Course Summary
The MA Ethics, Theory and Practice is offered by UCD Centre for Ethics in Public Life (CEPL) in association with UCD School of Philosophy providing philosophical training in Ethics, as well as enabling students to experience a context for professional Ethics through inter-disciplinary elements of the programme. Ethics is understood broadly as the study of how to act well, and includes elements of moral philosophy and political/social theory.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
This programme is intended for students with a primary degree in Philosophy, or in another degree that has significant philosophical components; an upper second class honours, or international equivalent is required.
To qualify for a place on the MA in Ethics :Theory and Practice, students must hold a primary degree with at least a 2.1 (or international equivalent ), involving a significant amount of philosophy.
Candidates with an upper second class honours in a postgraduate conversion course such as a Higher Diploma in Philosophy may be considered. MA students may be required to attend an interview either via Zoom or in person.
Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element), orequivalent. University English language requirements apply for students whose first language is not English
You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.
https://www.ucd.ie/registry/prospectivestudents/admissions/rpl/
Application Details
Apply online
Who Should Apply?
Full Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EU) applicants: Yes
Part Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants: No
W398 MA Ethics: Theory and Practice
Master of Arts Full-Time
Commencing September 2026
Graduate Taught
W399 MA Ethics: Theory and Practice
Master of Arts Part-Time
Commencing September 2026
Graduate Taught
Fees
MA Ethics: Theory and Practice (W398) Full Time
nonEU fee per year - € 22600
MA Ethics: Theory and Practice (W399) Part Time
EU fee per year - € 5460
nonEU fee per year - € 11300
***Fees are subject to change
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Career Progression
Graduates should be well placed to offer Continuing Professional Development (CPD) training in Ethics themselves. Ethical practice, good ethical judgement and responsibility is a highly significant aspect of all workplaces and in public life more generally.