About the course

Science, technology and healthcare are hugely powerful tools that bring ethical and legal challenges and opportunities.

　　Bioethics explores the current and future impacts of the biosciences and healthcare on people and society, animals and the environment. It determines the right way for us to respond to these as individuals, professionals and a society.

　　You will learn to identify and think through these complex bioethical issues from a range of perspectives, equipping you with the knowledge and skills to make a greater contribution to your community, workplace, and beyond. With the great power of healthcare and science comes great responsibility. With Bioethics, you’ll gain the expertise to respond to the most pressing issues of our time.

　　Career opportunities

　　Bioethics graduates work in areas such as health governance, healthcare, science and environmental policy development, health advocacy, regulation and review of research, health, and environmental law.

　　There are many jobs and careers to which bioethics graduates are particularly suited. These include academic research in bioethics, teaching at all levels, and bioethics-related work in science, healthcare, and law. Scholarships - View all scholarships Internships

　　

Start dates and prices

Course fees are indicative and should be used as a guide. Speak to a counsellor to get an accurate price.

　　Duration: 3 Year(s)Fees: NZ$122,952

Intake	Location
Semester 2 (July), 2024	Dunedin
Semester 2 (July), 2024	Christchurch
Semester 2 (July), 2024	Newtown
Semester 2 (July), 2025	Dunedin
Semester 2 (July), 2025	Christchurch
Semester 2 (July), 2025	Newtown
Semester 2 (July), 2026	Dunedin
Semester 2 (July), 2026	Christchurch
Semester 2 (July), 2026	Newtown

　　

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How to apply

Entry requirements for The University of Otago

Admission to the degree programme shall be subject to the approval of the Senate. Note: Applications may be made at any time. Applications must be approved before the candidate begins the research work.

　　Every candidate must be a university graduate and produce evidence of ability to undertake research in the area of proposed study. Such evidence shall include:

　　a Bachelor's degree with first or upper second class Honours (with an average grade in Honours papers at or equivalent to at least B+ at the University of Otago) or equivalent (including a research component with an average grade at or equivalent to at least B+ at the University of Otago), or

　　a Master's degree (with an average grade at or equivalent to at least B+ at the University of Otago) (including an appropriate research component worth at least a quarter of a year's workload (0.25 EFTS), with a grade at or equivalent to at least B+ at the University of Otago), or

　　appropriate research experience, and

　　for candidates including a nominated creative component for assessment, demonstrated advanced training or experience in a relevant creative practice.

　　A candidate for a Master's degree may apply to transfer to candidature for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, and may have the date of admission backdated as is considered appropriate.

　　Initial admission to the degree programme shall normally be provisional, and shall be confirmed on receipt of a supervisory agreement and a satisfactory progress report after no less than six months and no more than 12 months of full- or part-time study.

　　If admission to the degree programme is not confirmed, then either provisional admission may be extended for one period of up to six months or the candidate shall be required to withdraw or to enrol for another degree. If admission is not confirmed after a period of extension, the candidate shall be required to withdraw or to enrol for another degree.

　　Notwithstanding regulation 1(b) above, a Medical student who has completed a year of study for the degree of Bachelor of Medical Science with Honours but has not been awarded that degree may be accepted as a candidate for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy and have the date of admission backdated as is considered appropriate. Such a student's programme of study must be approved by both the Board of the Faculty of Medicine and the Graduate Research Committee.

　　IELTS (Academic) - Overall score of 6.5, no individual band below 6.0.

　　TOEFL iBT - Overall score of 90 and a writing score of 21.

　　

English language requirements

　　6.5

　　Overall IELTS band score

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　　TOEFL Internet based overall score: 90.0

　　

Application deadline:

This date isn’t available – speak to an IDP counsellor to get detailed information.

　　

Further information

Career outcomesIf you aren’t eligible for the above entry requirements, you might want to explore pathway options at The University of Otago. If you want to find out more, please speak to our counsellors.

　　Pathway options to study at this institution

　　

Reviews and rankings

World ranking

　　301st / 1250

　　THE World ranking

　　

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