Bachelor of Health Sciences Honours (BHSc Hons) in Bioethics & Health Law

This 1 year fulltime Honours degree in Bioethics & Health Law consists of two parts:

Part 1: Comprises the coursework component, which entails the successful completion of 4 taught courses. This constitutes 50% of the qualification mark.

Part 2: Comprises the research essay component, which consists of research methods and a written research essay. This constitutes 50% of the qualification mark.

Successful completion of the coursework and research essay will lead to the degree (qualification) of Bachelor of Health Sciences Honours (BHSc Hons) in the field of Bioethics and Health Law. Class attendance is compulsory.

Admission Requirements:

For admission into this course a minimum of 70% average in final year courses of your Bachelors degree or highest degree obtained is required to be considered as a student. This does not guarantee a place in the course as numbers are limited.

Closing Date:

Entrance Test Details:

Saturday 31 October 2026 and Saturday 21 November 2026.

2027 UNITS DATES (SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

1. Introduction to Bioethics: February 08, 2027 to February 12, 2027 [full week attendance]
2. Practical and Applied Health Ethics: April 12, 2027 to May 14, 2027 [thrice weekly]
3. Ethics in Research: February 15, 2027, to March 19, 2027 [thrice weekly]
4. Introduction to Health Law: April 05, 2027 to April 09, 2026 [full week attendance]
5. Research Methods: June 07, 2027, to June 11, 2027 [full 2 days attendance]

More info: BHSc Honours Bioethics Brochure 2027.docx

TEACHING VENUE:

Phillip V. Tobias Building, Ground Floor, Canteen Meeting Room 50

Programme Head:

Associate Prof. Cornelius Ewuoso
Tel: +27 11 717 2620
Email: Cornelius.Ewuoso@wits.ac.za

MSc Med (Bioethics and Health Law)

This two year part-time Masters degree in Bioethics & Health Law aims to train excellent graduates who display skill and proficiency in the fields of bioethics and health law. The programme includes foundational and advanced units in bioethics, health law, research ethics, and research methods, as well as a supervised research study. 

Medico-legal issues in clinical contexts, reproductive health, resource allocation, policy and public health, genetics, health rights, environmental bioethics and African values and bioethics are some topics addressed.

Admission Requirements

For admission into this course a minimum of 65% average in final year courses of your highest degree obtained is required to be considered as a student. This does not guarantee a place in the course, as numbers are limited.

Closing Date: 

Entrance Test Details: 

Saturday 31 October 2026 and Saturday 21 November 2026.

2027 UNITS DATES (SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

For 1st Year Students: 

1. Foundations of Bioethics (Mon 8 – Sat 13 February) 
2. Foundations of Health Law (Mon 5 – Fri 9 April) 
3. Advanced Research Ethics (Mon 31 May – Fri 4 June) 
4. Advanced Health Ethics (Mon 19 – Fri 23 July)

*Full attendance of units is compulsory.

Classes commence:  8 February 2027

More info: MSc Bioethics Brochure 2027.pdf

For Returning Students:

For returning students, the Research Methods Unit will run from: 01 February - 05 February 2027

Registration must be completed by the TBC Students must register for:

1. SCMD7005, Research Methods
2. SCMD7000, Research Report

TEACHING VENUE:

Phillip V. Tobias Building, Ground Floor, Canteen Meeting Room 50

Programme Head:

Lizeka Tandwa-Madyibi
Tel: +27 11 717 2663
Email: Lizeka.Tandwa@wits.ac.za

FOR NEW REGISTRATIONS CONTACT:

For More Information on Applications, Registrations and Fees Please contact:

Precillia Sithole
Tel: +27 11 717 2329
Email: Precillia.Sithole@wits.ac.za

FOR RETURNING POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS CONTACT:

For registration processes please contact the Postgraduate Office
Mrs Palesa Khumalo                   
Tel: +27 11 717 2108
Email: Palesa.Khumalo@wits.ac.za
Website: http://www.wits.ac.za/health/faculty-services/research-and-postgraduate-offices/