MA Ethics is a 2-year postgraduate program that trains students to think critically about moral values, justice, and ethical frameworks in personal, societal, and global contexts. From bioethics to environmental justice, corporate conduct to human rights, this course is designed for anyone interested in diving deeper and challenging the “why” behind everything we do and thus helping create a more principled world.
This is a graduate-level program, meaning you can complete it after any bachelor’s degree (BA, BCom, BSc, BBA, etc.). Institutes take CAT/XAT/GMAT or a minimum of 50% aggregate marks as the minimum eligibility. Some of them conduct their own entrance test or accept the national level score.
The course fees range anywhere between INR 2,500 – 2,00,000 for the entire duration. Among India’s premier research universities, known as the Indian institutes of higher education, are the University of Hyderabad (UoH), Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), and Panjab University.
Some of the career paths a person can have are lecturers, research associates, ethics consultants, and much more. Basic Salaries range from INR 4–6 LPA and can rise further depending on the company and skills.
Table of Contents
MA Ethics Key Highlights
Here are some of the basic key highlights for the MA Ethics course:
What is MA Ethics?
MA in Ethics is a course that develops reasoning skills, analytical depth, and ethical sensitivity among students. It’s truly bringing philosophy down to earth, giving students the opportunity to learn so much more about justice, human rights, equality, fairness, and so on.
It’s the perfect place for inquisitive minds. The students who ask why the grass is green and why the world works the way that it does. If you’re a curious changemaker who’s always asking what’s behind the rules, the structures, the policies, or the funding decisions, this course is made for you.
Also read about MA in Mass Communication and Journalism
Why Study MA Ethics?
If you’re someone who constantly asks "what’s right?" or "what’s just?"—this course might be for you. Here’s why:
- It allows you to cultivate a critical and reflective global mindset, more important than ever for engaging with today’s messy moral ecosystems.
- The program’s relevance cuts across sectors, whether you’re in law, education, public policy, NGOs, CSR, tech, or health.
- Its part philosophy and part practical application. Ethics is not only taught, it’s questioned and practiced on the field projects, in discussions, in case critiques.
- The course pushes you to build empathy, articulate your ideas, and engage in deeply meaningful discourse.
Who Should Study MA Ethics?
Given below are some of the points on who should consider pursuing this course. Let’s have a look at it:
- Candidates who are passionate about justice, rights, and moral values
- Come from any academic background (arts, science, commerce, law, etc.)
- Want to work in education, human rights, policy, or corporate responsibility
- Aspire to teach, research, or consult in ethical decision-making fields
MA Ethics Eligibility Criteria
Given below is the detailed eligibility criteria for the MA Ethics program. Eligibility requirements are fairly consistent across colleges:
- The student must have completed a bachelor's degree from a recognized university with a minimum of 45-50% marks
- Admission to this course is based on the entrance scores of the candidate such as CUET PG.
MA Ethics Entrance Exams 2025
While several universities offer direct admission based on merit, a few may require an entrance exam or internal screening process. Here are a few known admission formats:
MA Ethics Colleges in India
Below are some of the colleges that provide the MA Ethics Program in India. Let’s have a look at them:
MA Ethics Admission Process 2025
Most colleges follow a similar admission process, but if you’re applying to the University of Hyderabad (UoH), here’s exactly how it works. From checking dates to joining the classroom, this is what you’ll need to do:
Step 1: Start by visiting the university’s official website and exploring the PG Admissions section. There, you’ll find key dates, the brochure, and entrance exam details.
Step 2: Create your account on the admission portal and fill out the form. You’ll need to upload documents like your mark sheets, ID proof, and a passport-size photo. The application fee can be paid online.
Step 3: The University of Hyderabad has its own entrance exam for the MA Philosophy. The paper usually includes questions on logic, ethics, and reasoning. Even if you haven’t studied philosophy before, basic critical thinking skills will help you do well.
Step 4: Once the results are out, shortlisted candidates are listed on the official site. If your name is there, accept the admission offer and pay the semester fee to secure your seat.
Step 5: Make the required fee payment before the last date to secure your spot. After your payment is completed, you will be officially admitted!
Documents Required:
- UG Marksheet and Degree Certificate
- Government-issued ID
- Passport-size photos
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Category Certificate (if applicable)
MA Ethics Syllabus
The MA in Ethics is a specialised study in the field of Philosophy and can also be called MA in Philosophy. The MA Ethics is divided into 4 semesters spanning a total of 2 years. Given below is the MA Ethics syllabus for your reference, followed by the University of Hyderabad:
MA Ethics Job Opportunities in India
After completing MA in Ethics program, candidate can pursue from various job profiles, many career opportunities come knocking the door. Given below are some of the famous Job roles along with their average salary.
MA Ethics FAQs
Do I need to be good at writing or public speaking for MA Ethics course?
Being able to express your ideas clearly is a big part of studying ethics. You don’t need to be perfect, but expect to improve your essay writing, argumentation, and presentation skills. It’s a course that values your voice, especially when used to explain complex ethical issues in simple terms
Do I need to read a lot of difficult philosophical texts for MA Ethics?
You will read classic and modern thinkers, but you won’t be thrown into it blindly. Most courses, especially in the first semester, break down these texts and help you build the skills to understand them. Professors usually guide discussions so that even newcomers to philosophy can follow and contribute meaningfully.
Will this course help me in civil services or law school prep?
Ethics builds your analytical skills, argument structure, and awareness of social issues—all of which are useful for UPSC mains (especially ethics paper GS IV), law entrance exams, and even interviews. Some students treat this as a complementary degree while preparing for competitive exams.
Can I pursue a PhD after this?
Definitely. If you're interested in deep academic work, this MA prepares you well for a doctoral degree in philosophy, applied ethics, political theory, or public policy—especially if you build a strong research portfolio during your postgrad years.