Main Information

SCHOOL OF BIOETHICS
Pontifical Athenaeum Regina Apostolorum
Rome

Why a School of Bioethics?
With the rapid technological progress in biomedical sciences in recent decades, bioethics has become an academic discipline in its own right. Bioethics demands a working knowledge of such diverse areas as medicine, biology, law, philosophy and theology. For this reason a coordinated interdisciplinary approach is necessary.

Whereas specialists in any of these areas can provide helpful input, only those with a global bioethical formation can competently address the complex ethical issues. An academic degree in Bioethics guarantees the expertise for those who wish to work in this field.

Who Should Be Interested in Bioethics?
- Anyone interested in healthcare, defense of human life and the ethical dimensions of biotechnology
- Young people who want to pursue a professional career in bioethics
- Doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers
- Pharmacists
- Priests, religious, catechists and teachers dedicated to proclaiming the “Gospel of Life”
- Lawyers, politicians, legislators, journalists and other professionals dealing with life issues
- Volunteers and all those engaged in the service of those in need: Women in difficulty, the poor, abandoned children, the unborn, the sick, the elderly and disabled persons


The Formative Areas
Given the interdisciplinary character of the bioethics curriculum at Regina Apostolorum and the broad range of its practical applications, studies are structured as follows:

- Introduction to the core subjects of Medicine, Biology, Philosophy, Law and Theology
- General Bioethics: The study of its history and foundational principles
- Specialized Bioethics: Analysis of the principal problems (genetic manipulation, cloning, artificial insemination, fetal diagnosis, organ transplants, euthanasia, environmental issues…)
- Practical exercise: Hospital and clinical visits, first-hand experience by participating in Bioethics committees.

Our Academic Approach
The academic method employed for the study of these areas is characterized by an untiring search for truth founded on sure metaphysical and anthropological principles, solid scholarship and sincere adherence to the Magisterium of the Church.

Job opportunities
- Ethics committees of hospitals, health care facilities, pharmaceutical companies
- Professors, educators and writers of Bioethics
- Bioethics centers
- National and international non-governmental organizations
- Catholic diocesan committees
- Pro Life groups and other organizations dedicated to promoting and defending life issues.

Intensive courses
Weeklong intensive courses are offered four times a year, two in each semester. Students in the different degree programs have the option of participating in these intensive courses and/or the summer courses to earn the necessary credits.


Academic Program

The Degrees
The School of Bioethics offers three degrees: Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorate.
- The Bachelor's degree program lasts two years (four semesters) and offers foundational courses and seminars in five areas: General Bioethics, Medicine, Law, Philosophy and Theology.

- The Master's degree lasts two years (four semesters). Along with further investigation into foundational bioethical principles, students engage in case analysis and applicational research regarding specific bioethical issues.

- The Doctoral degree consists in personal research into a particular bioethical question, and the drafting of a doctoral dissertation which will offer an original contribution to the field.

Other areas of complimentary studies
Other than the Schools of Bioethics, Theology and Philosophy, Regina Apostolorum offers a series of diplomas with specialization in Environmental sciences, Science and Faith, Psychology, Women’s Studies and Humanities. Students enrolled in the School of Bioethics may undertake some of these courses as a part of their formation.

Summer Course
Every year during the first two weeks of July, a monothematic course (65 hours) will be held. The aim is to offer a deeper understanding of specific questions of bioethics in light of the most recent scientific developments and their ethical implications.


Enrollment requirements
For all students
- Admission request
- Letter of recommendation from a priest who knows you
- Certificate of Studies
- Completed registration form
- Photocopy of passport
- Two passport-size photos
- Student Visa (obtainable through local Italian consulate)

For each degree
The Bachelor’s degree
For the Bachelor's program, any student eligible for admission to university studies in his or her home country.
Students who come directly from high school must begin with a propadeutic year as an introduction to university-level study.
The Master’s degree
Admission to the Master's program is open to any student who has satisfactorily completed a Bachelor’s degree in Bioethics or Theology. Likewise, students who have finished the six-year course of philosophical-theological seminary studies can be admitted. At the discretion of the Dean of Bioethics, students who have received sufficient philosophical and theological preparation can be admitted to the Master’s program.
The Doctoral degree
For admission to doctoral studies, students must either have a Master’s degree in Bioethics or in Theology. The Dean may require that those who only have a degree in Theology attend a certain number of courses from the Master’s and/or Bachelor’s program in the areas of Philosophy, General Bioethics and Law.

Diploma in Bioethics and Summer Course
Anyone who has undergone university-level studies can participate in the Diploma program and the summer course.


Testimonies
“What a joy to find a group that cherishes the same aspirations for promoting the dignity of human life.” —Charmaine Graves, Halifax, Canada

“Studies are demanding but rewarding. Along with receiving a great theoretical preparation, we are given insight about ourselves.” —Monika Haas, Linz, Austria

“I liked the idea of studying in Rome. The challenge has brought out the best in me.” —Peter Litchfield, Johnson City, Tennessee, USA

“My pastoral activity demands that I have clear ideas in the bioethics field and I am getting just what I need at Regina Apostolorum.” —Fr Kenneth Sleyman MM, Rochester, New York

“Bioethics at Regina Apostolorum is providing the ideal complement to my medical career.” —Dr. Juan Manuel Estrella, Córdoba, Argentina


Why study in Rome?
Rome: the eternal city—not only is it the center of Catholicism and home to one of the most important artistic patrimonies of humankind, it is also a privileged site of bioethics debate in the Catholic world.

Roman pontifical universities are the vanguard of Catholic thought, where deeper understanding and application to current bioethical problems are constantly sought under the light of the deposit of faith.

The School of Bioethics at Regina Apostolorum, being the first to offer the study of this discipline in the world, offers its students the most selective intellectual debate of bioethics in an international setting which enriches dialog and research.

Residence in Rome allows the combination of the study of bioethics with personal contact with the Holy Father and at the same time putting one in touch with the roots of the Western civilization through its precious artistic treasures.

GETTING TO REGINA APOSTOLORUM
Regina Apostolorum sits on a hill toward the western countryside of Rome. The university is easily accessible by train or bus. Trains arrive and depart every hour from the main train station in Rome called Termini and the ride is thirty minutes to the Aurelia train stop where the university is situated. Along this route is the stop St. Peter’s near the Vatican and the ride from here to the university is only about 5 minutes. There are also several bus routes available to reach the university campus.

SCHOOL OF BIOETHICS
Pontifical Athenaeum Regina Apostolorum
Via degli Aldobrandeschi, 190
00163 Rome
ITALY

Tel: (39) (06) 66.52.78.00
Fax: (39) (06) 66.52.78.14
E-mail: bioethics@upra.org
www.upra.org