Bioethics - A6002
Expert master degree
Is genetic enhancement of humans ethically justified? Should we proceed with research trying to clone people? Does the fact that we can prolong someone's life in a permanent vegetative state mean that we should? For decades, the growth of scientific knowledge and technical ability in medicine, genetics and the biological sciences has led to many such perplexing ethical questions. In the Master of Bioethics course, you will learn to think ethically and critically, helping you to keep pace with current advances in biomedical technology, and to anticipate those yet to come.
While a Master of Bioethics is particularly well suited to healthcare professionals and scientists who face complex ethical issues in their working lives, it also offers important skills development for those involved in public policy and law, as well as for anyone who wishes to explore issues of public concern.
An interdisciplinary approach is taken to key issues including ethical theory, questions of life and death, ethical issues in patient care, human-research ethics, legal and policy issues in bioethics, and public health ethics. It is suitable for students with little or no prior background in ethics or philosophy, but also for philosophy graduates with an interest in further study of bioethics.
You will have the opportunity to engage with industry and participate in study tours and field schools, both in Australia and overseas. For example, you may undertake collaborative work with the World Health Organisation, either at Monash or Geneva.
The teaching staff has an excellent reputation for research and teaching, and they are active and prominent contributors to public debate and professional discussions about a variety of issues in bioethics. The Monash University Centre for Human Bioethics is one of the world's top- eight bioethics centres.
At a glance
Course Details
Location |
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| Note: | Offshore international students can start this course by enrolling in on-campus mode and studying remotely while waiting to travel to Australia |
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 |
Professional Enhancement Program
PEP is tailor-made to equip you with career planning support and professional skills development. Integral to our Graduate Coursework programs, ranked Top 1% in the world, and taught by academic and industry experts.
Flexible study
On-campus and selected flexible online options available. Complete in as short as one year, or study part-time (domestic only). Choose from early evening classes and intensive several week block units – we have multiple options to suit you.
It's often been said that the twenty-first century will be the 'bio century'.
Professor Michael Selgelid gives us an insight into what it means to study Bioethics at Monash, and how the course will deepen your understanding of ethical issues in health care and the biological sciences.
“I chose Bioethics at Monash in particular because I had heard of the program, it was started by Peter Singer who is probably the most renowned Bioethicist in the world, and it’s got a fantastic faculty today.” - Tiffany Lucas - Master of Bioethics student
Professionals who undertake the Monash Master of Bioethics are able to contribute to major ethical debates that can impact policy and ultimately impact lives.
Latest News
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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 is structured in three parts: Part A. Principal study Part B. Applied study and Part C. Specialist study. All students complete Part B. Depending upon your prior qualifications, you may receive credit for Part A or Part C or a combination of the two.
[Note that if you are eligible for credit for prior studies you may elect not to receive the credit.]
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.
A$26,700
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.