Overview

The degree in Bioethics and Health Law at University of Otago may be awarded with distinction or credit. The degree draws on the resources of both ethical and legal theory, and attends to bioethical problems arising from the increasing use of technology in medicine and changes in the resourcing and delivery of health care.

These are some of the ethical questions that arise within medicine and the life sciences. They need to be considered thoroughly and conclusions about them can change science and medicine. This is the domain of bioethics.

Bioethical reasoning is used to focus discussion; suggest new avenues for progress in healthcare, bioscience, law, and policy; and expose flawed thinking.

The ability to identify ethical issues and use reason to evaluate, discuss and argue about them is a valuable skill. If you are seeking a future in healthcare or the life sciences, these skills increase the value you can contribute to the profession.

The growing awareness that good practice in medicine and bioscience is informed by an understanding of its ethical implications means that studying bioethics strengthens any qualification. Bioethics graduates may use their knowledge to distinguish themselves among graduates in the sciences, medicine, and other disciplines.

Career opportunities

Bioethics graduates work in areas such as health governance, healthcare, science and environmental policy development, health advocacy, regulation and review of research, health, and environmental law.

There are many jobs and careers to which bioethics graduates are particularly suited. These include academic research in bioethics, teaching at all levels, and bioethics-related work in science, healthcare, and law.

Programme Structure

Courses included:

Family Law
Law and Emerging Technologies
Law and Psychiatry
Accidents and the Law
Ethics and Health Care
Bioethics in Clinical Practice
Health Research Ethics
Advanced Health Research Ethics

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-07-13 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-04-30 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-06-01 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-02-22 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-15 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-12-10 00:00:00 , National

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

80

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Credits

120 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Dunedin, New Zealand

Disciplines

Biology Public Health Ethics View 21 other Masters in Biology in New Zealand

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

80

Schedule TOEFL®

Other requirements

General requirements

Entrance requirements for postgraduate study vary by programme with most requiring a minimum bachelor-level qualification in the same field, and some having additional requirements such as relevant work experience and/or professional registration in New Zealand
The documents detailed above (academic transcripts, ECE, and proof of identity).
A detailed research proposal that shows you are familiar with current literature surrounding your topic.
An up-to date curriculum vitae.
The name of the academic staff member who has agreed to be your supervisor.
An approximate start date

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items like Additional medical costs, Repatriation, Liability etc. Make sure your student insurance covers your needs.

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Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at University of Otago and/or in New Zealand, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

44780 NZD / year

≈ 44780 NZD / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

13158 NZD / year

≈ 13158 NZD / year

Living costs

Dunedin

New Zealand

1000 - 2300 NZD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Bioethics and Health Law.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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