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MSc Global Ethics and Justice (Distance learning)

Start date
September
Duration
1 year full-time, up to 3 years part-time
Course Type
Postgraduate, Continuing professional development, Distance learning
Fees

Annual tuition fees for 2024 entry:
Full-time: £10,530
Part-time: £5,265
More detail.

Are you looking to explore Global Justice topics such as international trade, climate change, war, and biomedical science and apply ethical theories to these areas?

The MSc Global Ethics and Justice will develop your knowledge of key global issues, and provide you with conceptual and analytical frameworks to enable you to understand and reflect on the ethical dimensions of these issues. It offers a range of core modules which provide a foundation for your studies, with the opportunity to apply your learning to areas of specific interest through your choice of dissertation topic.

Delivered by the Department of Philosophy, the programme is ideal for those who are interested in international affairs, and who wish to pursue or develop careers in NGOs, related areas in public or private sectors, or research positions. It is designed to accommodate those wishing to study full-time as well as those wishing to study part-time around other commitments. This programme can also be used as a route into PhD research.

The Department is home to a team of world-leading researchers, working on topics such as: health and wellbeing, climate change and the environment, human rights and global justice, war and intervention, bioethics, and gender justice. Often these topics require an interdisciplinary approach to ethics and international affairs in order to critically analyse complex issues in a globalised world.

We also offer an on-campus programme over one or two years – for more information, see Global Ethics and Justice MSc. The qualification you will gain is the same whichever mode of study you choose.

Scholarships for 2024 entry

The University of Birmingham is proud to offer a range of scholarships for our postgraduate programmes. With a scholarship pot worth over £2 million, we are committed to alleviating financial barriers to support you in taking your next steps.

Each scholarship has its own specific deadlines and eligibility criteria. Please familiarise yourself with the information on individual scholarship webpages prior to submitting an application.

Explore our scholarships

 

The lectures were uniformly engaging, thought provoking and regularly stretching – exactly what I wanted. The support offered by the University ensures that everyone has the opportunity to do the best that they can and get the most out of the course.

James

Why study this course?

  • Flexibility – you can study at home, in your own time and at your own pace, so you can combine achieving a qualification with work or family commitments. You also have the benefit of developing your career without having to leave employment.
  • Optional placement – Gain hands on experience by exploring the practice of global ethics by undertaking a placement in an organisation of your choice, such as a Non-Government Organisation (NGO) or policy-making organisation. Previous students have enjoyed placements with Oxfam, development NGOs in Tanzania and UK-based Human Rights and activist organisations.
  • Optional practice-based dissertation – in addition to the optional placement, you can choose to write a practice-based dissertation instead of a standard dissertation. This allows you to spend time at (e.g.) an NGO or policy-based organisation, produce a practical output, and write a theoretically informed dissertation about the experience. This may be especially appealing to those already established in their careers or those who want to enhance employability skills.
  • Support – there is always support available from tutors at the University. The programme is designed to keep you in touch with fellow students and tutors. Our ‘virtual learning environment’ provides a focal point and help provide a structure for your learning. You will be assigned a personal tutor. Personal tutors are available to answer questions regarding the content of your programme, and also to give advice and provide clarification if you don't understand something, for example what an assignment question demands.

Modules

You will study four core modules and two optional modules before completing your 15,000 word dissertation.

Core modules

You will study the following three core modules: 

Ethics and Global Ethics

This module aims to introduce you to key concepts and debates in ethics, with some focus on the global dimension of current ethical problems. First, we will explore several prominent traditions in ethical theory; next we will apply these normative ethical theories to concrete ethical questions. In investigating these theories and applications, you will be encouraged to question your presumptions about the nature of ethics and moral values. The module also develops critical reasoning and argumentative skills through philosophical discussion and writing. The theoretical tools of analysis and argument can be applied in all aspects of ethics and global ethics.
Assessment: Participation in online discussion, and one or two written assignments totalling 4,000 words

Topics in Global Justice

This module will focus on applications of the dominant contemporary moral theories to significant issues in global ethics and politics. The topics to be approached on the basis of these theories are a selection of the following debates: world poverty and the obligations of the affluent; justice and the global economic order; global distributive justice; structural injustice; human rights theory; human development and care ethics; climate change; cosmopolitanism vs priority for compatriots; immigration and freedom of movement; just war theory; terrorism, humanitarian intervention; global gender justice; issues around a global ‘democratic deficit'.
Assessment: Participation in online discussion, and one or two written assignments totalling 4,000 words

