The yearbook entries for the various programmes can be found at the bottom of this page.
Postgraduate Programs in Applied Ethics
The Department of Philosophy, through its Centre for Applied Ethics, offers, from 1 January 2012, three postgraduate programmes in Applied Ethics. These are the Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Ethics (a one year program), the MPhil in Applied Ethics (with specialisation in either biomedical, business or envioronmental ethics; also a one year program) and the PhD in Applied Ethics ( a two year program).
1. The Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Ethics
This programme replaces the first year of the two year MPhil (Applied Ethics) that was offered from 1996-2011. It is a one-year programme that consists of two two-week lecture series (the first at the end of January and the second at the end of July), as well as assignments and preparation for exams that students do on their own. It is only necessary to visit Stellenbosch for the two lectures series (in total, a period of four weeks).
The programme is offered biannually from 2012. It offers a thorough introduction into philosophy and (applied) ethics, including a module on recent trends in moral theorising and one on the methodology of case studies (see Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Ethics [PGD in Applied Ethics] for more information about the course content). The programme is assessed by means of a number of assignments and exams. Attendance of the two lecture series is compulsory.
In order to qualify for admission to this diploma, a bachelor's degree from a recognized university is required, as well as an average mark of 60% for the courses done in that degree. Students who attain the PGD in Applied Ethics with an average mark of 60% would normally qualify for admission to the MPhil (Applied Ethics) Programme of the Department and Centre.
2. The Masters of Philosophy [MPhil)] Program in Applied Ethics
The programme replaces the second year of the two year MPhil (Applied Ethics) Programme that was offered from 1996-2011. It is a one-year programme that has two lecture series of a week each (the first at the end of January and the second at the end of July). Students are assessed by means of a number of assignments as well as a thesis that counts 50% of the final mark and is externally evaluated. Attendance of the two lecture series is compulsory. The programme is offered biannually, and the next intake is in 2013. The programme will be more intensively advertised in the course of 2012.
Students who register for this programme specialise in one of three directions: biomedical ethics, business ethics or environmental ethics. For the course contents of each of these options, view the individual pages of the Centre's three Units (see tab above)
In order to qualify for admission to this programme, a four-year qualification (which includes a degree from a recognised university; a three-year degree plus a postgraduate diploma would be acceptable), and which includes significant training in philosophy and ethics is required. Normally, an average mark of 60% for courses done is also required for admission to this programme. Students could be allowed to the PhD (Philosophy) or the PhD (Applied Ethics) at Stellenbosch University on the basis of attainment of the MPhil (Applied Ethics) with an average mark of 60%.
3. Doctor of Philosophy [PhD] in Applied Ethics
This is a doctoral programme in applied ethics that requires the writing of a doctoral dissertation that is done under the supervision of a senior academic and that is externally evaluated. It is a two-year programme. It is not necessary to reside in Stellenbosch.
To be admitted, a master's degree in philosophy or applied ethics is required, or a master's degree as well as evidence, to the satisfaction of the department, that the candidate has had significant formal training in philosophy and ethics. Candidates need to write an extensive doctoral proposal that has to be accepted by the Faculty Board.
