Ethics

The degree attracts individuals looking to develop analytical and decision-making skills so that they can apply ethical perspectives and principles to real-life and professional dilemmas.

After graduation you can join our MA in Ethics Alumni and be part of a network of expertise and support in the field of ethics.

Why Do This Programme?
Gain an understanding of a broad range of ethical theories and principles at the forefront of general and applied ethics.
Acquire a critical awareness of contemporary public and professional ethical issues, together with new ethical insights, developed and informed by a variety of philosophical, theological, human rights, and intercultural perspectives.
Learn how to analyse specific ethical issues, challenges and dilemmas arising from contemporary work, professional activity and public life.

Programme Aims and Objectives
The MA in Ethics was established in 2010 in light of an ongoing demand for expertise in ethical analysis and decision-making, and aims to "add value" to continuing professional development. The programme’s underpinning philosophy is that ethical issues are best examined through a wide spectrum of ethical theories and by developing an active and creative interaction between theory and practice. You’ll receive a grounding in the foundations of ethics, human rights and social justice. You’ll also develop the necessary ethical analysis and decision-making skills to apply ethical perspectives and principles to real-life and professional dilemmas.

You’ll undertake the course part-time over two years, completing six taught modules:

Introduction to Ethics: This module provides a comprehensive introduction to ethics to enable course participants to further explore key contemporary ethical issues. The module explores how ethical theories influence ethical decision-making and provide frameworks for ethical reasoning and analysis.

Readings in Ethics: The purpose of this module is to introduce students to a selection of classic texts in the field of ethics thereby providing a more in-depth examination of the texts that are at the source of the major ethical theories.

Human Rights & Social Justice: This module will explore human rights in the context of global and social justice. It will offer a historical outline of the tradition of thinking about justice and the development of natural and human rights within this tradition.

New Ethical Challenges: Climate, AI and Technology
This module examines a range of contemporary ethical issues and challenges affecting various aspects of life and society in a systematic manner. The module will focus on the ethical questions emerging from 21st century developments in the area of technology, social media, the environment, and climate.

Global Bioethics: The purpose of this module is to examine contemporary global bioethical issues and develop further skills in applying ethical theories and models to practical settings. The module will apply the various ethical principles to contemporary bioethical issues, exposing students to a broad range of topical problems.

Ethics in the World Religions: This module explores how various religious traditions influence ethical decision-making and practice. The module will examine ways in which religious beliefs and worldviews influence the development of various forms of ethical perspectives and standards that have come to shape and define cultures and societies.

You’ll also complete a minor thesis on an ethical issue or question either of a general public concern or of professional relevance.

Requirements
• Applicants will normally have an honours primary degree or equivalent (H2.2) but appropriate combinations of professional qualifications and experience may be accepted as equivalent to an honours degree, in accordance with the relevant regulations of the University.

• Interviews may be held.

• International candidates are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to those outlined above. In addition, where such candidates are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the University of their competency in the English language.

Application Deadlines
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the programme is full or until the following dates:

• Closing date for non EU applicants is 1st July 2024.
• Closing date for EU applicants is 31st July 2024.

Note applicants who require a study visa for the purposes of studying at DCU, are advised to apply as early as possible.

All entry requirements should be met before the commencement of the programme.

Queries
Queries from EU applicants should be directed to postgraduateadmissions@dcu.ie
Queries from non EU applicants should be directed to internationalapplications@dcu.ie

To apply for this programme:
• All Applicants must apply through DCU's Student Application Portal - view Application Weblink above.

• Provide Academic Transcripts for each and every year of study with English translation, if applicable.

• If applicable, provide evidence of competence in the English language as per DCU entry requirements. Please see link http://www.dcu.ie/registry/english.shtml

Please note if you are a non EU student and require a study visa, you are not eligible to apply for part-time programmes as study visas are only granted for full-time programmes.

2 years part-time.
Lectures take place Tuesday evenings and on two Saturdays (in the first year).

The programme commences in September 2024

Careers
The MA in Ethics will be of particular relevance to you if you participate in ethics committees and activities relating to corporate social responsibility/citizenship, regulations or human rights. At the same time, other graduates without professional experience will benefit from the knowledge provided in this course and develop important ethical decision-making skills.

Potential Careers
• Education
• Management
• Health Care
• Medical Practice
• Chaplaincy
• Business
• Finance
• Banking
• Law
• Human Resources
• Social Work
• Other Care Services