Ethics and Democracy

Ethics and Democracy at the University of Valencia is a comprehensive postgraduate program designed to explore the fundamental principles and challenges of ethical reasoning and democratic governance in contemporary society. This program aims to equip students with the analytical tools and theoretical frameworks necessary to critically examine moral issues, human rights, social justice, and the functioning of democratic institutions. Throughout the course, students will engage with a wide range of topics, including ethical theories, political philosophy, public ethics, corruption, social inclusion, and the role of civic participation. The curriculum is structured to foster critical thinking, ethical reflection, and an appreciation for diverse perspectives, preparing graduates for active participation in civic life and professional environments where ethical considerations are paramount. Students will benefit from interactive lectures, seminars, case studies, and debates that encourage dialogue and the development of well-founded ethical positions. The program also emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, integrating insights from philosophy, political science, law, and sociology to provide a holistic understanding of issues related to ethics and democracy. Graduates of this program will be well-prepared for careers in public administration, policy making, non-governmental organizations, academia, and other sectors where ethical integrity and democratic values are essential. By fostering a deep understanding of moral challenges and democratic processes, the Ethics and Democracy program at University of Valencia aims to contribute to the formation of responsible citizens and ethical leaders committed to social justice and democratic integrity on both national and international levels.

In order to complete the 60 credits that make up the Master's Degree, students must choose 45 credits between those offered in the 6 optional modules and take the compulsory module "Master's Degree Thesis" (15 credits) in the second term.

Elective subjects

• Bioethics and biopolitics
• Sciences in the contemporary world from an ethical perspective
• Cosmopolitan citizenship and human development
• Corporate communication
• Education for active citizenship
• Education and media
• Ecological ethics
• Business ethics: communication and civil society
• Ethics, politics and religion
• Ethics, rhetoric and politics
• Philosophies of solidarity and human rights
• Critical hermeneutics: from Nietzsche to Ortega y Gasset
• Methods for moral education
• Raison d'état and democracy
• CSR from an ethical perspective
• Critical theory and habermas: Ethics, politics and economy
• Feminist political theory
• Theories of citizenship and of democracy

On a general basis, official master’s degrees are open to holders of any of the following qualifications:

• Official Spanish university degree
• Foreign higher education degree officially recognised as equivalent to an official Spanish university degree
• Degree awarded by a higher education institution that is part of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) which allows access to official master’s degree courses in the country in which it was awarded
• Degree awarded by a higher education institution that is not part of the EHEA. In this case, access is conditional upon the verification that the course of study completed corresponds to a level of education equivalent to an official Spanish university degree and that the qualification obtained would provide admission to an official master’s degree in the country of award. Admission following this process under no circumstances implies the official recognition of the degree or its acceptance for any other purpose except admission to the master’s degree course. The process of verification of equivalence of foreign qualifications is subject to a fee payable at the time of submission of the online pre-enrolment form which amounts to €155.22.

The Master’s Degree porgramme is aimed at a wide range of graduates in philosophy, human studies, economy, business administration, political sciences, sociology, communication, education sciences, psychology, medicine, nursery and health sciences, but also to professional and social agents so that they can complete their training in the field of Ethics and Political Philosophy, and develop research in the doctoral programme. This cross-disciplinary character has been very positive for the student’s training and research objectives as well as for their incorporation to the labor world

The selection criteria are as follows:
Curriculum Vitae, which will compromise 80% of the final mark.
The following aspects will be taken into account:
1. Academic report, up to 40 points.
2. Professional experience up to 20 points.
3. Workshops and seminars the student has attended, attendance to congresses, training courses, publications, stayings in other universities (Erasmus Programmes), etc., up to 30 points.
4. Knowledge of languages of scientific interest, up to 10 points.
- Personal interview, which will compromise 20% of the final mark.

The financing options for the Master’s Degree in Ethics and Democracy at the University of Valencia include several pathways designed to facilitate access and alleviate financial burdens for students. Students can benefit from a variety of scholarships and grants offered both by the university and external entities. The University of Valencia provides scholarships that encompass tuition fee discounts, living expense support, and research grants, which are primarily aimed at students demonstrating academic excellence or those in economic need. These scholarships are typically awarded based on academic transcripts, socio-economic background, and specific criteria established by the scholarship programs.

In addition to university-provided financial aid, students are encouraged to seek funding through government programs such as regional, national, or European Union grants. The Spanish Ministry of Education and Vocational Training offers various scholarships and grants for postgraduate students, which can cover tuition fees, travel expenses, and personal costs. European funding sources such as Erasmus+ programs also support mobility and exchange opportunities that can offset costs associated with studying abroad or participating in international projects related to ethics and democracy.

Most students finance their studies through a combination of personal savings, family support, and external scholarships. The university’s financial services provide guidance on applying for financial aid and planning budgets for the duration of the program. Payment plans are typically flexible, allowing students to pay tuition fees in installments over the academic year, thus easing the financial burden.

For international students, additional financing options may include private loans from banking institutions or financing companies that offer education-specific loan products. These loans usually require proof of acceptance to the program and may have specific interest rates and repayment terms.

To be eligible for certain scholarships and financial aid, students must meet specific academic and socio-economic criteria, with application procedures usually involving submission of supporting documents and official applications within set deadlines. The University of Valencia actively promotes financial aid awareness and encourages students to explore all available funding sources early in their academic planning.

In summary, the financing studies for the Ethics and Democracy Master’s Degree at the University of Valencia are supported through a comprehensive system of scholarships, government grants, university financial aid, and personal funding strategies. This multi-faceted approach aims to make postgraduate education accessible to a diverse range of students, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder academic pursuits in the fields of ethics and democracy.

Competencies

• CB1: Students can apply the knowledge acquired and their ability to solve problems in new or unfamiliar environments within broader (or multidisciplinary) contexts related to their field of study.
• CB2: Students are able to integrate knowledge and handle the complexity of formulating judgments based on information that, while being incomplete or limited, includes reflection on social and ethical responsibilities linked to the application of their knowledge and judgments.
• CB3: Students can communicate their conclusions, and the knowledge and rationale underpinning these, to specialist and non-specialist audiences, clearly and unambiguously.
• CB4: Students have the learning skills that will allow them to continue studying in a way that will be largely self-directed or autonomous.
• CB5: Students have the knowledge and understanding that provide a basis or an opportunity for originality in developing and/or applying ideas, often within a research context.