Key facts

UNE unit code: SLEM504

*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.

Start
  • Trimester 1 - Online
24/7 online support
  • Yes
Intensive schools
  • Yes
Supervised exam
  • No
Credit points
  • 12

Unit information

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Ethics and professional practice are essential skills in today’s evolving industries. In this unit, you will explore key ethical theories and principles, focusing on the unique challenges that arise in professional contexts. You’ll examine how ethics inform sophisticated decision-making for modern leaders, especially in fast-paced and rapidly changing environments.

Additionally, you will examine the role of professional organisations and codes of conduct in setting ethical standards. Through thoughtful and informed discussions, you’ll engage with the most pressing ethical and professional challenges facing today’s professionals, developing a deeper understanding of how to navigate these complexities.

By the end of this unit, you’ll be equipped with an enhanced awareness of the complexities involved in ethics and professional practice in the contemporary world.

Offerings

For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.

Teaching period
Mode/location
Trimester 1Online

*Offering is subject to availability

Intensive schools

StartFinishDurationAttendanceOfferingsNotes
TBATBA3 daysNon-Mandatory Intensive SchoolAll offeringsDates to be advised

Enrolment rules

Pre-requisites
Candidature in a postgraduate award

Notes

Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.

Unit coordinator(s)

profile photo of Glenn Porter
Glenn PorterAssociate Professor - Faculty of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences and Education; School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. demonstrate an advanced and integrated understanding of major ethical theories and frameworks to analyse and resolve complex moral dilemmas in professional practice;
  2. develop a specialised ability to adapt ethical decision-making to rapidly changing environments, considering new technologies, social norms, and global challenges;
  3. demonstrate an advanced level of professional integrity, accountability, and transparency in various professional settings;
  4. demonstrate an advanced and integrated understanding of cultural diversity and its impact on ethical decision-making, ensuring respectful and inclusive practices in a globalised world; and
  5. apply specialised skills in conflict resolution and negotiation, applying ethical considerations to mediate and resolve disputes in stressful environments.

Assessment information

Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.

TitleMust CompleteWeightOfferingsAssessment Notes
Assessment 1Yes30%All offerings

Two multiple choice quizzes, each fifteen-minutes (approx.).

Assessment 2 - Assurance Task 1Yes40%All offerings

Major Research Project with iterative supervision.

Students must pass both Assurance Tasks in order to pass the unit.

No.Words: 6000 words

Assessment 3 - Assurance Task 2Yes30%All offerings

Twenty-minute (approx.) oral defence of major research project.

Students must pass both Assurance Tasks in order to pass the unit.

No.Words: 1000 - 1500 (equivalent)

Learning resources

Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.

Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.

Leadership: Theory and Practice

ISBN: 9781544397566

Peter G Northouse, Sage 9th 2021

Text refers to: All offerings

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At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.

We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*

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