Master of Philosophy
Master of Philosophy
The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) is an AQF level 9 award. It meets the specifications for a Master’s Degree (Research) set by the Australian Qualifications Framework. It provides an opportunity to pursue advanced study in a theologically related area by research at a high academic level. It is designed for…
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COURSE DESCRIPTION
The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) is an AQF level 9 award. It meets the specifications for a Master’s Degree (Research) set by the Australian Qualifications Framework. It provides an opportunity to pursue advanced study in a theologically related area by research at a high academic level. It is designed for those who seek to further their study in such an area, including interdisciplinary study, for academic, vocational, professional and/or personal reasons. It also offers research training that would support research at doctoral level.
The Master of Philosophy is undertaken by research and thesis alone. It provides the opportunity for candidates to embark on a significant piece of research, which investigates a theologically related topic in a systematic and comprehensive manner that is not available in coursework programs.
Structure
The Master of Philosophy is an entirely research-based degree, resulting in a thesis of 30,000 words maximum, including footnotes/endnotes but excluding bibliography and appendices, under the direction of a supervisor and an associate supervisor.
Compulsory participation in the Research Degree Workshop and eight Research Seminars is also required of the candidate.
Some thesis topics may require competence in ancient and/or modern foreign languages or other relevant areas of knowledge.
Outcomes
Knowledge
an advanced and integrated understanding of a complex body of knowledge in one or more theologically related disciplines or areas of practice, including recent developments in the discipline or area
advanced knowledge of pertinent research principles and methods applicable to the area
Skills
Expert and specialised cognitive, technical and creative skills in the field of research, so that they are able independently to:
analyse critically, reflect on and synthesise complex information, problems, abstract concepts and theories associated with the field of research
research, evaluate and apply established theories to the focal areas of knowledge or practice, using the English language competently and effectively for the purpose
design or adapt research methods appropriate to the research area
interpret and transmit knowledge, skills and ideas through coherent and sustained argument concerning the research area to specialist and non-specialist audiences
make a fresh contribution to knowledge in the research area
REQUIREMENTS
Admission to the Master of Philosophy requires:
Satisfactory completion of a Bachelor (Hons) degree or equivalent with results at Class II, Division 1, from the Sydney College of Divinity or an equivalent institution; OR
Satisfactory completion of a Graduate Diploma with a GPA of 3+ and one 18 cp research unit at Distinction level from the Sydney College of Divinity or an equivalent institution; OR
Qualifications deemed by the College to be equivalent to those above.
In all cases, the prior studies should include sufficient preparation to undertake the proposed research in a theologically related area.
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.
