PhD in Bioethics in Christchurch New Zealand | University of Otago

University of Otago | Christchurch New Zealand
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Qualification
Doctor of Philosophy
Languages
English
Delivery Mode
On-Campus
Tuition (2025)
NZD 40,984
(c. USD24,062.16)
Attendance
Full-time
Full-time Duration
36 months

Science, technology, and healthcare serve as immensely influential tools that present both ethical dilemmas and promising possibilities.
Bioethics examines how biosciences and healthcare affect individuals, communities, animals, and ecosystems today and in the future. It helps determine appropriate responses to these impacts at personal, professional, and societal levels.
You'll develop the ability to analyze intricate bioethical concerns from multiple viewpoints, gaining the understanding and capabilities to positively influence your community, workplace, and wider society. The significant influence of science and healthcare demands careful consideration - through Bioethics, you'll acquire specialized knowledge to address critical contemporary challenges.
Professional pathways
Graduates in Bioethics find employment in diverse fields including health administration, healthcare policy, scientific and environmental regulation, patient advocacy, research oversight, and medical/environmental legislation.
Bioethics qualifications prepare students for various rewarding careers, such as scholarly research in bioethics, educational roles across different levels, and specialized positions within scientific, medical, and legal sectors.


Destination of Study

Subjects of Study

Language Requirements

English
IELTS 6.5

Qualification Requirements

Admission to the degree programme shall be subject to the approval of the Senate. Note: Applications may be made at any time. Applications must be approved before the candidate begins the research work.
Every candidate must be a university graduate and produce evidence of ability to undertake research in the area of proposed study. Such evidence shall include:
a Bachelor's degree with first or upper second class Honours (with an average grade in Honours papers at or equivalent to at least B+ at the University of Otago) or equivalent (including a research component with an average grade at or equivalent to at least B+ at the University of Otago), or
a Master's degree (with an average grade at or equivalent to at least B+ at the University of Otago) (including an appropriate research component worth at least a quarter of a year's workload (0.25 EFTS), with a grade at or equivalent to at least B+ at the University of Otago), or
appropriate research experience, and
for candidates including a nominated creative component for assessment, demonstrated advanced training or experience in a relevant creative practice.
A candidate for a Master's degree may apply to transfer to candidature for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, and may have the date of admission backdated as is considered appropriate.
Initial admission to the degree programme shall normally be provisional, and shall be confirmed on receipt of a supervisory agreement and a satisfactory progress report after no less than six months and no more than 12 months of full- or part-time study.
If admission to the degree programme is not confirmed, then either provisional admission may be extended for one period of up to six months or the candidate shall be required to withdraw or to enrol for another degree. If admission is not confirmed after a period of extension, the candidate shall be required to withdraw or to enrol for another degree.
Notwithstanding regulation 1(b) above, a Medical student who has completed a year of study for the degree of Bachelor of Medical Science with Honours but has not been awarded that degree may be accepted as a candidate for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy and have the date of admission backdated as is considered appropriate. Such a student's programme of study must be approved by both the Board of the Faculty of Medicine and the Graduate Research Committee.

IELTS (Academic) - Overall score of 6.5, no individual band below 6.0.
TOEFL iBT - Overall score of 90 and a writing score of 21.

Tuition NZD 40,984