MA in Ethics

The MA in Ethics is jointly run by the Institute of Ethics at Dublin City University (DCU) and Mater Dei Institute of Education (MDI). This MA in Ethics course provides participants with knowledge, skills and competence to examine ethical issues, challenges and dilemmas in professional and public life from a wide spectrum of ethical worldviews and theories. The course provides participants with a grounding in the foundations of ethics, human rights and social justice. Participants will also develop the necessary ethical analysis and decision-making skills to apply ethical perspectives and principles to real-life and professional dilemmas. As such the programme aims to "add value" to continuing professional development.

Upon successful completion of the course of study for this award, a graduate will be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of a broad range of ethical theories and principles that are at the forefront of general and applied ethics.
2. Display a critical awareness of the contemporary public and professional ethical issues together with new ethical insights developed and informed by a variety of philosophical, theological, human rights, intercultural and other perspectives.
3. Analyse specific ethical issues, challenges and dilemmas arising from contemporary work, professional activity and public life.

The course equips participants with a comprehensive foundation in theoretical and applied ethics and the necessary skills to evaluate soundly and confront confidently a range of important contemporary ethical challenges.

Who is this MA for?

The course is designed for graduates and professionals working in the areas of:

• Education and Teaching
• Management
• Health Care
• Medical Practice
• Chaplaincy
• Business
• Finance
• Banking
• Law
• Human Resources
• Social Work
• Other Care Services

It will be of particular relevance for those whose work involves participation in ethics committees and activities relating to corporate social responsibility/citizenship, regulations or human rights. At the same time, other graduates without professional experience will benefit from the knowledge provided in this course and develop important ethical decision-making skills.

Modules and Descriptors

All course participants will take the core foundation module, Introduction to Ethics. Thereafter, course participants choose 5 other modules from the following list:

• Human Rights & Social Justice
• Global Bioethics
• Business Ethics
• Media Ethics
• Environmental Ethics Through Film & Media Studies
• Theological & Religious Perspectives on Ethics
• Comparative Religious Ethics
• Readings in Ethics
• Ethics, Law and Politics

Course participants will complete a Research Module, which includes a series of seminars on research methodologies and a minor thesis on an ethical issue or question either of a general public concern or of professional relevance.

Awards Available

The MA in Ethics is awarded by Dublin City University (Level 9 of the National Framework of Qualifications). Participants who do not wish to complete an entire MA may exit the programme with a Graduate Diploma in Ethics (after successfully completing 60 credits of taught modules) or with a Graduate Certificate in Ethics (after successfully completing 30 credits of taught modules).

Entry Requirements

The general criteria for entry to this taught postgraduate programme is that applicants normally hold honour primary degree and/or a professional qualification with significant work experience.