Master of Bioethics
The information on this page applies to future students. Current students should refer to their faculty handbooks for course information.
Bioethics is concerned with ethical questions that arise in the contexts of biological and health sciences. Social concern about such issues has grown with the advancement of biomedical and reproductive technologies, genetic engineering, cloning and stem cell research.
The study of Bioethics has traditionally addressed issues such as abortion, euthanasia the relationships between health care providers and patients, research involving humans and animals and justice in the distribution of of health resources. Emerging ethical issues are related to risk and health, nanotechnology and global public health.
Units of study
For full information on Units of Study available in this course, please visit the Sydney Courses website
Full units of study list
- BETH5000 - Critical Concepts in Bioethics
- BETH5101 - Introduction to Ethical Reasoning
- BETH5102 - Philosophy of Medicine
- BETH5103 - Biomedicine and Society
- BETH5104 - Bioethics,Law and Society
- BETH5201 - Ethics and Biotech: Genes and Stem Cells
- BETH5202 - Human and Animal Research Ethics
- BETH5203 - Ethics and Public Health
- BETH5204 - Clinical Ethics
- BETH5205 - Ethics and Mental Health
- BETH5206 - Introduction to Public Health Ethics
- BETH5207 - Arts in Health
- BETH5301 - Research Project A
- BETH5302 - Research Project B
- MMHU6902 - Independent Study
- MMHU6910 - Narrative,Literature and Medicine
- PSYC5012 - Health and Risk Communication
- PUBH5500 - Advanced Qualitative Health Research
- QUAL5005 - Introducing Qualitative Health Research
Embedded courses
Further course information
Study plan
Students follow the study pattern of the core units of study and electives as required. Specialisation in areas of particular interest is provided via elective units with focus on biotechnology, research ethics, public health, clinical ethics, and mental health.
You will complete a total of 48 credit points (cp) of study for the award comprising:
• 12cp of core units; and
• 18cp from foundational units of study; and
• 18cp credit points from elective units of study
The course can be undertaken over one year full-time, or two years part-time. If studying full time, you will normally take four units of study in your first semester and another four in your second semester. Your individual study plan will of course depend on the availability of core, foundational and elective units in a given semester.
Canditates with a credit average in 24cp of study may be admitted into the research pathway, which comprises 4 core units of study (24cp), three foundational units of study (18cp) and one elective unit of study (6cp).
Progression rules
Under normal progression, a student shall undertake and successfully complete all units of study to the value of 24 credit points per semester as prescribed for the course. Candidates must maintain a credit average result or above, normally over at least the first four units of study, in order to qualify for admission to the dissertation units of study. Students are required to attend all lectures, tutorials and other activities prescribed for their units of study.
For further course information see the Public Health website: http://sydney.edu.au/medicine/public-health/future-student/study-program/coursework-degrees/bioethics.php
Course outcomes and further study
Graduate opportunities
The Master of Bioethics responds to the widely recognised need for ethics education for scientists, researchers and professionals working in medicine, nursing, allied health, pharmacy, dentistry, public health, health law, health and public policy, science communication and related fields.
Further study
Outstanding graduates may be eligible to pursue a higher degree by research in the courses of Doctor of Philosophy, Master of Philosophy and Master of Surgery (by research) offered by Sydney Medical School. A research degree provides students with the opportunity to prepare a substantial piece of work which represents a significant contribution in a particular field of study; and to gain transferable skills in general research methodology.
Sydney Medical School is affiliated with over 40 independent medical research institutes aimed at achieving medical firsts in specialist areas of health and medicine.
It provides an outstanding environment for postgraduate research. Sydney Medical School's research activities consistently attract high levels of funding from the Commonwealth and state governments, overseas funding agencies and other public and private sources.
Other study options
Sydney Medical School offers a wide range of short professional development courses for health professionals through its clinical schools, disciplines and associated research institutes. Many of the courses offered are pre-accredited for Continuing Medical Education (CME) points, and other courses may be awarded CME points on request to your relevant association or professional body. For further information and a list of courses available please see the Sydney Medical School website http://sydney.edu.au/medicine/future-students/courses/short-courses.php
Admission
Admission requirements
Admission to the Master of Bioethics requires (a) a bachelor’s degree with a credit average from the University of Sydney or equivalent qualification in the field of science, medicine, nursing, allied health sciences, philosophy/ethics, sociology, anthropology, history, law or other relevant field; or (b) completion of the requirements of an embedded graduate diploma or equivalent qualification.
How to apply
Domestic students
How to apply
Applications are made directly to the University and assessed by the School of Public Health
International students
How to apply
Overseas applicants may apply (i) directly to the University, or (ii) through a University overseas representative (education agent).
Fee disclaimer
Domestic students
Indicative postgraduate student contribution amount
Indicative postgraduate student contribution amount not available for Master of Bioethics.
Annual review for postgraduate student contribution amount
Annual review for postgraduate student contribution amount not available for Master of Bioethics.
Postgraduate Domestic Tuition Fee
This 2013, tuition fee for a domestic postgraduate student represents the fee that is payable by you in the calendar year you commence your course, commencing in 2012 for a standard annual full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). If your study load is more or less than the 1.0 EFTSL your fee will differ.
Annual review for postgraduate domestic tuition fee
Importantly, tuition fees are subject to annual review by the University, and are likely to increase each year of your period of study, effective at the start of each calendar year.
Additional incidental fees
For some courses there are incidental fees additional to the student contribution and/or course fee. Some of those fees are significant, for example, faculty-specific materials, tools, protected clothing and equipment. For further information about these additional incidental fees, please visit the University's Future Students' website.
Potential for inaccuracy
Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information in this prospectus, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre for domestic students or the International Office for international students so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about those fees.
The academic requirements that are displayed are applicable to currently available courses only, and are updated annually in October and may be changed without notice. The Faculty Handbook and the University of Sydney Calendar are the official legal source of information relating to study at the University of Sydney, and you are referred to those documents
Please note that if you are classified by the University as a Research Training Scheme student in accordance with the Other Grants Guidelines (Research) 2010, you will be exempt from the payment of any SCA or tuition fees for courses undertaken as part of a Research Masters degree and Research Doctoral degree. More information about your eligibility for this Scheme is available here.
International students
International tuition fees for postgraduate students
This 2013, tuition fee for international postgraduate students represents the fees that are payable by you in the calendar year you commence your course, commencing in 2013, for a standard annual full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). If your study load is more or less than the 1.0 EFTSL your fee will differ.
Annual review
Importantly, tuition fees are subject to annual review, and are likely to increase each year of your period of study, effective at the start of each calendar year.
Additional incidental fees and health insurance
For some courses there are incidental fees additional to the tuition fees. Some of those fees are significant, for example, faculty-specific materials, tools, protected clothing, and equipment. The University's Future Students' webpage has further information about these additional incidental fees for postgraduate coursework students and postgraduate research students.
In addition to the fees indicated here for the course of study, International Students studying on an Australian Student Visa must have appropriate health insurance for the duration of their studies on a Student Visa through an approved provider of the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) scheme. This is a requirement of the Australian Government, unless otherwise exempted by the Government.
Potential for inaccuracy
Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information here, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre for domestic students or the International Office for international students so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about those fees.