Research degrees are open to graduates of at least four years of full-time tertiary study, including at least one year of study in theology or an associated disciplines. Upon being admitted to one of these degrees the research candidate becomes a member of the University of Divinity’s School of Graduate Research (SGR). Research students have full borrowing rights at most of the libraries of the University of Divinity, and are supported by a regular program of research activities, where they have the opportunity to meet with other research students, and to discuss the progress of their own work.
Courses
The University of Divinity offers the following higher degrees by research.
2024 Research Graduates
Dr Diana McKinley
Title Give Them Churches: An Analysis of the Importance of the 1836 Church Act
Abstract The 1836 NSW and 1853 Victorian Church Acts paid subsidies to build churches and minister’s dwellings and pay stipends to ministers. Over 1 million pounds sterling was paid to the Victorian government to subsidise the building of over 544 churches. The Church Acts enabled Christianity to be established in the new Colony of Victoria.
Dr Jeanette Sullivan
Title Did God not choose the poor? (James 2:5): A Preferential Option
Abstract Encapsulated in the question, Did God not choose the poor? (James 2:5), an analysis of the letter of James underscores the development of the theological imperative of the preferential option for the poor in Catholic social teaching from Leo XIII’s 1891 encyclical Rerum Novarum to the present day.
Information for Research Students
Please logon to ARK to access the following:
- CTC Resources on ARK
- HDR Resources on ARK
Study Carrels
A number of lockable study carrels are available in the Mannix Library for use by research students. Allocations are made at the beginning of each year. Applications should be made to the Deputy Master by the end of November.
Researcher Support
Supervision
Each HDR candidate works with at least two supervisors, a primary supervisor and an associate supervisor. The role of the supervisor is to support, guide, and encourage you in your work, as well as give you feedback on your writing. As you develop as a researcher, the relationship between the HDR candidate and the supervisor undergoes subtle changes as you become the expert in your field of research.
Training Opportunities
The SGR offers several different training opportunities, and we are continuing to develop this program. The aim of training is to equip you with the skills you need to compete your dissertation, but also to prepare you for life after completion. Areas covered include general orientation to the research environment, opportunities to participate in research methodologies units, training for the first major milestone—the confirmation panel, academic writing skills development, workshops on presenting and publishing your research and planning your career.
Research Seminars and Conferences
CTC and the University of Divinity run regular research seminars and conferences. Engaging with other researchers and scholars, listening to their work, and presenting your own, helps to develop critical thinking and engagement, and broadens your knowledge of a breadth of disciplines and research. It is another way of building community.
See key research dates above.