Research Skills and Methods

This module provides an introduction to the methods of contemporary philosophy. Topics addressed typically include: critical thinking in philosophy, reading in philosophy, research skills, dissertation planning, and presenting philosophical arguments in written work. You will also participate in online sessions focused on generic research skills.
Assessment: Participation in online discussion, and one or two written assignments totalling 4,000 words

Plus one of:

Bioethics 

Bioethics is the study of ethical issues surrounding life and death, especially those involved in biology, health care, research, and the beginning and end of life. This course introduces students to the key debates surrounding a number of theoretical and practical issues in bioethics, including but not limited to those that are transnational in nature. Possible topics covered include: abortion, euthanasia, intellectual property, enhancement, commodification, resource allocation and rationing, and infectious disease control.
Assessment: Participation in online discussion, and one or two written assignments totalling 4,000 words 

Philosophy and Mental Health

This module provides an overview of a range of contemporary debates in philosophy and mental health. In each seminar a new issue will be investigated, but the following questions will be asked and revisited throughout the module: (1)  How should we understand the nature of mental disorder? (2) Is there a sharp distinction between mental health and mental illness? (3) What is the nature of psychiatry as a science and as a medical practice? (4) How we should respond to people who experience mental health problems interpersonally, clinically, ethically, legally, and from a public health policy perspective?
Assessment: one or two written assignments totalling 4,000 words 

Optional modules

Your remaining two modules are optional.

Philosophy

Options available within Philosophy typically include:

  • Bioethics
  • Epistemology
  • God, Freedom and the Meaning of Life
  • Human Rights
  • Philosophy and Mental Health

For more information, see our Philosophy postgraduate modules. You can also choose Bioethics or Philosophy of Mental Health, if not taken as core.

International Development Department Modules

You will also have a chance to choose modules from the International Development Department which could include:

  • International Development
  • Development Politics
  • Conflict and Development

Global Ethics Placement
You will undertake a placement in an organisation of your choice, such as a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) or policy-making organisation. This module allows you to explore the practice of global ethics. Previous students have enjoyed placements with Oxfam, development NGOs in Tanzania and UK-based Human Rights and activist organisations.
Assessment: 6,000-word project report

Dissertation or Practice-Based Dissertation

You will then complete the programme with a research project.

If you choose to complete a written dissertation, this will be a substantial and sustained investigation of a topic related to global ethics and justice, culminating in a 15,000-word dissertation.

The practice-based dissertation is ideal for those who have begun careers and are returning to study after time in employment, or those who are aiming to enhance their employability by obtaining (further) experience within related professional contexts. It offers a more applied, contextualised approach to independent research than the more traditional dissertation route. In addition to completing 160 hours on placement, you are asked to produce a practical output/project for the organisation hosting your placement. This can take various forms, such as a report for internal use, a piece of research, a contribution to a report or policy document, a video, a feature article for a newspaper or another form or media output. You complete the placement with a 12,000-word report encompassing aspects including the rationale for the placement, a reflection on the tasks performed, and a theoretical discussion of an issue related to the placement.

Please note: it is possible to take both the Global Ethics Placement module and complete a practice-based dissertation, but it is normally expected that this will involve two separate placements in different institutions.


Please note that the optional module information listed on the website for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.

Fees

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.

Paying your fees

Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.

Scholarships and studentships

Scholarships to cover fees and/or maintenance costs may be available. To discover whether you are eligible for any award across the University, and to start your funding application, please visit the University's Postgraduate Funding Database.

How To Apply

Please review our Entry Requirements before making your application.

Application routes

Please note that the duration of this programme is one year full-time, while part-time study can be up to three years. However, part-time programmes are only eligible for Government Masters Loans if they are no more than twice the length of the full-time version. Therefore any UK part-time students wishing to apply for Government Masters Loans must complete the programme within two years. If you plan to study over two years and/or would like to apply for a Masters Loan, please select the two-year part-time application route shown. If you would like the flexibility to study over up to three years, and are not seeking funding, please select the three-year part-time application route.

Application deadlines

The deadline for all students applying to our distance learning courses is 30 August 2024.

Late applicants are encouraged to contact the Admissions Tutor for advice.

