Public Health Sciences: Bioethics MHSc

Master of Health Science

Admissions have been administratively suspended for 2023-24 intake.

Program Description

The MHSc in Bioethics is a two-year, course-based program with no thesis requirement. It is conducted in modular format to allow high-achieving professionals to earn a master's degree without interrupting their careers. The program's interactive, problem-based learning approach provides students with knowledge and skills that can be applied to a variety of health, health care, and health research contexts. Expert faculty and guest lecturers help students bring theory and practice together to address real-world ethical challenges. Students interested in a research-stream program should consider the Collaborative Specialization in Bioethics.

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Dalla Lana School’s additional admission requirements stated below.

  • Normally, an appropriate bachelor's degree and a recognized degree in one of the health sciences (e.g., MD, BScN, BScOT, BScPT, BSW) or equivalent with a minimum mid-B average in the final year. Applicants from other disciplines are considered on an individual basis.

  • The program favours individuals with outstanding academic credentials and demonstrated evidence of scholarly ability and personal maturity.

  • Potential that the applicant will provide significant bioethics leadership in his or her home institution or local community upon completion of the MHSc in Bioethics.

Program Requirements

  • This course-based program is offered in modular format in 24 two-day Thursday/Friday blocks from September to April, normally over two years; certain international students may complete all coursework in one academic year. The program does not include a distance-learning option.

  • A major paper of publishable quality on a topic of the student's choice.

  • Students must complete 8.5 full-course equivalents (FCEs), including a 1.0 FCE practicum as outlined below.

  • Courses as outlined below.

Program Length

5 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S/F/W)

Time Limit

3 years full-time

Required Courses

Courses are restricted to students officially enrolled in the MHSc in Bioethics and the Collaborative Specialization in Bioethics, except where noted.

Year 1
  • CHL3001Y Core Topics in Bioethics

  • CHL3003Y Empirical Approaches in Bioethics

  • CHL3005H Legal Approaches to Bioethics

  • HAD5771H Resource Allocation Ethics

  • PHL2146Y Topics in Bioethics

Year 2
  • CHL3002Y Teaching Bioethics

  • CHL3004Y Ethics and Health Institutions

  • CHL3006H Writing in Bioethics

  • CHL3008Y0 Applied Learning in Bioethics (practicum)

  • CHL3051H Research Ethics

  • CHL3052H0 Practical Bioethics (capstone course)

0 Course that may continue over a program. The course is graded when completed.