MSc BIOETHICS

PROGRAMME DESCRIPTION

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW

The MSc in Bioethics is an interdisciplinary graduate programme designed to prepare professionals to address complex ethical challenges in healthcare, research, public health, policy, and emerging technologies. Across Africa, and particularly in Ghana, rapid advances in biomedical research, digital health, genomics, public health interventions, artificial intelligence, and pharmaceutical development have intensified the need for ethically grounded leadership. This programme equips graduates with the analytical skills, ethical reasoning, and policy competence required to guide responsible decision-making in these areas. The programme integrates theory and practice, enabling students to critically examine ethical dilemmas in clinical care, research governance, public health programming, and health systems leadership within both local and global contexts.

Duration: 1 Year (Full-Time) Module: Regular

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

Students in the MSc Bioethics programme will develop competencies in:

  • Ethical theory and moral reasoning
  • Public health ethics in low- and middle-income settings
  • Research ethics and regulatory frameworks
  • Clinical ethics and case consultation
  • Health policy and governance
  • Ethics of emerging technologies (AI, genomics, digital health)
  • Community engagement and culturally responsive ethical practice

The programme emphasizes African ethical perspectives while engaging with global bioethical scholarship and regulatory standards.

COURSES

  • Research Ethics and Integrity 

  • Research Methods in Bioethics 

  • Moral Philosophy and Contemporary Ethical Theories 

  • Advanced Public Health Ethics 

  • Ethics of Collaborative Research 

  • Community and Public Engagement in Public Health 

  • Sociology of Health 

  • Vaccine Ethics, Clinical Trials and Pharmacovigilance 

  • Teaching and Writing Methods in Bioethics 

  • Health Law and Bioethics 

  • Practicum

  • Advanced Research Methods in Bioethics 

  • Ethics in Genetics and Genomics Research 

  • Culture, Religion and Ethics 

  • Clinical Ethics 

  • Food and Nutrition Ethics 

  • Ethics and Public Policy 

  • Reproductive Ethics 

  • Environmental Ethics 

  • Practicum, Seminar, and Dissertation 

  • Seminar

  • Dissertation

RESEARCH COMPONENT

The MSc in Bioethics includes a mandatory dissertation designed to strengthen students’ ability to independently examine ethical issues in health, science, and society. Over the twelve-month programme, students conduct supervised research using approaches such as empirical studies, normative analysis, systematic or scoping reviews, or policy analysis.

The dissertation allows students to apply interdisciplinary knowledge gained during coursework to a focused ethical issue in areas such as biomedical research, clinical practice, public health, community engagement, or health regulation. Each student works closely with a faculty supervisor, and the final dissertation undergoes both internal and external examination.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Graduates of the MSc Bioethics programme are well positioned for leadership and specialist roles across multiple sectors in Ghana, Africa, and internationally. Potential career paths include. 

CLINICAL AND HOSPITAL SETTINGS

  • Clinical Ethics Consultant
  • Member/Chair of Hospital Ethics Committees
  • Healthcare Quality AND Compliance Officer

RESEARCH AND REGULATORY INSTITUTIONS

  • Research Ethics Administrator
  • Institutional Review Board (IRB) / Ethics Committee Officer
  • Research Governance Specialist
  • Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist (Ethics Focus)

GOVERNMENT AND POLICY

  • Policy Advisor (Health, Science and Technology)
  • Ethics Officer in Ministries of Health or Regulatory Agencies
  • Health Systems Governance Specialist

INTERNATIONAL AND NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS

  • Ethics and Safeguarding Advisor
  • Programme Ethics Lead
  • Global Health Research Coordinator

ACADEMIA AND FURTHER STUDY

  • University Lecturer or Researcher
  • Doctoral studies (PhD in Bioethics, Public Health, Health Policy, or related fields)

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must satisfy the following:

A good first degree (minimum Second Class Lower Division or equivalent) from a recognised university in any of the following fields:

  • Medicine
  • Nursing/Midwifery
  • Pharmacy
  • Public Health
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
  • Environmental Health
  • Social Sciences
  • Humanities
  • Law
  • Veterinary Medicine
  • Basic and Applied Sciences
  • Or other disciplines as relevant 

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

A minimum of one (1) year relevant work experience after completion of first degree or professional qualification offers an advantage.

 WHY CHOOSE THIS PROGRAMME?

  • Addresses pressing ethical challenges in African health systems
  • Builds capacity for research ethics and governance
  • Prepares graduates for leadership in public health and clinical practice
  • Aligns with global standards while rooted in local realities
  • One-year intensive format designed for working professionals

 

Regular