Global Ethics and Justice MSc

You'll gain practical experience applying ethical theories to real-world situations on the placement module, developing an insight into crucial debates that cross subject boundaries. 

We also offer a distance learning programme. Find out more about MSc Global Ethics and Justice by Distance Learning. 

Course structure

The course runs over 12 months full-time. You can also study this programme on a part-time basis.

• Gain practical experience by taking part in a placement with an organisation of your choice, such as a Non-Government Organisation (NGO).
• Write a practice-based dissertation which responds to real world problems so you can  prepare for your future career.
• Learn from philosophy experts who explore current ethical issues and how ethical theories impact  our everyday lives.
• 1st Philosophy department in the UK in the Research Excellence Framework exercise 2021 based on Grade Point Average (Times Higher Education).

Gain practical experience

Prepare for an exciting career confronting global justice challenges by gaining real-world experience with our optional placement module and practice-based dissertation option. Recently, students have taken part in placements with Oxfam, development NGOs in Tanzania and UK-based human rights and activist organisations. 

• Taught modules - each module represents a total of 200 hours of study time, including preparatory reading, homework and assignment preparation.
• Seminars – modules are mainly taught by small group teaching.
• Dissertation - you can choose to undertake a 15,000-word dissertation in an area that interests you or you can undertake a practice-based dissertation involving a placement where you produce a practical output for your placement host. You’ll also write a 12,000-word report about your placement.  

Please note: You can take both the Global Ethics Placement module and complete a practice-based dissertation, but we would normally expect you to undertake two separate placements in different institutions. 

The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Any optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.

2025/26 Session

The following must be taken:

Students must take ONE of the following modules

Choose 60 credits from the full range of modules offered by the department of Philosophy. 3: 60 CR Subject to agreement from the MA programme leader, some optional modules may be chosen from a range offered by other departments (e.g. POLSIS).

You should have, or expect to get, a 2:1 Honours degree in Philosophy or a relevant subject. This can be a single or joint honours degree containing Philosophy.  

If your undergraduate degree is in another subject, you can still apply. We consider every application on its merits, and we’ll consider applicants from diverse academic backgrounds.

We may also require you to submit a writing sample. This should be around 3-4 pages long. Although it does not need to be a Philosophy essay, you should demonstrate your ability to present an argument and write in an analytical style. These skills are necessary for postgraduate level Philosophy.

If you have been out of academia for some time, we will accept a professional reference and one academic reference, rather than the standard requirement for two academic references. 

English language requirements

If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.

For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:

• TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
• Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
• LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill

English Presessional Programmes

Improve your knowledge of spoken and written English in preparation for studying at Birmingham with our pre-sessional English courses. If you have a conditional offer, you can take one of these courses as an alternative to retaking IELTS or other similar qualifications.

We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2025 entry are above.

The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.

Paying your tuition fees

Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.

Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.

Postgraduate Masters Loan

To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.

Scholarships

To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.

Birmingham Masters Scholarships

We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.

We have put together some helpful information on the taught programme application process and supporting documents. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.

Our Philosophy graduates enter many roles, including:

• Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Victims Adviser
• Policy Advisor
• Deputy HR Manager
• Tutor

Employers our Philosophy graduates have worked for include:

• Regional police forces
• University of Birmingham
• Migrant Help

Careers Network

Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.

Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.

Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.

Accommodation

Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. Our student accommodation will allow you to enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.

Living in Birmingham

As one of the original pioneering cities, Birmingham has developed into a melting pot for shopping, food and drink, nightlife, sport, culture, and industry. It’s no wonder our students fall in love with the city.

Campus life

Our green and spacious campus is the place where our diverse community comes together to learn, relax and socialise. Like a town of its own, just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.

Student support

Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students, both before you start and throughout your time on campus, so that you can get the most out of your university experience.