Centre for Applied Ethics
MPhil in Applied Ethics (Social and Political Ethics)
This programme is offered every second year. Applications for the 2027 intake will open in 2026.
This MPhil specialisation focuses on the intersection of moral philosophy and public life, using philosophical tools to critically engage with urgent social and political ethical questions of our time—both globally and in South Africa. Topics include historical injustice and reparations, ignorance and culpability, collective action and responsibility, migration and xenophobia (among many others). Grounded in ethical theory and philosophical methods, the programme explores how social norms and public policy shape our responses to these complex challenges. You’ll engage with real-world case studies, mostly based in South Africa, and develop the critical tools needed to navigate complex moral questions in contexts of social and political change.
Is this specialisation for me?
The specialisation in social and political ethics is suited to people working in government, law, journalism, politics, the civil service, public enterprises, information technology, the NGO sector, policy institutes or social activism who seek a better understanding of the ethical issues they face in their professional environment. More broadly, the specialisation is suited to anyone who is interested in thinking more deeply and critically about the moral questions we face as individuals and as citizens. The flexible structure of the programme makes it possible to pursue this qualification without interrupting your career.
Programme format
The social and political ethics specialisation consists of 10- 15 units (click on the link below to see for a sample syllabus). The content is revised for each group. For the taught component of the programme, you will participate in two intensive, week-long contact sessions: one week in the first semester and one week in the second semester of 2027. Contact sessions are offered on campus, in person. Apart from participating in the contact sessions, you will be expected to complete a number of coursework assignments plus an exam, and write a thesis of 20 000 to 30 000 words on a research topic of your choice. The coursework and the thesis will each constitute 50% of your final mark.
Admission
To qualify for this specialisation in the MPhil (Applied Ethics) programme, you need the following:
- An Honours degree or a Postgraduate Diploma in Philosophy or Applied Ethics from a recognised university.
- Applicants with a postgraduate qualification in a related field with a substantial ethics component will also be considered.
- A minimum of 65% for the previous degree/diploma, regardless of the field. Realistically, however, we recommend a prior average of at least 70% for the specialisation in social and political ethics.
Inquiries
For more information, please contact Dr Anna Hartford at [email protected]