A6002 Master of Bioethics

The course is structured in three parts: Part A. Core master's study; Part B.  Advanced expertise; and Part C. Specialist studies. All students complete Parts A and B. Depending upon your prior qualifications, you may receive credit for Part C.

Note that if you are eligible for credit for prior studies you may elect not to receive the credit.

Part A. Core master’s study (24 points)

These studies draw on best practices within the broad realm of bioethics practice and research. They provide a structured program of units in ethical theory, applied ethics, healthcare ethics, research ethics, and related policy issues.

Part B. Advanced expertise (24 credit points)

 The focus of these studies is professional or scholarly work that can contribute to a portfolio of professional development. You have two options:

• a program of coursework study where you select the units to suit your own interests
• a 24 credit point research thesis. Students wishing to use this master's course as a pathway to a higher degree by research should take this second option.

Part C.Specialist studies (48 points)

These studies provide you with a further opportunity to advance your studies in the bioethics field

If you are admitted to the course, and have a recognised honours degree in a discipline cognate to bioethics, you will receive credit for Part C.

Master's entry points

Depending on prior qualifications you may receive entry level credit (a form of block credit) which determines your point of entry to the course:

• If you are admitted at entry level 1 you complete 96 credit points, comprising Part A, Part B and Part C (48 credit points)
• If you are admitted at entry level 2 you complete 72 credit points, comprising Part A, Part B and Part C (24 credit points)
• If you are admitted at entry level 3 you complete 48 credit points, comprising Part A and Part B.

Note: If you are eligible for credit for prior studies you may elect not to receive the credit and complete one of the higher credit-point options.

The course progression map provides guidance on unit enrolment for each semester of study.

The course comprises 96 points structured into three parts: Part A. Core master's study (24 points), Part B. Advanced expertise (24 points) and Part C. Specialist studies (48 points).

Depending on prior qualifications you may receive entry level credit (a form of block credit) which determines your point of entry to the course:

• If you are admitted at entry level 1 you complete 96 points, comprising Part A, Part B and Part C (48 points)

• If you are admitted at entry level 2 you complete 72 points, comprising Part A, Part B and Part C (24 points)

• If you are admitted at entry level 3 you complete 48 points, comprising Part A and Part B.

Note: If you are eligible for credit for prior studies you may elect not to receive the credit and complete one of the higher credit-point options.

Unless otherwise stated, level 5 units are 12 points.

If you are undertaking this course online you should contact the course coordinator for enrolment advice.

The course progression map provides guidance on unit enrolment for each semester of study.

Part A. Core master's study (24 points)

You must complete the following units:

• APG5393 Ethics
• APG5617 Human research ethics

Part B. Advanced expertise (24 points)

You must complete a. or b. below.

a. One capstone unit (12 points) from the following:

• APG5044 Professional internship
• APG5051 Special topics in bioethics
• APG5856 Research project

plus one or two discipline electives (12 points) from the list in Part C.

b. The following thesis unit/s:

• APG5849 Research thesis A (6 points) and APG5084 Designing research (6 points)
• APG5850 Research thesis B (12 points)

Note: If you wish to complete the 24-point research thesis you should consult with the course coordinator. 

Part C. Specialist studies (48 points)

If you are admitted at entry level 1 you complete either Option 1 (48 points) or Option 1 (24 points) and Option  2 (24 points).

If you are admitted at entry level 2 you complete option 1 only.

Option 1

You must complete 48 points from the following:

Discipline electives 

• APG5080 Bioethics and the body
• APG5081 Public health ethics
• APG5394 Questions of life and death
• APG5481 Language for professional purposes - Part 1 (6 points)
• APG5482 Language for professional purposes - Part 2 (6 points)
• APG5483 Language for professional purposes - Part 3 (6 points)
• APG5729 Clinical ethics
• APG5730 Bioethics, public policy, and the law
• any capstone unit not completed in Part B

Option 2

You must complete Option 1 (24 points) and 24 points from the following:

Complementary electives (entry point 1)
Up to 24 points of approved units from the following Arts graduate coursework programs. All units are available unless marked with an asterisk (*)
These units must be selected from Core master's study and/or Advanced expertise.

• A6001 - Master of Applied Linguistics
• A6003 - Master of Communications and Media Studies
• A6006 - Master of International Development Practice
• A6004 - Master of Cultural and Creative Industries
• A6008 - Master of Journalism
• A6010 - Master of International Relations
• A6012 - Master of International Sustainable Tourism Management
• A6028 Master of Public Policy
• A6030 Master of Strategic Communications Management