Unit for the Ethics of Technology
Centre for Applied Ethics
MPhil specialisation in AI ethics
This programme is offered every second year. Applications for the 2025 intake are now open.
This MPhil specialisation focuses on ethical issues relating to AI-systems, broadly construed, and will include the design, development, roll-out, and use of AI systems and related technologies. The focus will not only be on the developers and users of these technologies but also on the broader social systems in which they arise and on which they have an impact.
You will receive advanced instruction in ethical theory and the methods of practical applied ethics, aided by case studies. The aim is to integrate theoretical knowledge, critical thinking and real-world decision-making to equip professionals in industry, the public sector, business, non-governmental organisations, academia, and so forth, with the knowledge, skills, and ethical insight needed to address AI-related ethical issues in their fields of expertise.
Programme format
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 2025. Contact sessions are offered on campus, in person. However, in exceptional circumstances, students who are unable to travel to Stellenbosch may participate online. 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. However, we recommend a prior average of at least 70% for the specialisation in AI ethics.