Programme

Multidisciplinary Studies / Bioethics and Medical Humanities

Overview

Degree awarded:
  • M.Phil
  • M.Phil/Ph.D
  • M.Sc
  • M.Sc (bioethics)
  • Ph.D
Programmes:
  • Master of Science in Bioethics and Medical Humanities
Field of interest:
  • Bioethics
Entry requirements:

    General Regulations Governing Admission to Higher Degree Programmes

    • Candidates for admission to higher degree programmes shall normally be graduates of the University of Ibadan or other Universities/Institutions recognised by the Senate. Admission shall be made by the Postgraduate College on the recommendation of the appropriate Faculty Postgraduate Committee.
    • Candidates without any previous higher degrees in the relevant discipline may be admitted only to either the Degree of Master or the Professional Degree of Master.
    • Candidates with recognised “Research Higher” Degree in the relevant discipline may be admitted to the M.Phil or Ph.D. degree programmes as appropriate, on the recommendation of the appropriate Faculty Postgraduate Committee.
    • A candidate admitted to the degree of Master of University of Ibadan who obtained a weighted average mark of 55.0 – 59.9%, or a CGPA of between 4.0 and 4.9 may be offered provisional admission to the M.Phil./Ph.D programmes. Such candidates shall be assessed within three semesters of full time and four semesters of part time registration for the M.Phil/Ph.D to Ph.D conversion. This shall also apply to students who graduated from other universities 

    SPECIAL WAIVER FOR MATURED APPLICANTS

    • All University of Ibadan graduates should be admitted to Postgraduate programme with the ordinary level criteria existing at the time their first admission. Candidate who did not fulfill the requirements as at the time of their admission are not eligible for consideration.
    • Special consideration may be given to candidates, who obtained their first degree not less than 20 years from the time of seeking admission to any postgraduate programmes. Such candidates must have been found to possess special skills or abilities and professionally or academically engaged during the period of 20 years.

     

How to apply:
Apply online

Our Bioethics and Humanitarian Studies is a multidisciplinary programme that examines and addresses ethical dilemmas in the areas of healthcare, medical research, and the broader humanitarian context. We explore the ethical considerations of medical practices, research involving human subjects, and the treatment of vulnerable populations. 

Introduction to Bioethics: 

  • Students learn about the fundamental principles and theories that guide ethical decision-making in healthcare and medical research.

Ethical Issues in Clinical Practice: 

  • Courses cover topics such as patient autonomy, informed consent, end-of-life care, and the allocation of medical resources.

Research Ethics: 

  • Students study the ethical considerations surrounding human subjects research, including the protection of participants' rights and welfare.

Genetic and Reproductive Ethics: 

  • Courses focus on the ethical implications of genetic testing, cloning, assisted reproductive technologies, and gene editing.

Introduction to Humanitarianism: 

  • Students learn about the principles and history of humanitarianism, including the responsibilities toward vulnerable populations.

Human Rights and Health: 

  • Courses cover the intersection of human rights and healthcare, including access to medical care and the right to health.

Refugee and Migration Ethics: 

  • Students study the ethical challenges related to the displacement of populations, including the provision of healthcare and social support.

Ethical Issues in Disaster Response: 

  • Courses focus on the ethical considerations in providing medical assistance and relief during natural disasters and conflicts.

Health Disparities and Equity: 

  • Students learn about the ethical dimensions of health disparities and strategies to promote health equity globally.

Infectious Disease Ethics: 

  • Courses cover ethical dilemmas related to infectious disease outbreaks, vaccination, and public health interventions.

Access to Essential Medicines: 

  • Students study ethical issues surrounding the affordability and accessibility of essential medications.

Ethical Theories: 

  • Courses cover various ethical theories, such as utilitarianism, deontology, virtue ethics, and feminist ethics, and their application to bioethical and humanitarian issues.

Ethical Decision-Making Models: 

  • Students learn systematic approaches to analyzing ethical dilemmas and making informed decisions.

Law and Ethics: 

  • Courses explore the legal and ethical intersections in healthcare, research, and humanitarian contexts.

Social and Cultural Contexts: 

  • Students study how cultural, social, and religious factors influence ethical perspectives and practices.

Communication and Advocacy: 

  • Courses cover effective communication and advocacy strategies to address ethical concerns and promote change.

Few/Some of the Course Content

Entry Requirement

Facilities

Career Path

Graduates of Bioethics and Humanitarian Studies programs have diverse career opportunities in healthcare, research institutions, NGOs, government agencies, and international organizations. They play a vital role in addressing complex ethical challenges in medical practice, research, and humanitarian efforts. Here are some common career paths for graduates:

Bioethics Consultant: 

  • Graduates can provide expertise to healthcare organizations, research institutions, and policy-making bodies on ethical considerations.

Medical Ethicist: 

  • Many graduates work in hospitals or healthcare settings, helping healthcare professionals navigate ethical dilemmas.

Research Ethics Officer: 

  • Graduates can ensure compliance with ethical standards in research involving human subjects.

Humanitarian Aid Worker: 

  • Some graduates work for NGOs and international organizations, providing medical care and support to vulnerable populations.

Global Health Advisor: 

  • Graduates can contribute their ethical perspectives to global health programs and initiatives.

Healthcare Policy Analyst: 

  • Many graduates work to shape healthcare policies that consider ethical implications and social justice.

Medical Writer: 

  • Graduates with strong communication skills can write about bioethical and humanitarian topics for the public, professionals, and policymakers.

Public Health Officer: 

  • Some graduates work in public health agencies, addressing ethical aspects of disease prevention and health promotion.

Researcher: 

  • Graduates can conduct research on bioethical and humanitarian issues, contributing to the advancement of ethical practices.

Human Rights Advocate: 

  • Many graduates focus on advocating for the rights of vulnerable populations, including refugees and migrants.

Academic Educator: 

  • Some graduates become educators, teaching bioethics, humanitarian studies, and related topics at universities and colleges.

NGO Program Coordinator: 

  • Graduates can lead or coordinate programs that address health and humanitarian issues.

Legal Advisor: 

  • Some graduates work as legal experts, addressing legal and ethical considerations in healthcare and humanitarian contexts.

Bioethics Committee Member: 

  • Graduates can serve on institutional review boards or bioethics committees to evaluate research protocols and ethical dilemmas.

Medical Mission Coordinator: 

  • Many graduates coordinate medical missions and humanitarian projects, ensuring ethical practices in healthcare delivery.


Bioethics and Humanitarian Studies graduates contribute to ethical decision-making, the protection of human rights, and the improvement of healthcare and humanitarian practices. Their expertise is vital for promoting ethical conduct in medical and humanitarian fields while addressing the unique challenges of our interconnected world.

Supervisor(s)

Fees

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