Doctor of Philosophy in Theology
Doctor of Philosophy in Theology
The Doctor of Philosophy degree is designed for candidates who have a prior degree in theology or in a field other than theology. The degree is designed to allow candidates whose academic background is in fields other than traditionally related to theology to pursue research in their primary field of…
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COURSE DESCRIPTION
The Doctor of Philosophy degree is designed for candidates who have a prior degree in theology or in a field other than theology.
The degree is designed to allow candidates whose academic background is in fields other than traditionally related to theology to pursue research in their primary field of research and integrate their research with knowledge from various Christian traditional theological disciplines.
The degree will equip men and women as beginning researchers in a broad range of fields of study related to the humanities and social sciences and provide a qualification recognised 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)
- 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 Philosophy (AQF level 10) is a research doctorate equivalent to an Australian University PhD. It is awarded on the basis of the satisfactory completion of a thesis. The thesis must make an original contribution to the relevant field of knowledge, integrating Christian theological perspectives and 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 Philosophy 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 Philosophy 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.
