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 |
|
|---|---|
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 (International 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 entry requirements
Level A
| IELTS (Academic): 6.5 Overall score, with minimum band scores: Listening 6.0, Reading 6.0, Writing 6.0 and Speaking 6.0 | or | Pearson Test of English (Academic): 58 Overall score, with minimum scores: Listening 50, Reading 50, Speaking 50 and Writing 50 | or | TOEFL iBT: 0 - 120 scale: 1 - 6 scale: | or |
Courses that require English Level A only: Other approved English tests (minimum entry scores apply) Courses with English Level B, C, D, E and F: Other approved English tests (higher entry scores apply than specified) |
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.
International fee
Fees are per 48 credit points which represents a standard full-time course load for a year. The fees for 2026 are:
A$46,000
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.
Enrolment Obligations
International students enrolling in a CRICOS-registered course can study no more than one third (33%) of their course by distance and/or online learning. Students must enrol in at least one unit that is not by distance and/or online in each compulsory study period unless the student is completing the last unit of their course. See standard 8.19 and 8.20 of National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2018.
CRICOS code: 082652G
Note: the information above is only relevant to international students who are studying on campus. It is not relevant for students studying online in their home country.
Why study Bioethics at Monash?
International course guides
If you are an international student and wish to find out more about our courses, entry requirements, studying at Monash and more, please download our international course guides below.
International Study Grants
