MASTER OF HEALTH RESEARCH ETHICS


Programme Overview

The realm of health research in Malaysia and Southeast Asia has witnessed a remarkable surge in recent years. However, an essential aspect that demands urgent attention is the awareness and understanding of research ethics, especially when it involves human subjects. Insufficient knowledge in this area increases the potential risks and harms faced by research participants. Dedicated to addressing this critical concern, the Universiti Malaya (UM) proudly offers the Master of Health Research Ethics (MOHRE) degree program, developed in collaboration with the esteemed Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics at Johns Hopkins University (JHU).


As the first of its kind in Malaysia and one of the leading programs in Southeast Asia, MOHRE is meticulously tailored to meet the specific needs and challenges within our region. Our program equips graduates with the intellectual acumen and practical skills necessary to navigate the intricate ethical landscapes inherent to international biomedical and social science research. By fostering thoughtfulness and expertise, MOHRE graduates are empowered to engage effectively with a broad range of pressing ethical challenges. Furthermore, their contributions extend to enhancing the effectiveness of research ethics committees, shaping policies, refining training programs, and promoting ethical practices.


We encourage aspiring scholars and professionals to explore the opportunities provided by the Master of Health Research Ethics program at the Universiti Malaya. Together, we can advance the field of research ethics and uphold the highest standards of integrity in health research endeavors. For comprehensive information about the course and available scholarships, we invite you to visit our official website at mohre.um.edu.my.


  • Full-Time Duration: 2 Semesters + 1 Special Semester, (Coursework)

Programme Structure

Core Courses (18 credits)
  1. Research Methods
  2. Foundations of Research Ethics.
  3. Research Ethics in Special Populations.
  4. Responsible Conduct of Research
  5. Ethical Issues in Global Health Research and Clinical Trials
  6. Ethical Issues of Emerging Sciences
  7. Practicum in Health Research Ethics

Elective Courses (6 credits)- 2 only
  1. Good Clinical Practice
  2. Ethics in Animal Research
  3. Healthcare Law and Ethics
  4. Ethics of Science and Technology

Research Courses (9 credits)
  1. Research Project

Career Prospects

Research Ethics Consultant, Health Research Ethics Officer, Clinical Research Ethicist, Ethics Advisor in Global Health Research, Research Ethics Program Manager, Ethics Review Board Member, Compliance Officer in Research Ethics, Ethical Policy Analyst, Healthcare Ethics Specialist, Research Ethics Educator, Good Clinical Practice Trainer, Ethics in Animals Research Specialist, Science and Technology Ethics Consultant, Research Integrity Officer, Ethical Issues Consultant in Emerging Sciences, Healthcare Law and Ethics Consultant, Research Ethics Coordinators, Institutional Review Board (IRB) Administrator, Clinical Trials Ethics Advisor, Ethical Issues Researcher.

Tuition Fee

Local

RM40,100 (Full-Time)

International

RM60,200 (Full-Time)

Intake

Semester 2 (March) Intake, Academic Session 2025/2026

Entry Requirement

General Entry Requirements

For applicants with a CGPA of not less than 3.00:
  • Possess a Bachelor’s Degree with a CGPA of not less than 3.00; or

For applicants with a CGPA of 2.50 – 2.99 (must fulfill at least one of the following):
  • Graduate from University Malaya; or
  • Accumulate at least one (1) year of work experience in related fields; or
  • Produce publications in related field; or
  • Receive a scholarship; or
  • Serve as a staff member of a government agency; or
  • Pass an interview by Faculty; or
  • Pass a Special evaluation by Faculty.

Specific Entry Requirements
  • General University Requirements: Fulfill the General University Requirements
  • Bachelor’s Degree Qualification: Possessed a Bachelor's Degree as below -
    1. Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery or equivalent medical qualification approved by the Senate.
    2. Bachelor of Dental Surgery
    3. Bachelor's Degree in field related to Health, Science and Biology.
    4. Bachelor's Degree in field not related to Health, Science and Biology.
  • Equivalent Qualification: N/A
  • Related Fields: N/A
  • Special Requirements: N/A

English Requirements
  • Malaysia University English Test (MUET): Band 4.0; or
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic: Band 6.0; or
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) – Paper-Based Test (PBT): Not applicable; or
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) – Internet-Based Test (IBT) (Centre-Based): Score 60; or
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) – Computer-Based Test (CBT): Not applicable; or
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) – Essential Online: Score 8.5; or
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic: Score 59; or
  • Cambridge English Qualifications & Tests – Linguaskill Online: Not applicable; or
  • Cambridge English Qualifications & Tests – B1 Preliminary, B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency: Score 169; or
  • Cambridge English Qualifications & Tests – B2 Business Vantage, C1 Business Higher: Not applicable; or
  • Occupational English Test (OET) (Conventional / Online): Not applicable; or
  • Cambridge English: First (FCE): Not applicable; or
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): Not applicable; or
  • Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE): Not applicable