Doctor of Theology
Doctor of Theology
From its inauguration the Doctor of Theology (ThD) has been used as the ACT’s premier research degree for graduates who are already engaged in the ministerial profession as aspiring teachers in universities and theological colleges in Australia and overseas. The degree is designed to equip men and women as beginning…
Categories
COURSE DESCRIPTION
From its inauguration the Doctor of Theology (ThD) has been used as the ACT’s premier research degree for graduates who are already engaged in the ministerial profession as aspiring teachers in universities and theological colleges in Australia and overseas. The degree is designed to equip men and women as beginning researchers in the traditional fields of theology and provide a qualification recognized by theological and Bible colleges as well as universities for those who teach in these fields.
Course Structure
288 credit points over 3 years (F/T)
Primary Course Discipline
Overall cps: 288
Length: 3 year F/T (6 semesters) or P/T equivalent up to 6 years (12 semesters)
Thesis: 80-100,000 word thesis, excluding bibliography
Learning outcomes:
The degree of Doctor of Theology is the premier research degree of the ACT. It is awarded on the basis of the satisfactory completion of a thesis, though it is also possible that the degree might be awarded on the basis of work(s) published during candidature. The thesis, or portfolio of published works, must constitute a distinct contribution to theological learning and must show evidence of original research and the exercise of independent critical analysis. Although a candidate works under a supervisor, the candidate is expected to demonstrate independence of thought.
The award of the degree may be taken to certify that a candidate has been trained in the techniques relevant to the field of research, and is capable, without supervision, of applying these techniques to other research projects, and has become sufficiently familiar with a significant area of discipline within which the candidate has worked to be able to assess critically the present state of knowledge in the subject and to conceive original possibilities for further investigation with an increasing independence.
The thesis must embody the results of independent scholarship and research. It may be either a critical and analytical study of existing material or, as is more usual, an original contribution to the subject. In either case it must show evidence of originality and independence of thought, posing a new insight into the topic or formulating an existing issue in a novel and useful way.
The candidate must demonstrate that he or she is aware of, understands, and is able to read and analyse the literature, including primary source and scholarly material in languages other than English, that is directly relevant to the topic as well as related areas of significance, and is able to make considered judgments.
In the following domains, Graduates of the Doctor of Theology will be able to:
- Knowledge and understanding
- Inquiry and Analysis
- Problem Solving and Integration
- Research
- Communication
- Teamwork and Professional Practice
- Engagement with the World
- Continuous Learning and Development.
REQUIREMENTS
Academic Qualifications:
MTh, OR
BTh/BMin Hons, with at least Upper Second Class Honours and at least a Distinction in the thesis, OR
BTh or BMin plus a Graduate Diploma with embedded RTP, with satisfactory completion of Research Methods, an overall GPA>=3.0 and >=Distinction in a major project of at least 12,000 words, OR
BTh or BMin plus a Coursework Masters (such as MA(Th/Min) or MTS) with embedded RTP, with satisfactory completion of Research Methods, an overall GPA>=3.0 and >=Distinction in a major project of at least 12,000 words in FoR, OR
MDiv or MMin with embedded RTP, with satisfactory completion of Research Methods, an overall GPA>=3.0 and >= Distinction in a major project of at least 12,000 words in FoR, OR
MDiv or MMin plus a Coursework Masters (such as MA(Th/Min) or MTS) with embedded RTP, with satisfactory completion of Research Methods, an overall GPA>=3.0 and >=Distinction in a major project of at least 12,000 words in FoR, OR
MTS, MA(ChrStuds) or MML with embedded RTP, with satisfactory completion of Research Methods, an overall GPA>=3.0 and >=Credit in a major project of at least 12,000 words,
OR
Theological and non-theological qualifications deemed by the Research and Research Studies Committee to provide a suitable grounding for Doctor of Theology study.
RTP = Research Training Pathway
FoR = Field of Research
Language Qualifications for NESB: IELTS min 7.5 overall with a min 7.5 in reading and writing, 7.0 in listening and 6.5 in speaking.
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION
The Australian College of Theology (ACT) is Australia’s largest theological education provider with 16 colleges, 34 courses and over 700 units. The ACT offers specialist qualifications in ministry, theology, and Christian studies, ranging from undergraduate diplomas through to doctoral degrees. The Australian College of Theology exists as a partnership between the Anglican Church of Australia and a national network of Bible and theological colleges.
