Master of Bioethics

School of Medicine

Do you work in a field that requires a strong foundation for bioethical decision-making? The University of Notre Dame Australia’s Master of Bioethics will give you the knowledge and qualifications to become an expert in this area. Master of Bioethics explores major societal issues concerning new technologies in medicine, science, law, politics, and philosophy. The program integrates theory and practice and provides the basis for understanding debates within clinical, legal, philosophical, and theological bioethics. Contact us today for further information.

• Why study this degree?

  Contemporary bioethics explores issues that have been debated for centuries. However, scientific developments in the middle of the twentieth century, exploded into the multitude of bioethical issues that we deal with today. These have included organ transplantation, genomics, abortion, assisted reproduction, euthanasia, information technology, artificial intelligence, transhumanism, and freedom of conscience. This program trains professionals from various disciplines to both learn from and engage with leading experts in this important field of study. A particular emphasis of this bioethics program is developing a community of inquiry for people working in disciplines that are regularly confronted by bioethical issues. Graduates will learn to understand and apply a structured approach to bioethical decision-making from a range of perspectives, including that of the Catholic intellectual tradition.

  This unique degree draws on the expertise of scholars within the Schools of Medicine, Law, and Philosophy and Theology at the University. Some courses will also involve national and international guest lecturers, some of whom have inside experience of bioethical issues in health care. Students in this program of study will engage in important debates about bioethical issues in the public sphere.

  The program combines coursework with a personalised research component. Students will approach bioethical issues from multiple disciplines and perspectives. They will dialogue with people of different and sometimes opposing views, to investigate the implications of the dignity of human life.

• Program summary

  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.

• Supervision

  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

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

• Mode of study and assessment

  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.

• Entry requirements

  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.

• 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.

• Career opportunities

  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.

• Real-world experience

  You will learn from our academics, who are leaders in their field. There are no practicum requirements for this program.

• Scholarships

  Scholarships provide financial support to students while they are completing their studies. There are various scholarships available to prospective and current students, across all study levels and campuses.

  These can be funded by Notre Dame, industry, individuals and non-profit organisations, to provide financial assistance to students to support costs associated with study. This could include buying food, paying rent, transport, and household bills, raising children as single parents, being a single-income household, becoming unemployed or caring for a sick loved one.

  Please visit the Scholarships Finder to see which scholarships are available to Postgraduate students.

• Fees and costs

  This Program has the following loan scheme(s) available for eligible students:

  Domestic Fee-Paying
  A domestic fee-paying place is a place at university where the student is responsible for the full cost the program.

  Eligible domestic fee-paying students may apply for the FEE-HELP loan scheme which assists eligible fee-paying students with the payment of all, or part, of their tuition fees, not including additional study costs such as accommodation or textbooks. Your FEE-HELP debt will be indexed each year in line with the Consumer Price Index.

  For indicative fees and information on how to pay, including Government loan schemes and our online calculator, visit our Fees, costs and scholarships page.

• More information

  Considering your uni options?
  Our advisors provide support while choosing a program of study and completing our application process.