Bioethics - A6002
Master's degree
Revolutionary developments in biological and health sciences and technology are increasingly raising crucial ethical questions. The Master of Bioethics prepares students with the ability to provide well-informed analysis of these issues that are relevant to both individuals and society as a whole.
Bioethics is something that Monash is famous for – and the Master of Bioethics is widely acknowledged to be one of the world’s most innovative and highly-respected programs. You’ll have the opportunity to learn from expert staff with international reputations for teaching and research in bioethics. As leaders in the field, our academics are active and prominent contributors to public debate and their industry insights will help you to navigate your own career path.
Who is the course suited to?
The course attracts students from a wide range of backgrounds and professions. Knowledge of ethics or philosophy isn’t essential and the course can be tailored to suit your specific industry and career focus. It’s well-suited to the following groups:
- health care professionals, doctors and scientists who face complex ethical issues in their working lives
- those involved in the formulation of public policy
- legal professionals aiming to develop or refine specialised knowledge
- journalists, media commentators and public policy advocates
- philosophy graduates with an interest in further study of bioethics
- anyone interested in bioethical issues of public concern.
How will the course help advance your career?
A key strength of our program is its provision of a solid philosophical grounding, which is crucial to doing bioethics well. This means you’ll develop stronger analytical skills, be able to think through issues more clearly, and be confident that your decisions and views regarding ethical issues are
well-informed.
The Master of Bioethics will help you to develop a deeper understanding of ethical frameworks and their application to real-world issues. You’ll also gain familiarity with newly-emerging controversies surrounding the latest developments in science and technology – and with current policies and practices in clinical and research ethics.
Career options include:
- Clinical ethics and research ethics within hospitals and health care facilities,
- Disability advocacy,
- Public policy development,
- State guardianship boards,
- Tertiary teaching of ethics within the health care profession.
At a glance
Course Details
Location |
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|---|---|
Duration |
1 year/1.5 years/2 years (full time), depending on prior qualifications. See entry requirements. |
Start date |
First Semester (February), Second Semester (July) |
Qualification |
Master of Bioethics |
Entry Requirements
You need to satisfy the following entrance requirements to be considered for entry to this course.
Minimum Entry Requirements (Domestic students)
Qualifications
Entry level 1: 96 points to complete Duration: 2 years full-time, 4 years part-time | An Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent) with at least credit (60%) average. |
Entry level 2: 72 points to complete Duration: 1.5 years full-time, 3 years part-time | An Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent) in a cognate* discipline with at least credit (60%) average. Or An Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent) and an Australian graduate certificate (or equivalent) in a cognate* discipline with at least 50% average in both qualifications. |
Entry level 3: 48 points to complete Duration: 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time | An Australian bachelor honours degree (or equivalent) in a cognate* discipline with at least credit (60%) average. |
*Cognate disciplines include: medicine and other health sciences, life sciences, social sciences, law and humanities
English requirements
Applicants must also meet the English language requirements.
University entrance requirements
Minimum entrance requirements for admission to Monash University Australia.
The course structure and progression map can be viewed in the Handbook.
See also: Arts course maps
Making the application
Future students
Self assess for credit eligibility
Check for study credit using the "Credit search" link on the Credit for prior study page.
Fees
Fees are subject to change annually.
Full fee
Fees are per 48 credit points which represents a standard full-time course load for a year. The fees for 2026 are:
A$30,900
Fee assistance
As a full fee-paying student, you may be eligible to apply for the optional FEE-HELP to assist you to pay all or part of your tuition fees.
Scholarships
We offer over 360 types of scholarships, valued at up to $280,000. Some scholarships offer one-off payments while others continue for the length of your course. Learn more about Monash Scholarships.
Other costs and fees
For information on other study costs and fees, see other study costs.
