people who in their fields of expertise require understanding of bioethical decision-making. This necessitates integrating theory and practice. The program provides the basis for understanding debates within clinical, legal, philosophical and theological bioethics.

Full details of the program requirements are contained in the Program Requirements.

More information regarding courses can be found at the course descriptions pages Fremantle Sydney.

To explore course substitutions to be approved by the Head of School, see our national schools for Philosophy & Theology and Law & Business for alternate courses.

Please note: the availability of these courses is indicative only and may be subject to change.

There is a required research component of the course. An academic from the University will supervise your work on a bioethical issue drawn from your coursework studies. Your choice of electives will help you to focus on health sciences, law, or philosophy and theology. Your research component can be a piece of writing intended for an academic audience, or tailored to your professional interests and needs.

Research focus areas are bioethical issues arising from your studies in health sciences, law, or philosophy and theology.

All your studies will be online. Courses will include pre-reading and engaging with other online materials. All courses will have meetings where lecturers explain concepts, but give main priority to discussion and debate.

You may undertake the program either in a full-time or part-time capacity. The standard time for completion (not including periods of approved leave of absence) is normally one year and two years for a part-time student. The minimum time for completion will normally be one year.

Your research component will be marked by two examiners.

To be eligible for admission to the Masters of Bioethics applicants must also meet both the following two (2) specific requirements:

1. A bachelor degree (or equivalent) in a related field of study, such as medicine, health sciences, life sciences, law, philosophy, or social sciences, and
2. One year of full-time (or equivalent) related professional experience or a related postgraduate qualification.