MSc Global Ethics and Justice (Distance learning)

Program Overview

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The MSc Global Ethics and Justice program at the University of Birmingham equips students with a comprehensive understanding of global issues and their ethical dimensions through core modules in Ethics and Global Ethics, Topics in Global Justice, and Research Skills and Methods. Students can choose optional modules from Philosophy or International Development and undertake a placement in an organization for practical experience. Graduates can pursue careers in NGOs, the public or private sectors, or research positions.

Program Outline

The program focuses on topics such as international trade, climate change, war, and biomedical science, allowing students to apply ethical theories to real-world scenarios. The program is designed for individuals interested in international affairs and those seeking careers in NGOs, public or private sectors, or research positions. It caters to both full-time and part-time students, offering flexibility for those with other commitments. The program can also serve as a pathway to PhD research.

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Outline:

The program consists of six modules: four core modules and two optional modules, followed by a dissertation or practice-based dissertation.

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Core Modules:

• Ethics and Global Ethics: This module introduces key concepts and debates in ethics, with a focus on the global dimension of current ethical problems.
It explores prominent traditions in ethical theory and applies them to concrete ethical questions. The module develops critical reasoning and argumentative skills through philosophical discussion and writing.
• Assessment: Participation in online discussion and one or two written assignments totaling 4,000 words.
• Topics in Global Justice: This module focuses on applying dominant contemporary moral theories to significant issues in global ethics and politics.
It covers debates on world poverty, global economic order, distributive justice, structural injustice, human rights, climate change, cosmopolitanism, immigration, just war theory, terrorism, humanitarian intervention, global gender justice, and global democratic deficit.
• Assessment: Participation in online discussion and one or two written assignments totaling 4,000 words.
• Research Skills and Methods: This module provides an introduction to the methods of contemporary philosophy, covering critical thinking, reading in philosophy, research skills, dissertation planning, and presenting philosophical arguments in written work.
It also includes online sessions focused on generic research skills.
• Assessment: Participation in online discussion and one or two written assignments totaling 4,000 words.

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Optional Modules:

• Bioethics: This module explores ethical issues surrounding life and death, particularly those involved in biology, healthcare, research, and the beginning and end of life.
It covers debates on abortion, euthanasia, intellectual property, enhancement, commodification, resource allocation, and infectious disease control.
• Assessment: Participation in online discussion and one or two written assignments totaling 4,000 words.
• Philosophy and Mental Health: This module provides an overview of contemporary debates in philosophy and mental health, investigating the nature of mental disorder, the distinction between mental health and illness, the nature of psychiatry, and ethical, legal, and public health policy responses to mental health problems.
• Assessment: One or two written assignments totaling 4,000 words.

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Optional Modules (from other departments):

• Philosophy: Students can choose from modules offered by the Philosophy department, including Bioethics, Epistemology, God, Freedom and the Meaning of Life, Human Rights, and Philosophy and Mental Health.
• International Development Department: Students can choose from modules offered by the International Development Department, including International Development, Development Politics, and Conflict and Development.

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Global Ethics Placement:

• Students can undertake a placement in an organization of their choice, such as an NGO or policy-making organization.
This module allows students to explore the practice of global ethics.
• Assessment: 6,000-word project report.

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Dissertation or Practice-Based Dissertation:

• Students can choose to complete a traditional dissertation or a practice-based dissertation.
• Traditional Dissertation: A 15,000-word dissertation on a topic related to global ethics and justice.
• Practice-Based Dissertation: A 12,000-word report encompassing a placement experience, a practical output/project for the host organization, and a theoretical discussion of an issue related to the placement.

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Assessment:

The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods, including:

• Participation in online discussions: Students are expected to actively engage in online discussions, contributing their thoughts and perspectives on the topics covered.
• Written assignments: Students will complete a number of written assignments throughout the program, demonstrating their understanding of the course material and their ability to apply ethical theories to real-world issues.
• Project reports: Students undertaking the Global Ethics Placement module will submit a 6,000-word project report detailing their placement experience and learning outcomes.
• Dissertation or practice-based dissertation: Students will complete a substantial research project culminating in a 15,000-word dissertation or a 12,000-word practice-based dissertation.

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Teaching:

The program is delivered through a combination of online resources and support from faculty.

• Online resources: Students have access to a variety of online resources, including recorded lectures, PowerPoint slides, handouts, moderated discussion threads, and online readings.
• Faculty support: Students are assigned a personal tutor and dissertation supervisor to guide them through the program and answer any questions.
• Virtual learning environment: The program utilizes a virtual learning environment to facilitate communication and provide a structure for learning.

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Careers:

The MSc Global Ethics and Justice program provides excellent preparation for a range of careers, including:

• NGOs: Working with organizations focused on international development, human rights, environmental protection, or humanitarian aid.
• Public sector: Positions in government agencies, policy-making organizations, or international organizations.
• Private sector: Roles in businesses with a strong social responsibility focus or those operating in global markets.
• Research: Pursuing a PhD in philosophy, ethics, or related fields.

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Other:

• The program is designed to keep students in touch with fellow students and tutors through the virtual learning environment.
• The University of Birmingham offers a range of employability support services to help students develop their career and skills development strategies.
• The College of Arts and Law has a dedicated careers and employability team to provide local support.

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We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2024 entry are as follows: Full-time, all students: £10,530 Part-time, all students: £5,265 Please note: The part-time programme can be completed over up to three years, but fees are payable over two years; in each of years one and two, the fee payable will be half the full-time rate.