Master of Bioethics

School of Medicine

Do you work in a field that requires a strong foundation for bioethical decision-making? The University of Notre Dame Australia's Master of Bioethics will give you the knowledge and qualifications to become an expert in this area. Master of Bioethics explores major societal issues concerning new technologies in medicine, science, law, politics, and philosophy. The program integrates theory and practice and provides the basis for understanding debates within clinical, legal, philosophical, and theological bioethics. Contact us today for further information.

Contemporary bioethics explores issues that have been debated for centuries. However, scientific developments in the middle of the twentieth century, exploded into the multitude of bioethical issues that we deal with today. These have included organ transplantation, genomics, abortion, assisted reproduction, euthanasia, information technology, artificial intelligence, transhumanism, and freedom of conscience. This program trains professionals from various disciplines to both learn from and engage with leading experts in this important field of study. A particular emphasis of this bioethics program is developing a community of inquiry for people working in disciplines that are regularly confronted by bioethical issues. Graduates will learn to understand and apply a structured approach to bioethical decision-making from a range of perspectives, including that of the Catholic intellectual tradition.

This unique degree draws on the expertise of scholars within the Schools of Medicine, Law, and Philosophy and Theology at the University. Some courses will also involve national and international guest lecturers, some of whom have inside experience of bioethical issues in health care. Students in this program of study will engage in important debates about bioethical issues in the public sphere.

The program combines coursework with a personalised research component. Students will approach bioethical issues from multiple disciplines and perspectives. They will dialogue with people of different and sometimes opposing views, to investigate the implications of the dignity of human life.

A Master of Bioethics can lead to specialist roles in medicine, veterinary medicine, social work, health law, policymaking, public health, biomedical research, chaplaincy, and dentistry.

The Master of Bioethics explores major societal issues in relation to new technologies and conflicts in medicine, science, law, politics, and philosophy. Designed for people who in their fields of expertise require understanding of bioethical decision-making. This necessitates integrating theory and practice. The program provides the basis for understanding debates within clinical, legal, philosophical and theological bioethics.

Full details of the program requirements are contained in the Program Requirements.

Please note: the availability of these courses is indicative only and may be subject to change.