
MSc Global Ethics and Justice (DL)
DURATION
1 up to 3 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
29 Aug 2025*
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2025
TUITION FEES
GBP 10,900 / per year **
STUDY FORMAT
Distance Learning
* for all students studying a distance learning course
** £10,900: full time | £5,450: part time
Introduction
You'll gain practical experience applying ethical theories to real-world situations on the placement module, developing an insight into crucial debates that cross subject boundaries.
We also offer an on-campus programme over 1-2 years. Find out more about the on-campus MSc Global Ethics and Justice.
You'll learn from our philosophy experts who research across subject boundaries in academic and practical settings. Their specialisms include: health and wellbeing, climate change and the environment, human rights and global justice, war and intervention, bioethics, and gender justice.
- Gain practical experience by taking part in a placement with an organisation of your choice, such as a Non-Government Organisation (NGO).
- Write a practice-based dissertation which responds to real world problems so you can prepare for your future career.
- Learn from philosophy experts who explore current ethical issues and how ethical theories impact our everyday lives.
- 1st Philosophy department in the UK in the Research Excellence Framework exercise 2021 based on Grade Point Average (Times Higher Education).
- Join a diverse online community from around the world. Access virtual learning resources to discuss course content with your fellow students and tutors.
Admissions
Scholarships 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.
Curriculum
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 to all aspects of ethics and global ethics.
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'.
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.
Plus one of the:
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.
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 disorders? (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?
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
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 organization of your choice, such as a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) or policy-making organization. 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 organizations.
Dissertation or Practice-Based Dissertation
You will then complete the program 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, contextualized 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 organization 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 of 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.
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
By studying a postgraduate degree in Philosophy at Birmingham, you’ll develop transferable skills suited to a range of career paths. These skills include the ability to articulate your ideas clearly, analytical skills, and the ability to present a strong argument.
Our Philosophy graduates enter many roles, including:
- Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Victims Adviser
- Policy Advisor
- Deputy HR Manager
- Tutor
Employers our Philosophy graduates have worked for include:
- Regional police forces
- University of Birmingham
- Migrant Help
Program delivery
At Birmingham, research and teaching go hand-in-hand. Lecturers and professors continue to research in their field, offering valuable expertise in Philosophy and Global Ethics.
- Taught modules - each module represents a total of 200 hours of study time, including preparatory reading, homework and assignment preparation.
- Delivered via distance learning using the University's Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) - all teaching takes place asynchronously. This means the resources are uploaded in advance so you can complete activities and take part in discussions at a time that suits you.
- Dissertation - you can choose to undertake a 15,000-word dissertation in an area that interests you or you can undertake a practice-based dissertation involving a placement where you produce a practical output for your placement host. You’ll also write a 12,000-word report on your placement.
Please note: You can take both the Global Ethics Placement module and complete a practice-based dissertation, but we would normally expect you to undertake two separate placements in different institutions.