Ethics

Since 2010, the programme has welcomed people from every professional and educational background — from teaching, journalism and social work, to business, healthcare, charity work and law. You don’t need prior knowledge of philosophy or ethics — just an open mind and a willingness to think critically about what is right, fair and good.



Through your studies, you’ll engage with the great ethical traditions and apply them to the pressing issues of modern society. You’ll learn from experts across ethics, philosophy, theology and the humanities, gaining both intellectual insight and practical wisdom.



When you graduate, you’ll join a thriving Ethics Alumni Network — a community of professionals and thinkers dedicated to bringing ethical awareness and leadership to every sphere of life.



Lectures are held on Tuesday evenings (6pm–10pm) across two academic years, with additional Saturday sessions in the first year — a flexible structure designed to suit working professionals.



You'll be enrolled in this part-time, two-year programme, which consists of six taught modules and a minor thesis:



Introduction to Ethics: This module offers a comprehensive introduction to ethics, helping you delve into contemporary ethical issues. It explores how ethical theories impact ethical decision-making and provide frameworks for ethical analysis.



Readings in Ethics: This module introduces you to classic texts in the field of ethics, providing an in-depth examination of the foundational texts that underpin major ethical theories.



Human Rights & Social Justice: This module explores the concept of human rights within the context of global and social justice. It traces the historical development of justice thinking and the evolution of natural and human rights within this framework.



New Ethical Challenges: Climate, AI, and Technology: This module systematically examines contemporary ethical issues and challenges that affect various aspects of modern life and society. It focuses on ethical questions arising from 21st-century developments in technology, social media, the environment, and climate.



Global Bioethics: This module investigates current global bioethical issues and enhances your skills in applying ethical theories to practical scenarios. It applies ethical principles to contemporary bioethical concerns, exposing you to a wide range of topical problems.

Ethics in the World Religions: This module explores the influence of various religious traditions on ethical decision-making and practice. It examines how religious beliefs and worldviews shape different ethical perspectives and standards, contributing to the development of cultures and societies.



In addition to these modules, you will complete a minor thesis on an ethical issue or question that is either of public interest or relevant to your profession.



Lectures are scheduled for Tuesday evenings and on two Saturdays during the first year, accommodating the part-time nature of the programme.

• 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.

2 years part-time.

The programme is especially valuable if you’re already engaged in areas such as ethics committees, corporate social responsibility, regulation, or human rights. It deepens your understanding of ethical theory while equipping you to navigate the real-world moral challenges that shape organisations and societies today, with modules focused on the pressing ethical issues of our era.



However, prior professional experience is not required. The MA in Ethics provides a comprehensive grounding in moral philosophy and applied ethics, fostering the capacity for critical analysis, reflective judgment, and principled decision-making. It is ideally suited to those seeking to strengthen their ethical awareness, enhance their professional integrity, and contribute thoughtfully to the moral dimensions of contemporary life.