Overview
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.
DCU People
My name is Alan Kearns and I’m one of the lecturers in ethics at DCU.
Read more about Alan Kearns
Careers & Further Options
Careers
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.
Entry 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.
Programme Structure
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.
In this programme, you will:
- Explore a wide range of ethical theories and principles that are at the forefront of both general and applied ethics.
- Develop a critical awareness of current ethical questions, issues and dilemmas that impact both professionals and the general public. This understanding will be enriched by insights from various perspectives including philosophy, theology, human rights, and intercultural viewpoints.
- Gain the skills needed to analyse and assess specific ethical problems and challenges that arise in contemporary workplaces, professional settings, and public life.
The MA in Ethics was created in 2010 to address a growing need for individuals skilled in ethical analysis and decision-making. Its primary goal is to enhance continuing professional development by imparting valuable ethical expertise. The programme's core philosophy is that ethical matters are best understood by exploring a diverse range of ethical theories and fostering an active and creative connection between theory and real-world practice.
During the programme, you will establish a strong foundation in the fundamentals of ethics, human rights, and social justice. Additionally, you will cultivate the essential skills needed for ethical analysis and decision-making, enabling you to effectively apply ethical perspectives and principles to real-life and professional challenges.
DCU's MA in Ethics is designed to empower you to contribute to a more ethically sustainable society. This programme not only enriches your knowledge of ethics but also hones your skills in ethical reasoning and decision-making.
Fees and Funding
Fees
All programme fees are per annum and subject to an annual increase.
How To Apply
To apply for this programme:
All Applicants must apply through DCU's Student Application Portal which is available here. Here's a quick step by step guide if you need help with your application:
- 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.
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 2026
- Closing date for EU applicants is 31st July 2026
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.
Application Queries
For EU applicant queries, please visit https://www.dcu.ie/registry/eu-postgraduate-taught-admissions or email postgraduateadmissions@dcu.ie
For non EU applicant queries, please visit https://www.dcu.ie/registry/international-admissions-undergraduate-and-postgraduate or email internationaladmissions@dcu.ie
Commencement of Programme
The programme commences in September 2026
Life On Campus
At DCU, our students can expect a unique campus experience. We are known for our excellent teaching and learning facilities, our active clubs and societies, and our great social and sporting facilities. All this makes DCU an exciting place to be.
DCU has three academic campuses; Glasnevin, St. Patrick’s and All Hallows (both in Drumcondra), all close to Dublin City centre.
They can be reached by public transport, Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann, with our Drumcondra campuses a ten minute walk from Drumcondra Train Station. Glasnevin is a 20 minute walk from St Patrick’s and All Hallows. They are also linked by Dublin Bus.
Each campus has a library (O’Reilly, Cregan and Woodlock Hall), study spaces, restaurants, and on-campus residencies. There are sports facilities on Glasnevin and St. Patrick’s, and there is a dedicated sports campus, St Claire’s, located near Glasnevin on the Ballymun Road.
DCU’s 19,000 students have access to exceptional teaching and learning facilities across our three academic campuses.
These include modern learning theatres, research centres, a new media and TV studio, radio/podcast studios, computer suites and advanced labs in the areas of Languages, Engineering, Physics, Chemistry and Biotechnology, as well as a Sports Performance centre and a training hospital ward. In 2021, we opened our first virtual reality ‘Leadership Lab’, which is located in our Business School.
We continue to improve and update our facilities. For example, construction of a new world-class STEM facility is underway on the Glasnevin campus. With capacity for an extra 3,000 STEM students, this facility will advance DCU’s international reputation for excellence in science and health, computing and engineering disciplines.
Studying in DCU isn’t just about course work. The university is rich in student life and activities.
There are more than 140 clubs and societies for students in DCU, with ‘Clubs & Socs’ days taking place on both the Glasnevin and Drumcondra campuses at the start of the academic year. They span everything from rugby to rock climbing, anime to jazz.
For many students, sport is an important part of the DCU experience. DCU’s Sports Complex boasts a 25 metre swimming pool, fitness centre gym, all-weather pitches and squash courts, as well as soccer, GAA and rugby pitches. DCU Dóchas Éireann, the university’s GAA club, is the largest third level Gaelic Games club in the country. Meanwhile, DCU Athletics has been Ireland’s highest achieving university club for many years. And DCU has dozens of other clubs to get involved in, from Archery to Weightlifting.
The Glasnevin campus is home to our purpose built, state-of-the-art student centre, The U, which serves the needs of a rapidly growing student body. Here, you will find the Student Leadership and Lifeskills Centre, performing arts and cultural spaces for students and the wider community, and the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Hub. Also located on our Glasnevin campus is The Helix, our renowned performing arts centre.
On our St Patrick’s campus, we have the Java Student Hub, a vibrant, warm and welcoming space where students can meet for coffee, play music, use the projector to watch events, or just relax. The walls of the Java Hub were designed based on the cultural history of St Patrick’s Campus, including the special references to the notable sporting history and history of the arts.
We have a number of academic, professional and social supports for students.
Student Advice & Learning Skills Centre - Offers a wide range of supports and services to students and advice
The Writing Centre - drop-in writing workshops for students through the academic year
Maths Learning Centre - provides maths support for students of all ability levels with maths modules
Student Learning - facilitate the transition from passive to active learning for students at DCU, by teaching study skills, nurturing critical thinking and building student confidence.
Careers work with students to help them on their professional journey into graduate employment.
Our student support team offers a comprehensive support programme, helping students make that all important transition into university life and focusing on building confidence and skills which are key to success at third level.
DCU Glasnevin Campus
FAQs
Is DCU all one campus?
DCU is a multi campus university - the Glasnevin, St Patrick's and All Hallows campuses. The St Patrick's campus is where the Education courses are taught and some of the subjects from the BA Joint Honours degree. There is a 20-25 minute walk between the campuses but there are buses and bikes available to go between them also.
Click here to see maps of all of our campuses
If I'm studying on the St Patrick's campus, can I use the library and sports centre on the Glasnevin campus?
Yes, all facilities such as sports and accommodation are open for all DCU students to avail of.
Are there libraries in DCU and if they have wifi and work stations?
We have a brand new state of the art four floor library on our St. Patrick's Campus which complements the existing library on the Glasnevin campus. There is free wifi, work stations as well as desktop computers.
Does DCU provide accommodation?
DCU does have on-campus accommodation for undergraduate and postgraduate students, and you can find out more and apply via the Accommodation Office webpage.
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