ACADEMIC PROGRAMMES

Raphael, Madonna dell'Impannata (The Madonna and Child with St Anne, St Elizabeth and St John)

Introduction
The Master of Bioethics degree is similar in structure to Masters programmes in other universities but provides instruction in Catholic philosophical and theological thought, as well as the human sciences and pastoral care. It thereby offers an alternative to the autonomy and utility focussed approaches to bioethics commonplace in other institutions.

Like other Bioethics programmes, this degree considers various healthcare dilemmas and other life issues. However this particular M.Bioeth. degree also focuses on foundational issues such as anthropology, and philosophical and theological ethics. The programme prepares the graduate for various possible ministries. Optional courses allow for the programme to be tailored to the needs and interests of particular students.

Admissions
To be considered for admission to this Masters programme applicants must:

• have completed the requirements for the Graduate Diploma of Bioethics or have a good undergraduate degree from a recognized institution;
• in the opinion of the Dean, have a sufficient background in philosophy, theology, healthcare, law and/or related disciplines;or
• have completed such Masters preliminary coursework as may be prescribed by the Dean; and
• have achieved an average grade of at least a Credit in their previous studies.

Programme Requirements
All candidates for the Master of Bioethics must satisfactorily complete:

• 18 courses with an average grade of Credit; these will be undertaken over two to three years of full-time study or four to five years of part-time study;
• during their first year, a seminar (not for assessment or credit) in Research Method;
• such seminars, conferences and public lectures as are from time to time arranged; and
• a short thesis or two additional specialist courses.

In certain cases credit may be given for previous studies upon application to the Academic Council via the Dean.

Curriculum
The curriculum for the Master of Bioethics is ordinarily twenty of the following:

JP600 Philosophical Anthropology
JP601 Being, Knowing and Choosing
JP602 Philosophical Foundations of Bioethics
JP603 St Thomas for the 21st Century
JP604 The Theology of Benedict XVI
JP606 Contemporary Theological Anthropology
JP620 Nature and Method of Theology
JP624 Scripture and Tradition on Human Life and Healthcare
JP625 Theology of the Body
JP628 New Evangelization in Post-Modern Culture
JP635 Foundations of Theological Anthropology
JP640 Foundations of Christian Moral Life
JP641 Virtues, Norms and Happiness
JP643 Theological Bioethics
JP644 Beginning-of-Life Ethics
JP645 End-of-Life Ethics
JP646 Current Controversies in Bioethics
JP647 Theology and Practice of Natural Family Planning
JP662 Politics of Marriage, Family and Life
JP664 Educating in Sexuality, Marriage, Family and Life
JP666 Bioethics and the Law
JP667 Challenges and Strategies in Religious Education
JP672 Art, the Sublime and the Sacred
JP680 Research Method (not for assessment)
One or more specialist courses
JP682 Short Masters Thesis (value: two courses)

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