MA, PG Cert, PG Dip

Contemporary Ethics

Gain an in-depth understanding of ethics and how they are applied in the context of cultural and religious pluralism on this Master's degree, taught by Cambridge Theological Federation and accredited by ARU.

Start date
September 2027
Location
Cambridge Theological Federation Distance learning
Award
MA
Duration
1 year full-time

It's possible for UK students to study this course part-time. You'll take the same modules as MSc/MA students, but sometimes in a different order or in different years.

As a part-time student you'll typically study for twice as long as full-time students. For example if the MSc/MA course takes one year, you can expect to study over two years, though for some courses this may vary.

This course is also available as a PG Cert and a PG Dip. Visit the Cambridge Theological Foundation website for more information about these options.

On this course, you'll deepen your understanding of ethics across religions and cultures, and practise applying it to a range of contemporary personal, professional and public issues.

You'll develop your skills in public and private moral reasoning, development and decision-making and engage critically with different approaches to, and views on the role of ethics in public life.

Please note: to apply for this course, you must be a member of one of the Cambridge Theological Federation’s member institutions. Apply by 31 August for a September start.

To find out more about the MA Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care and studying with Cambridge Theological Federation, visit the Federation's website.

Careers

Refine and practise applying your moral reasoning, development and decision-making skills.

This course will equip you to contribute to social transformation through continued critical reflection and engagement with personal, organisational, and public values and ethics.

Graduation doesn't have to be the end of your time with us. You could choose to continue your academic career with our DProf Practical Theology or PhD Theology.

Teaching and modules

Explore the role and application of ethics in a range of contexts.

You'll study two core modules: Foundations of Morality; and Moral Development, Moral Reasoning and Decision Making.

You'll select one optional 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 one optional module from: Christian Spirituality and the Arts; Embodying Wisdom: Spirituality, Psychology and Philosophy; Theology and Philosophy.

You'll complete your Master's with a substantial research project on a relevant topic of your choice.

Modules are subject to change and availability, and may vary by location. If you have the choice of optional modules, these are indicated with a *.

Year 1
  • Foundations of Morality
  • Moral Development, Reasoning and Decision Making
  • Major Project
  • 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 *
Module details

It's possible to study this course part-time. You'll take the same modules as MSc/MA students, but sometimes in a different order or in different years.

As a part-time student you'll typically study for twice as long as full-time students. For example if the MSc/MA course takes one year, you can expect to study over two years, though for some courses this may vary.

Facilities

Study with Cambridge Theological Federation 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.

Entry requirements

Fees and funding

Apply now for Contemporary Ethics

Apply now