The objective of the Intensive Licentiate in Bioethics is to obtain an in-depth knowledge of this specialty. This interdisciplinary program enables the training of professionals in bioethics, mainly among health personnel, pastoral agents, educators, communicators, jurists, and philosophers. The teachings, in full conformity with the Magisterium of the Catholic Church, are aimed at increasing and fostering the dissemination of the culture of life and Personalist Bioethics. To this end, publications, congresses, events, and interventions are promoted through social communication media with a program easily compatible with students’ work and personal commitments.

Learn more about the 2024-2025 curriculum (in Italian)

Target Audience

 The course is aimed at anyone interested in obtaining a deeper knowledge of bioethics, integrating it with research and teaching, and contributing to disseminating this discipline. It is also recommended for those wishing to develop individual and group counseling and communication skills in the field.

Objectives

The objective of the second cycle is to obtain a precise knowledge of the epistemological status of Bioethics and its history, as well as a detailed understanding of the different schools of thought. The lectures and debates with professors promote the acquisition and the competent use of the necessary knowledge of the various subjects. The second cycle also allows students to acquire skills useful for research, teaching, and identifying new bioethical challenges.

The second cycle degree can be obtained by students who:

• Have acquired knowledge relating to the specific contents of Bioethics.
• Have demonstrated the ability to understand these contents in an organic and interdisciplinary way.
• Have demonstrated the ability to identify bioethical problems.
• Have demonstrated the ability to identify the different aspects (cf. first cycle, 1) inherent to such issues.
• Have demonstrated the ability to offer a reasoned judgment/solution to these issues in harmony with the Magisterium of the Church.
• Have demonstrated the ability to communicate, at a scientific level, issues (information, ideas, problems, and solutions…) relevant to Bioethics.
• Have demonstrated a good knowledge of the English language.
• Have acquired the necessary skills for teaching, research, and consultancy in Bioethics and to be part of different types of institutions.
• Are in a position to enter the third cycle.

Admission requirements

1. Degree: Admission to the second cycle requires a first-cycle course (or equivalent) in Bioethics or a related field in one of the following areas: life and health sciences, philosophy, theology, or law. Any other case must be carefully evaluated by the Dean.
2. Language skills: Students must demonstrate a sufficient knowledge of the Italian language. If this is not evident, they will be required to prove it by presenting a valid certificate or passing an exam proposed by the Athenaeum.

Once admitted to the program, students must complete the curriculum, write a Licentiate thesis on a topic related to their field of specialization, and pass an oral examination on the main Works of Bioethics and an oral and written synthesis examination.

Course Format

The Intensive Licentiate in Bioethics lasts two years and requires students to attend classes for four intensive weeks per year. During the semester, coinciding with the weekly Licentiate break, students can meet with professors, deepen the content of specific subjects, and take the exams required for the degree.

Learn more about the 2024-2025 curriculum (in Italian)