Master of Bioethics

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?

Why study bioethics at the University of Sydney?

• Add value to your existing career - studying bioethics allows you to broaden your knowledge in your chosen health or research area and add value to an existing career. The study of bioethics is suitable for people from a wide variety of backgrounds, such as philosophy, arts, humanities, social science, law, science, medicine, nursing, allied health professions, psychology and health management.
• Learn from experts in bioethics at Australia’s number 1 Sydney School of Public Health - the Bioethics program is part of the Sydney School of Public Health, Australia’s leading school in public health ranked number 1 in Asia-Pacific and 18 in the 2017 Academic Ranking of World Universities. The course is designed and taught by experts in the field who have national and international experience, including