MA Ethics: Theory and Practice

University College Dublin

Ireland, Dublin

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127

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Home/Ireland/Dublin /University College Dublin/MA Ethics: Theory and Practice

University College Dublin

Ireland , Dublin

Key Facts

Program Level

Master by Course Work

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Campuses

Main Site

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake Deadlines25-Sep-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 1 year(s)

Tuition Fee

EUR 22,600 / year

Next Intake 25-Sep-2026

MA Ethics: Theory and Practice

About

The MA Ethics,Theory and Practice is offered by UCD Centre for Ethics in Public Life (CEPL) in association with UCD School of Philosophy providing philosophical training in Ethics, as well as enabling students to experience a context for professional Ethics through inter-disciplinary elements of the programme. Ethics is understood broadly as the study of how to act well, and includes elements of moral philosophy and political/social theory.

Graduates of this programme will be well-placed to understand and help deal with ethical issues in areas such as government, healthcare, business, agriculture, planning, education, law and journalism. Graduates will also have had the opportunity to develop a theoretical understanding of the nature of Ethics and its place in human life more generally. Having an understanding of Ethics, both at the level of theory and in its practical contexts is of obvious benefit in a very wide variety of career paths.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

This programme is intended for students with a primary degree in Philosophy, or in another degree that has significant philosophical components; an upper second class honours, or international equivalent is required.

To qualify for a place on the MA in Ethics :Theory and Practice, students must hold a primary degree with at least a 2.1 (or international equivalent ), involving a significant amount of philosophy.

Candidates with an upper second class honours in a postgraduate conversion course such as a Higher Diploma in Philosophy may be considered. MA students may be required to attend an interview either via Zoom or in person.

Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element), orequivalent. University English language requirements apply for students whose first language is not English

You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.

English Program Requirements

International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

Taught Master's: A minimum overall score of 7.0 over all components and a minimum of 6.0 in each band on the Academic Version. The non-academic version is not accepted.

Research Programmes: A minimum overall score of 6.5 over all components and a minimum of 6.0 in each band on the Academic Version. The non-academic version is not accepted.

IELTS Indicator: A minimum overall score of 7.0 over all components and a minimum of 6.0 in each band. This test will be accepted for 2022/23 and 2023/24 intake.

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

Taught Master's: A minimum score of 100 is required in the Internet based TOEFL (iBT) with a score of at least 20 in each section.

Research Programmes: A minimum score of 90 is required in the Internet based TOEFL (iBT) with a score of at least 20 in each section.

TOEFL iBT Home: A minimum score of 100 is required with a score of at least 20 in each section.

Duolingo Test of English (DET)

UCD has approved the use of the Duolingo Test of English (DET) for the 2024/25 intake.
An overall score of 130 will be accepted with no section below 110.

Please note that this does not apply to the CEMS MiM / MSc in International Management. In the case of the CEMS MiM the Duolingo English Test will not be accepted.

Career

Graduates of our Philosophy Masters programmes have gone on to pursue successful careers in journalism, the civil service, industry, teaching, AI and technology, politics and consultancy. The MA in Ethics: Theory and Practice may be particularly suited for people wanting to work in regulation agencies and NGOs as well as areas of business and public service that have an ethical component.
Graduates should be well placed to offer Continuing Professional Development (CPD) training in Ethics themselves. Ethical practice, good ethical judgement and responsibility is a highly significant aspect of all workplaces and in public life more generally.