Degree Information:

This MA in Ethics programme provides participants with knowledge, skills and competence to examine ethical issues, challenges and dilemmas in professional and public life from a wide spectrum of ethical worldviews and theories.

The programme provides participants with a grounding in the foundations of ethics, human rights and social justice.

Participants will also develop the necessary ethical analysis and decision-making skills to apply ethical perspectives and principles to real-life and professional dilemmas. As such the programme aims to 'add value' to continuing professional development.

Aims and Objectives:

Upon successful completion of the programme of study for this award, a graduate will be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of a broad range of ethical theories and principles that are at the forefront of general and applied ethics.
• Display 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, intercultural and other perspectives.
• Analyse specific ethical issues, challenges and dilemmas arising from contemporary work, professional activity and public life.

The programme equips participants with a comprehensive foundation in theoretical and applied ethics and the necessary skills to evaluate soundly and confront confidently a range of important contemporary ethical challenges.

Programme Structure:

All course participants will take the core foundation module, Introduction to Ethics. Thereafter, course participants choose 5 other modules from the following list:

• Human Rights & Social Justice
• Bioethics
• Business Ethics
• Media Ethics
• Environmental Ethics: Perspectives & Challenges
• Theological & Religious Perspectives on Ethics
• Comparative Religious Ethics

Course participants will complete a Research Module, which includes a series of seminars on research methodologies and a minor thesis on an ethical issue or question either of a general public concern or of professional relevance. Scheduling

The MA in Ethics is a two-year, part-time, programme which takes place both in MDI and DCU.

Who is this MA for?

The programme is designed for graduates and professionals working in the areas of :

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

It will be of particular relevance for those whose work involves participation 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 programme and develop important ethical decision-making skills.

Career Prospects:

Awards Available

The MA in Ethics is awarded by Dublin City University (Level 9 of the National Framework of Qualifications). Participants who do not wish to complete an entire MA may exit the programme with a Graduate Diploma in Ethics (after successfully completing 60 credits of taught modules) or with a Graduate Certificate in Ethics (after successfully completing 30 credits of taught modules).

Entry Requirements:

Cost

The part-time fee for the academic year 2010/2011 (Year 1) is €3,200 and will increase modestly in the subsequent year.

How do I apply?

To apply for this programme, please contact:

Admissions Office, Mater Dei Institute of Education, Clonliffe Road, Dublin 3.

Web: www.materdei.ie

Email: admissions@materdei.dcu.ie

Ph: (01) 8086518

Apply early to secure a place on the programme. The closing date for applications is August 15th 2011. For further information about the programme, please contact: Alan Kearns at alan.kearns@materdei.dcu.ie, (01) 8086529 or Bert Gordijn (Director of the Institute of Ethics) at bert.gordijn@dcu.ie, (01) 7006140.

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Fee information

Indicative Timetable
(Weeks 20-31)