This degree is no longer offered. You may be interested in other courses in Philosophy
Graduate Certificate in Bioethics
Postgraduate
UND-BIO-GCE 2022Course information for 2022 intake
Build a foundation for ethical decisions in health and science
Start by developing your awareness of today’s bioethical issues, including transhumanism and genomics. Then, study the theory you’ll need to effectively debate and make ethical decisions. Engage with experts to build your knowledge and confidence.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Credit available
- Yes
- Total subjects
- 4
- Available loans
- Australian Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
Graduate Certificate in Bioethics
About this degree
Upon successful completion of the Graduate Certificate in Bioethics, graduates will be able to:
- Critically analyse knowledge and understanding of principles, debates, and arguments in bioethics with a focus on traditional and contemporary approaches to bioethics including religious, secularist and humanist
- Demonstrate philosophical and analytical skills to generate and evaluate complex ideas and concepts in bioethics at an abstract level, including presenting them in debate and in the public square
- Apply critical insight in bioethical knowledge and skills to professional practice
The Graduate Certificate in Bioethics explores major societal issues in relation to new technologies in medicine, science, law, politics, and philosophy. This program is designed for professional people who require a strong foundation for bioethical decision-making. This necessitates integrating theory and practice. The program provides the basis for understanding debates within clinical, legal, philosophical and theological bioethics. Contemporary bioethics explores issues that have been debated for centuries. However, scientific developments in the middle of the twentieth century, exploded into the multitude of bioethical issues that we deal with today. These have included organ transplantation, genomics, abortion, assisted reproduction, euthanasia, information technology, artificial intelligence, transhumanism, and freedom of conscience. This program allows professionals from various disciplines to both learn from and engage with leading experts in this important field of study. A particular emphasis of this bioethics program is developing a community of inquiry for people working in disciplines that are regularly confronted by bioethical issues. Graduates will learn to understand and apply a structured approach to bioethical decision-making from a range of perspectives.
Recommended study pattern
To receive the Graduate Certificate of Bioethics, students must complete 4 subjects, consisting of:
- PHIL6210 Philosophy of the Human Person
- MEDI6006 Contemporary Issues in Bioethics
- MEDI6007 Putting Bioethics into Practice
- LAWS6008 International Perspectives on Bioethics and Law
Award requirements
To receive the Graduate Certificate in Bioethics, students must complete 4 subjects
Degrees are usually made up of core subjects and electives. Some degrees include a choice of majors, so you can focus your studies on a specialisation.
This list is a general overview. Download the full Degree Guide for more information.
Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.
Indicative total fee $13,489
The amount shown here is indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.
Fees may vary depending on:
- the subjects you choose
- credit from previous work experience
- your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.
To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.
The University of Notre Dame Australia is committed to delivering an excellent student experience, alongside a high standard of teaching, research, and training. As a leader in ethical education, Notre Dame aims to develop students’ critical reasoning and their ability to make ethical decisions—crucial skills to progressing their careers and leading purposeful lives. At Notre Dame, students navigate their future with an ethical education online.
Learn more about UNDA.
Explore UNDA courses.
- QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 38
- Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 38
Entry requirements
To be eligible for admission to the Graduate Certificate in Bioethics applicants must meet both the following two (2) specific requirements.
- A bachelor degree (or equivalent) in a related field of study, such as medicine, health sciences, life sciences, law, philosophy, or social sciences; and
- one year of full-time (or equivalent) related professional experience or a related postgraduate qualification
Applications for Advanced Standing and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) will be considered and reviewed on a case by case basis by UNDA's Student Administration.
Study method requirements
Courses are fully online but not-self-paced and require students to attend zoom classes at scheduled times.
Career opportunities
This program enhances the career opportunities available to those already working in the area of Bioethics.
Degree FAQs
How long does it take to finish an online degree?
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