Doctor of Ministry
Doctor of Ministry
The Doctor of Ministry is a research degree in a theologically related area. It is expected that the candidate in pursuing his or her research with independence and intellectual freedom will make an incisive, original, and substantial contribution to the discipline(s) pursued, but with a special emphasis on the ministry…
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COURSE DESCRIPTION
The Doctor of Ministry is a research degree in a theologically related area. It is expected that the candidate in pursuing his or her research with independence and intellectual freedom will make an incisive, original, and substantial contribution to the discipline(s) pursued, but with a special emphasis on the ministry outputs of the research. This will result in a written thesis that will contribute to the advancement of academic knowledge, methodologies, and skills associated with the area of theological study undertaken by the researcher. In this degree there is a special concentration upon the practical outcomes of the ministry area investigated in the thesis. Last, the opportunity also exists to do a Doctorate of Ministry by Creative Project. Here a candidate submits for examination a thesis and a creative project (i.e. a theatrical, dance or musical performance; an exhibition of visual arts; a film; a DVD or CD; software programme, etc.).
There are two pathways to the Doctor of Ministry, the DMin by New Thesis, and the DMin by course work Thesis.
The Doctor of Ministry (DMin) is an AQF level 10 research doctoral award. It meets the specifications for a Doctoral Degree (Professional) set by the Australian Qualifications Framework.
Structure
The DMin by New Thesis is by coursework (20%) and research (80%).
Coursework Component
Two core 18 credit point units each, to be completed with at least a High Credit average before proceeding to the research requirements.
The two units are:
R10001 Pastoral and Practical Theology: Hermeneutics and Methodological Paradigms
R10002 Research Settings in Pastoral and Practical Theology
Research Component
Research and thesis of 60,000 words maximum including footnotes/endnotes but excluding bibliography and appendices, under the direction of a supervisor and associate supervisor.
Compulsory participation in the Research Degree Workshop and the Research Seminars is required of candidates.
Some thesis topics may require competence in ancient and/or modern foreign languages or other relevant areas of knowledge such as statistics.
Outcomes
Knowledge
systematic and critical understanding of the chosen area of Christian Life and Ministry
mastery of a substantial body of knowledge at the frontier of knowledge in the field, including knowledge that constitutes an original contribution
expert understanding of theories pertaining to the field
substantial knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to the field
Skills
expert and specialised cognitive, creative, and technical skills in the field of research, so that they are able independently and authoritatively to:
critically evaluate existing knowledge and ideas pertaining to the field of research
systematically investigate and integrate other information potentially relevant to that field including potentially relevant theories
demonstrate and apply theoretical understanding of the field
develop or adapt research methodologies to extend existing understanding of the field
generate original knowledge in the field
communicate results of research cogently and appropriately to specialist and non-specialist audiences, using the English language competently and effectively for the purpose
REQUIREMENTS
The Sydney College of Divinity may admit to candidature in the DMin those persons who have attained:
A Bachelor (Hons) degree or equivalent with results at Class II from the Sydney College of Divinity or an equivalent institution; OR
A Graduate Diploma with a GPA of 2.8+ and one 18 cp research unit at High Credit level from the Sydney College of Divinity or an equivalent institution; OR
Qualifications deemed by the College to be equivalent to or higher than those above.
Candidates should have at least four years’ full-time or equivalent part-time certified experience in ministry.
English Language Requirements
Applicants whose entry qualifications were obtained in an institution where English is not the language of instruction normally require a minimum IELTS (or equivalent) overall score of at least 7.0 with no subtest below 7.0.
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION
Formed in 1983, the Sydney College of Divinity is a consortium of theological colleges in Sydney. The College awards undergraduate, postgraduate and research programs. Undergraduate programs and diplomas are offered in the fields of Theology, Arts and Divinity. Research programs are offered in Theology, Ministry, Arts and Philosophy. The College is located in Sydney, New South Wales.
