School of Theology, Philosophy and Music

MA in Ethics

MA in Ethics
Course Code:
DC688
Course Type:
Postgraduate
NFQ Level:
9
Delivery Modes
Part-Time
Duration
2 Years (Part-Time)
call programme contact
+353 (0) 1
700 7055

MA in Ethics Scholarships - Call for Letter of Interest Applications

Deadline for submission of scholarship applications: 5.00pm on Monday 27th May 2024

Introduction

Since 2010, DCU’s renowned MA in Ethics has attracted people from various graduate and occupational backgrounds including education, journalism, social work, business, the charity sector, healthcare and law. No philosophy or ethics background is required to apply for this course.  While pursuing your MA in Ethics at DCU, you’ll confront and evaluate a range of important contemporary ethical challenges in society. The course modules focus on both general and applied ethics, and the programme draws on diverse expertise from the areas of ethics, philosophy, theology and humanities.

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.

Lectures take place on Tuesday evenings from 6pm to 10pm.

 

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 Structure and Content

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.

Lectures take place Tuesday evenings and on two Saturdays (in the first year).

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.

View the current course structure

Why Choose DCU?

DCU’s MA in Ethics is designed to help you contribute to an ethically sustainable society by enhancing your knowledge-base in ethics, as well as building your skill set in ethical reasoning and decision-making. DCU’s excellence is recognised internationally and it is regularly featured among the top young universities globally, as measured by the Times Higher Education Top 100 under 50 and the QS Top 50 under 50. In the last nine years, DCU has twice been named Sunday Times ‘University of the Year’.

 

Programme Chairperson: Dr Alan Kearns

Tel: +353 (0) 1 700 7055

Email: alan.kearns@dcu.ie

 

(Testimonials)

"I thoroughly enjoyed the MA in Ethics programme. It provided an excellent foundation in ethical theory, and offered a range of modules which allowed students to pursue their individual interests. Difficult ethical issues were considered from a number of perspectives, and students were given the tools to defend their own position in a reasoned and logical manner, while gaining insights into opposing perspectives…We had many fascinating, and sometimes heated, debates. I was particularly impressed by the quality of teaching on the programme; lecturers were not only expert in their fields, but adept at illuminating difficult concepts for students from extremely diverse academic backgrounds."  Sarah Mahon, MA in Ethics Graduate

“I found the MA in Ethics to be a hugely rewarding and enjoyable experience. It provides a sound basis in ethical theory and the individual modules allowed me to view a range of issues from new perspectives. By interacting with my fellow students and well-informed lecturers, I found myself questioning my own opinions and opening my mind to alternative viewpoints and approaches. This has helped me to tackle work-related issues in a more open and comprehensive manner, and to gain a greater understanding of some of the challenges that we face as individuals and as a community.” Mark Farrell, MA in Ethics Graduate 

“I wished to return to the world of academia after a break of over twenty years. I opted for the MA in Ethics as it offered a combination of theoretical and practical approaches to the study of ethics. Ethics is a fascinating subject and ethical reflection has become an important part of everyday life. The course offers the opportunity to study the principles and theories of ethics and their application in both professional and public life. I thoroughly enjoyed the course. It is rigorous, challenging and engaging. The standard of lecturing is exceptionally high and the interaction with like-minded peers was an important part of the learning process.” Anna O’Dwyer, MA in Ethics Graduate

The MA in Ethics far exceeded my expectations in terms of course content, challenge, enjoyment, delivery and subsequent benefits. It was a journey shared with an eclectic cohort of fellow students and a committed, professional and engaging group of lecturers. The diversity of choice of subject modules, deepened understanding of relevant current issues, critically examined via classical and contemporary philosophical theories. It is a unique MA insofar as it informs and enhances critically thinking, challenges preconceived opinions, develops confidence and competency in validating ethical positions, and uniquely compliments other professional and technical qualifications. I could happily engage with the MA in Ethics again, in the knowledge that it would continue to challenge, intrigue and reward me." Rownan Eugene, MA in Ethics Graduate

"In my circumstances the MA in Ethics programme offered the opportunity to supplement work experience with a valuable exercise in scholarship. The syllabus provides a challenging introduction to ethical values, reasoning and decision-making with particular focus on essential foundational theories and their application in various present day contexts. The programme will demand an evaluation of one’s ethical views while offering a wide array of new ideas, perspectives and thinking. Fellow students from journalism/media, bio/medical, business/commercial, environmental, educational and law brought an energetic mix of life and work experience to class, prompting lively, frequently impromptu, discussions. The timetable was convenient, the workload manageable and the lecturers were superb."  Eddie Hughes, MA in Ethics Graduate

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

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.

Fees

Full time

EU Status Fee
N/A
Non EU Fee
N/A

Part time

EU Status Fee Part-time
€4,200 Per Annum
Non EU Fee Part time
€8,100 Per Annum

Next Steps

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 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.

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 2024