Overview
The MA in Contemporary Ethics delves into the core aspects of moral theories and ethical decision-making. The programme combines philosophical ethics, moral psychology, and interdisciplinary dialogue, aiming to understand and apply ethical principles across various contexts. Students engage in critical discussions on topics such as AI and ethics, exploring the moral implications of technological advancements, moral imagination, and the arts. Additionally, the programme emphasizes the importance of equipping students to apply ethical frameworks in their fields, fostering a respectful and diverse environment of growth.
Students will be supported to:
- Gain an in-depth understanding of ethics and its applicability in a context of cultural and religious pluralism.
- Learn the conceptual tools for insight into the processes of moral reasoning, development and decision making in private and public life.
- Encounter a diversity of approaches, engaging critically with divergent views of the role of ethics in public life.
- Relate the discourse of ethics to a wide range of contemporary personal, professional and public issues.
Teaching & Structure
Available as
- Postgraduate Certificate in Contemporary Ethics (2 modules) (60 Credits)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Contemporary Ethics (4 modules) (120 Credits)
- MA in Contemporary Ethics (4 modules and a 15,000 word major project) (180 Credits)
- Full-time or Part-time Distance Learning
Compulsory Modules
Foundations of Morality (30 Credits)
This compulsory core module offers an introduction to various approaches to thinking about moral ideas within normative philosophical ethics. It inquires into questions such as: ‘What makes an act right or wrong, and a human being good or bad?’; ‘How should one live?’; ‘What is the good life?’; ‘How do we assess difficult moral situations?’; ‘Where do our principles come from?’; ‘Why be moral?’; ‘Do moral facts exist?’; and ‘What does moral living require of us, both as human beings and within our specific social, professional, and vocational roles?’. In searching for answers, key moral theories—deontology, teleology, and virtue ethics—are considered. The module engages in dialogue with neuroscience and artificial intelligence, as well as major influences on ethical debate (relativism, theistic and non-theistic approaches, science); conscience; human rights; law; and morality.
Moral Development, Reasoning and Decision Making (30 Credits)
This compulsory module provides an introduction to developmental moral psychology in conversation with selected themes from normative philosophical ethics, such as ‘care,’ ‘justice,’ and ‘duty.’ It engages with both science and art, and inquires into questions like: ‘What is moral maturity?’; ‘How does the moral self develop?’; ‘What constitutes and conditions moral growth?’; ‘How can one achieve moral excellence?’; ‘Is good character enough for leading a morally good life?’; ‘How do we assess difficult moral situations and prioritize goods?’; ‘How do we deal with moral incontinence or failure?’; and ‘What should the content of moral education be to foster moral growth?’.
Optional Modules
Ethics in Professional Context (30 Credits)
This interactive, interdisciplinary module is designed to explore ethical concepts as they form, relate and critique a particular professional context, with a view to helping students develop their own foundations and tools for reasoning about their own professional ethics. The module explores questions about sources of ethical thinking, the role of moral imagination in professional practice as well as such central concepts as ‘equality’ and ‘discrimination’; ‘partiality and impartiality’, ‘common good’, ‘responsibility’, ‘conscience’, ‘justice and care’; ‘personal versus professional’; ‘paternalism and autonomy’; ‘virtue,’ ‘right’ and ‘duty’ in the context of work. Various case studies are introduced throughout the module in order to address these questions and discuss the possibilities of responsible professional practice.
Catholic Social Thought for Contemporary Christian Practice (30 Credits)
This optional module explores official documents of the Roman Catholic Church known as ‘Catholic Social Teaching’ as well as other sources, thinkers, and social movements known as ‘Catholic Social Thought’ (CST) in relation to economic, social, and political life. Much of CST has been explicitly addressed not only to Catholics, but to people of all faiths and none, as it addresses issues of our common sociality and our common political structures. Throughout the module, students are encouraged to connect this body of thought and its key themes to praxis in particular contexts.
Entry Requirements
The normal entrance requirement for the postgraduate programmes in the Cambridge Theological Federation is a first- or good second-class honours degree in a relevant subject. Examples would include Ethics, Philosophy, Theology, or other related subjects.
The CTF will also consider graduates in other disciplines who may also be admitted to the programme on a case by case basis. The CTF will also take seriously, on a case by case basis, applications from candidates without an appropriate undergraduate degree but that can demonstrate significant relevant experience, such as within professional or ministerial roles, especially for candidates who have not had the opportunity to engage in formal higher education before.
Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed by the House they have applied to. The Federation reserves the right not to admit applicants who do not satisfactorily demonstrate their motivation or ability to fit into the learning community of the chosen Federation House. Applicants can only be admitted if the interview confirms their teachability, and if there is clear indication that they are able to establish and maintain meaningful learning relationships with their tutors and fellow students.
English Language requirements
Our standard entry criteria for postgraduate courses is IELTS 6.5 or equivalent, with nothing lower than 5.5 in any of the four elements (listening, speaking, reading and writing).
We also accept the following English language tests as equivalent to IELTS 6.5 with 5.5 in each element:
- ETS TOEFL iBT with 88 overall and a minimum of 17 in Writing and Listening, 18 in Reading and 20 in Speaking
- Pearson PTE with 61 overall and a minimum of 51 in all components.
However, students requiring visas to study full time in the UK should note that the government will only accept an IELTS result as evidence of meeting the English language requirement.
Careers
This programme is especially suited for those pursuing careers in:
- Social Science and Politics
- Business Leaders
- Educators
- Healthcare professionals
- Social Workers
- Journalist and Media workers
- Individuals working in NGOs, community organizations, and charitable groups
Professionals and students in these fields will benefit from the critical engagement and diverse perspectives offered by this programme.
Why Study this Programme?
Studying this programme is crucial for those who wish to propose ethical solutions in an increasingly complex and globalized world. It allows us to explore how individual and collective decisions can impact the development of communities and how we can foster inclusive growth that respects human dignity. Studying this programme develops an integral vision that encompasses bioethics, politics, human development, and the work sphere, contributing to the creation of a more just, equitable, and sustainable future for all.