Program Overview

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MA Contemporary Ethics

Introduction

Gain an in-depth understanding of ethics and how they are applied in the context of cultural and religious pluralism. This Masters degree is taught by Cambridge Theological Federation and accredited by ARU.

As a student on this course, you'll be supported to:

• gain an in-depth understanding of ethics and its applicability in a context of cultural and religious pluralism
• learn the conceptual tools for insight into the processes of moral reasoning, development and decision making in private and public life
• encounter a diversity of approaches, engaging critically with divergent views of the role of ethics in public life
• relate the discourse of ethics to a wide range of contemporary personal, professional and public issues
• undertake a detailed exploration of some issues of significance in the contemporary context.

Course Options

• 1 year full-time
• 2 years part-time

Key Facts

• STUDY OPTIONS: 1 year full-time
• START DATES: September
• LOCATION: Cambridge Theological Federation
• ENTRY: UCAS code: N/A
• FEES:
  • £10,600 UK students starting 2024/25 (full-time, per year)
  • £16,700 International students starting 2024/25 (full-time, per year)

Teaching and Assessment

1 year full-time

• Year 1

Year 1

Whether you're studying for an MA, PG Cert or PG Dip, you'll study two core modules: Foundations of Morality; and Moral Development, Moral Reasoning and Decision Making.

PG Dip and MA students select two optional modules. You'll select one 30-credit module from: Catholic Social Thought for Contemporary Christian Practice; Ethics in Professional Context; Christianity and Ecology; Interfaith Relations from Theory to Encounter; The Mystery of Love. You'll then select a second optional module from: Christian Spirituality and the Arts; Embodying Wisdom: Spirituality, Psychology and Philosophy; Theology and Philosophy.

MA students also complete a Major Project (dissertation).

Modules are subject to change and availability.

Core modules

• Foundations of Morality
• Moral Development, Reasoning and Decision Making

Optional modules

• Catholic Social Thought for Contemporary Christian Practice
• Ethics in the Professional Context
• Christianity and Ecology
• Interfaith Relations from Theory to Encounter
• The Mystery of Love
• Christian Spirituality and the Arts
• Embodying Wisdom: Spirituality, Psychology and Philosophy
• Theology and Philosophy

Entry Requirements

The normal entry requirement for postgraduate courses at Cambridge Theological Federation (CTF) is a first- or good second-class honours degree in a relevant subject. Examples would include Ethics, Philosophy, Theology, or other related subjects.

The CTF will also consider graduates in other disciplines who may also be admitted to the programme on a case-by-case basis. The CTF will also take seriously, on a case-by-case basis, applications from candidates without an appropriate undergraduate degree who can demonstrate significant relevant experience, such as in professional or ministerial roles, especially for candidates who have not had the opportunity to engage in formal higher education before.

Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed by the House they have applied to. The CTF reserves the right not to admit applicants who do not satisfactorily demonstrate their motivation or ability to fit into the learning community of the chosen Federation House. Applicants can only be admitted if the interview confirms their teachability, and if there is clear indication that they are able to establish and maintain meaningful learning relationships with their tutors and fellow students.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, our standard entry criteria for postgraduate courses is IELTS 6.5 or equivalent, with nothing lower than 5.5 in any of the four elements (listening, speaking, reading and writing).

We also accept the following English language tests as equivalent to IELTS 6.5 with 5.5 in each element:

• ETS TOEFL iBT with 88 overall and a minimum of 17 in Writing and Listening, 18 in Reading and 20 in Speaking
• Pearson PTE with 61 overall and a minimum of 59 in all components.

You'll need a computer and reliable internet access to successfully engage with your course. Before starting the course, we recommend that you check our technical requirements for online learning.

Fees and Paying for University

Tuition fees for UK students (2024/25)

£10,600 UK students starting 2024/25 (full-time, per year)

The fee given above is for the MA blended learning option. Fees for other study options, including distance learning and the PG Dip and PG Cert awards, will vary. Please visit the Cambridge Theological Federation website for full details of fees.

Tuition fees for international students (2024/25)

£16,700 International students starting 2024/25 (full-time, per year)

The fee given above is for the MA blended learning option. Fees for other study options, including distance learning and the PG Dip and PG Cert awards, will vary. Please visit the Cambridge Theological Federation website for full details of fees.

Facilities

Study with Cambridge Theological Foundation and:

• join one of our denominational Houses, gaining support from others in your tradition and creating networks for life
• meet students and teachers from a wide range of traditions
• access resources from the theological libraries of our member institutions
• learn flexibly: our courses are offered in Cambridge, or by distance learning.

Careers

Following the course, our hope is that you will be able to contribute to social transformation through continued critical reflection and engagement with personal, organisational, and public values and ethics.