Making your application

When clicking on the Apply Now button you will be directed to an application specifically designed for the programme you wish to apply for where you will create an account with the University application system and submit your application and supporting documents online. Further information regarding how to apply online can be found on the How to apply pages

Apply now

Our Standard Requirements

The programme allows for multi-disciplinary entry. You need an upper second-class Honours degree, or equivalent, preferably in Philosophy or another relevant subject (e.g. Theology, Sociology), or a Joint Honours degree of which Philosophy or another relevant subject is a component.

If your undergraduate degree is in another subject, you are still very welcome to apply. We consider every application on its merits and we are happy to consider applicants with diverse academic backgrounds. Your level of academic achievement, letters of reference, and personal statement will all have strong influence on our decision. We may also require you to submit a writing sample. This should be around 3-4 pages long, and although it does not need to be a Philosophy essay, it should provide strong evidence of your potential for the type of discursive, analytical, writing that is required in Philosophy at postgraduate level.

We ask you to submit two academic references as part of your application, but if you have been out of academia for some time we will also accept a professional reference in addition to one academic reference.

International/EU students

Academic requirements: We accept a range of qualifications from different countries - use our handy guide below to see what qualifications we accept from your country.

English language requirements: standard language requirements apply for this course - IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band. If you are made an offer of a place to study and you do not meet the language requirement, you have the option to enrol on our English for Academic Purposes Presessional Course - if you successfully complete the course, you will be able to fulfil the language requirement without retaking a language qualification.

IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band is equivalent to:

  • TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
  • Cambridge English (exams taken from 2015): Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component

Learn more about international entry requirements

International Requirements


Although much of the course is delivered through our ‘virtual learning environment,’ support is always available.

You will have a personal tutor and dissertation supervisor to guide you and answer any questions, and you have access to a wide range of online resources too.

Course delivery

The overall structure of the programmes is the same as our campus-based MA programmes, in that you will take six taught modules and write one 15,000-word dissertation. Distance learning programmes run on the same term-time schedule as on-campus programmes - term dates can be found on our website. Students on both types of programme get substantial written feedback on assignments.

One advantage of distance learning is that you can work wherever and whenever you want. There are no specific scheduled teaching times, so you can catch up on material and contribute to discussions whenever it suits you.

Content delivery for distance learning programmes will vary. However, a typical distance learning module would include: a weekly recorded lecture on a given topic, access to PowerPoint slides and/or a handout; a moderated discussion thread where students can contribute and receive feedback from the lecturer and other students; and online access to a set of readings on that topic.

Given the online nature of distance learning programmes, contact is typically through discussion forums or via email. Supervision for the dissertation, however, may take place over Skype.

Each module represents a total of 200 hours of study time, including preparatory reading, homework and assignment preparation.

Further information on distance learning

For more information on distance learning including answers to frequently asked questions, student experiences and funding opportunities, please see our distance learning website

Your degree will provide excellent preparation for employment and this will be further enhanced by a range of employability support services offered by the University.

The University's Careers Network provides advice and information specifically for postgraduates that will help you to develop an effective career and skills development strategy, and to make the most of your time with us at the University. The College of Arts and Law also has a dedicated careers and employability team to deliver local support.

In addition to a range of campus-based events and workshops, Careers Network provides extensive online resources, and comprehensive listings of hundreds of graduate jobs and work experience opportunities.

You will also be able to access our full range of careers support for up to two years after graduation.

Postgraduate employability: Philosophy

Birmingham's Philosophy postgraduates develop a range of skills that are highly desirable in the job market including articulacy, precise analytical thought, and the ability to analyse and construct sound arguments.

Due to the transferable nature of these skills, Philosophy postgraduates traditionally enter a wide range of employment areas, from teaching and lecturing to social work. Employers that graduates have gone on to work for include BBC, Friends of the Earth, Birmingham Children's Hospital, Highways England, Ministry of Justice and University of Birmingham.

Many of our alumni have found that the course provides an ideal foundation for their careers, such as James Hodgson:

"Having studied Global Ethics, I have found that my understanding of the diversity of human experience and philosophies has been greatly expanded. The course taught me to question my own assumptions and opened my eyes to the potential within humanity. The staff and my peers' passion for exploring ideas and concepts created a wonderful learning environment. Since graduating I have worked for international NGOs including Médecins Sans Frontières and ECPAT International both within the UK and internationally. Currently I am in Kigali, Rwanda working with a number of NGOs here and still finding the skills and knowledge I acquired during my Masters of great value professionally and personally."  
James Hodgson