Australian Catholic University

What you'll study

The program introduces core issues in moral philosophy and applies ethical theory to problems arising in clinical practice, public health and health policy. Typical topics include clinical ethics and decision-making, principles of biomedical ethics, confidentiality and consent, beginning- and end-of-life issues, allocation of scarce resources, and the ethics of research involving human participants.

Teaching typically combines theoretical study with case-based analysis. Units you can expect cover areas such as moral theory and applied ethics, healthcare ethics in practice, legal and policy contexts for healthcare, and research methods relevant to ethical inquiry. Assessment commonly involves written essays, case analyses and reflective assignments that demonstrate the ability to apply ethical frameworks to real-world healthcare scenarios.

Entry requirements

Applicants normally need a recognised undergraduate degree or equivalent tertiary qualification. Experienced health professionals without a degree may be considered on the basis of substantial relevant professional experience and evidence of capacity to undertake postgraduate study. International applicants must meet ACU's English language proficiency requirements. Some prior study or professional experience in health, philosophy, theology, psychology or a related field is advantageous but not always mandatory.

Career prospects

Graduates use this qualification to enhance their roles in clinical governance, ethics committees and pastoral care teams, and to support career pathways into clinical ethics consultation, health policy, healthcare administration and teaching. The program also provides a foundation for further postgraduate study in bioethics, philosophy or health-related disciplines and helps professionals who advise on consent, capacity, end-of-life planning and quality-of-care issues.

Why study at Australian Catholic University

ACU has a long-standing interest in ethics and the health professions and offers teaching informed by interdisciplinary scholarship and clinical engagement. Students benefit from an institutional focus on values-based healthcare, access to academics with expertise in bioethics and clinical ethics, and links with hospitals, health services and pastoral care networks. The program is delivered with flexible study options, including campus-based and online modes, making it suitable for working health professionals seeking a compact, professionally relevant postgraduate credential.