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This course is available to be studied in several different study modes, including online or face-to-face. Check study modes offered in the 'course details’ section below.
In response to COVID-19, the University of Sydney has reviewed the availability of the face-to-face version of this course, and this will be available for students to study face-to-face or remotely in 2022. For the latest updates on course availability, visit the COVID-19 information page.
About this course
Bioethics is concerned with ethical questions that arise in the contexts of biological and health sciences. Social concern about such issues has grown with the advancement of biomedical and reproductive health technologies, genetic engineering, cloning and stem cell research.
The study of bioethics has traditionally addressed issues such as abortion, euthanasia, the relationships between health care providers and patients, research involving humans and animals and justice in the distribution of health resources. Emerging ethical issues are related to risk and health, nanotechnology and global public health.
Questions you will address can include: Who should own bodily material, such as sperm and eggs, or embryos? When are invasive treatments to sustain life required or unjustifiable? Can we ever lie to patients? Should we tell the obese to lose weight, even when we know they feel stigmatised? Should doctors and health policy makers feel morally obligated to become advocates for social justice?
There are no specialisations for this course.
For academic requirements check the ‘Admission criteria’ section on this page.
We’ve relaunched our scholarships program and offer a variety of postgraduate coursework scholarships for both domestic and international students, including the University of Sydney Bioethics Scholarship.
Criteria, eligibility and application deadlines vary. Check the scholarships website or contact the school directly for more information.
We’ve relaunched our scholarships program and offer a variety of postgraduate coursework scholarships for both domestic and international students, including the University of Sydney Bioethics Scholarship.
Criteria, eligibility and application deadlines vary. Check the scholarships website or contact the school directly for more information.
You can apply online via the application portal. Please submit a statement of intent along with your application detailing why you would like to apply and how the program will be beneficial to you.
When you are ready to apply, select the ‘Apply’ button on this course page. Visit the How to apply page for other important information.
Standard closing dates:
Semester 1 - 31 January of the commencing year
Semester 2 - 15 July of the commencing year
We strongly encourage applicants to apply as early as possible, offers are made on a rolling basis and places are limited. Separate scholarship deadlines apply - check the scholarships website for details.
Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (August)
You can apply online via the application portal. Please submit a statement of intent along with your application detailing why you would like to apply and how the program will be beneficial to you.
When you are ready to apply, select the ‘Apply’ button on this course page. Visit the How to apply page for other important information.
Standard closing dates:
Semester 1 - 15 January of the commencing year
Semester 2 - 25 June of the commencing year
We strongly encourage international applicants to apply as early as possible to allow time for visa and travel arrangements. Separate scholarship deadlines may apply - check the scholarships website for details.
Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (August)
The Master of Bioethics coursework pathway requires the successful completion of 48 credit points of units of study including:
Master of Bioethics candidates with a credit average in 24 credit points of study may request to be admitted to the research pathway. The research pathway requires the successful completion of 48 credit points of units of study including:
The course can be undertaken over one year full-time, or two years part-time. If studying full-time, you will normally take four units of study in your first semester and another four in your second semester.
Your individual study plan will of course depend on the availability of core, part 1, 2 and 3 units of study in a given semester.
Download our sample course diagram to learn more about what you will study as part of this degree.
Admission to the Master of Bioethics requires
For more information about the University’s credit policy, please see the Credit for Previous Studies page.
The study courses are also designed to meet the Royal Australian College of Physicians (RACP) continuing professional development standards, contributing 50 credits per semester under “Category 4: structured learning projects”.
The Master of Bioethics responds to the widely recognised need for ethics education for scientists, researchers and professionals working in medicine, nursing, allied health, pharmacy, dentistry, public health, health law, health and public policy, science communication and related fields.
Dr Julia Jones MBBS (Hons) FRACP
Master of Bioethics, 2017
“The Master of Bioethics has taught me about different approaches to tackling ethical issues in my work. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading about and then discussing difficult ethical concerns with my fellow students.
It has been valuable hearing different perspectives from people with diverse professional backgrounds helping me to form balanced views on difficult problems. Studying a Masters in Bioethics will help me to be the kind of kidney specialist that I aspire to be.”
Anne Marguerite Doone Preisz
Master of Bioethics, 2017
“As a musculoskeletal senior specialist working in acute and emergency settings, it can be challenging to advocate for patients with complex needs as well as balance resource allocation.
With a special interest in back pain and neonates, I started the Master of Bioethics to keep up with the rapid change and ongoing demands of working in public health. I had done little sociology studies and so the degree has taught me many new and transferrable skills.
It has given me a philosophical language and helped me in real world cases, especially with ethical dilemmas, a reality clinicians face daily. I have also developed my skills in writing papers, arguing logically, and succinctly discussing and collating multiple views.”
