Doctor of Theology
Doctor of Theology
The Doctor of Theology (ThD) is an AQF level 10 research doctoral award. It meets the specifications for a Doctoral Degree (Research) set by the Australian Qualifications Framework. It provides the opportunity to pursue advanced study in a theological discipline by research at the highest academic level. It is designed…
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COURSE DESCRIPTION
The Doctor of Theology (ThD) is an AQF level 10 research doctoral award. It meets the specifications for a Doctoral Degree (Research) set by the Australian Qualifications Framework. It provides the opportunity to pursue advanced study in a theological discipline by research at the highest academic level. It is designed for those who seek to expand their own understanding and develop new knowledge in theology for academic, vocational, professional and/or personal reasons. It also offers research training and experience that would support an academic or professional career involving research.
The Doctor of Theology is undertaken by research and thesis alone. It provides the opportunity for candidates to embark on a significant, extended piece of research, which investigates a theological topic in a systematic, creative and comprehensive manner that is not available in coursework programs. The research will contribute to knowledge in an original way.
Structure
The Doctor of Theology is an entirely research-based degree, resulting in a thesis of 80,000 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
systematic and critical understanding of the chosen theological research area
mastery of a substantial body of knowledge at the frontier of knowledge in the research area
expert understanding of theories pertaining to the research area
substantial knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to the area
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 research area
systematically investigate and integrate other information potentially relevant to that area, including potentially relevant theories
demonstrate and apply theoretical understanding of that area
develop or adapt research methodologies to extend existing understanding of the area
communicate results of research cogently and appropriately to specialist and non-specialist audiences, using the English language competently and effectively for the purpose
Applications of Knowledge and Skills
As a practitioner or learner in relation to the inter-dependent building up of the church and good of the wider community, ongoing capacity to:
plan and execute a coherent, significant and original piece of research with intellectual independence and authority
generate significant and original knowledge in the research area
contribute expertise to academic discourses in the research area
take initiatives, think creatively and make innovations in new situations and/or undertake further learning
assume full responsibility and accountability for personal outputs
REQUIREMENTS
The Sydney College of Divinity may admit to candidature in the ThD those persons who have attained:
A Bachelor (Hons) degree or equivalent with results at Class II, Division 1, from the Sydney College of Divinity or an equivalent institution; OR
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 or higher than those above.
In all cases, prior studies should include sufficient preparation to undertake the proposed research in a theological discipline.
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.
