Research

The University of Divinity offers two research units.

The University of Divinity offers two higher degrees by research.

• Prospective students apply directly to the College for admission. Every applicant is considered on an individual basis.
• University of Divinity Exchange Students enrol through their home college.
• University of Divinity Enrolment Policy

CTC reserves the right to use its discretion in accepting applications for enrolment, in accordance with the University of Divinity Admissions Policy.

Contact your Course Advisor: Rev. Dr Max Vodola, Research Coordinator to begin the application process.

View the Research Process and Research Flowchart before you begin.

Enrolment Schedule

Enrolment Process

Step 1: Arrange for an Interview

Contact the Research Coordinator to arrange an appointment.

Step 2: Bring to the Interview

• Proof of Citizenship (e.g. Birth Certificate or Passport)
• Academic/VCE transcripts
• Evidence of any Change of Name (if applicable)
• IELTS results (Overseas students only)
• Visa information (Overseas students only)
• Sponsor Statement (if third party is paying your tuition fees)
• Digital Headshot (for student records/ID card)

Step 3: Interview (currently by zoom)

• Discuss your proposal with the Research Coordinator
• Complete the HDR Application form

Step 4: Receive from the SGR or CTC

• Confirmation letter (by email)
• Student card (either in person or by post, when enrolment has been processed)

Step 5: Orientation

Attend one of our orientation sessions.

This informal gathering provides an opportunity for new students to meet staff and become acquainted with the teaching and student facilities at CTC.
It includes a welcome from the Master of the College, an overview of study at CTC from the Academic Dean, a summary of student life from a current student, and a tour of the College and the Mannix Library.

• Semester 1 2022: To Be Advised
• Semester 2 2022: To Be Advised

Payment

Payment must be arranged at time of enrolment. For more information see the Fees page.

February

• 5 Friday: UD Research Grants due (1 of 3)
• 12 Friday: 1pm: Staff/Postgraduate Seminar: Dr Rosemary Canavan
• 14 Sunday: HREC Applications due
• 20 Tuesday: Orientation: 7pm: Online via zoom
• 26 Friday: Opening Mass: Sacred Heart Church, Carlton

March

• 8 Monday: Labour Day (CTC Open)
• 9 Tuesday: Minor Thesis Forms due to CTC
• 12 Friday: 1pm: Staff/Postgraduate Seminar: Dr Denise Goodwin
• 16 Tuesday: Census Date
• 19 Friday: 7.30pm: Melbourne Graduation Ceremony: St Patrick’s Cathedral, East Melbourne

April

• 4 Sunday: Easter Sunday (CTC closed)
• 15 Thursday: Research Scholarship Applications due
• 15 Thursday: Domestic Application Forms due for Semester 2, 2021
• 15 Thursday: Overseas Application Forms due for Semester 1, 2022
• 25 Sunday: ANZAC Day (CTC closed)

May

• 7 Friday: 1pm: Staff/Postgraduate Seminar: Assoc. Prof. Adam Cooper
• 14 Friday: 1.00pm: HDR Students Meeting via face-to-face or zoom
• 14 Friday: UD Research Grants Applications due
• 21 Friday: 11am: Philosophy Discipline Seminar
• 24 May – 4 June: HDR Confirmation Period

June

• 2 – 3 June: 9.30am – 4pm: UD Research Conference:
• 3 Thursday: 6pm: College Mass and Reception: Replacement date to be advised
• 14 Monday: Queen’s Birthday (CTC closed)
• 27 Sunday: HREC Applications due

July

• 22 Thursday: 7pm: Orientation: Online via Zoom

August

• 6 Friday: 1pm: Staff/Postgraduate Seminar: Rev. Dr Kris Sonek OP
• 10 Tuesday: Minor Thesis Forms due to CTC
• 13 Friday: 1pm: HDR Students Meeting via zoom
• 17 Tuesday: Census Date
• 20 Friday: 11am: Philosophy Discipline Seminar

September

• 3 Friday: UD Research Grants Applications due
• 24 Friday: Grand Final Eve (CTC closed)

October

• 8 Friday: 1pm: Staff/Postgraduate Seminar: Rev. Dr Chris Mulherin
• 15 Friday: 1pm: HDR Students Meeting via zoom
• 24 Sunday: HREC Applications due
• 25 October – 5 November: HDR Confirmation Period

November

• TBA: Open Day Information Sessions: online via zoom
• 5 Friday: 5.30pm: End of Year Mass: Location To Be Advised
• 15 Monday:
  • HDR Annual Reports due
  • Research Scholarship Applications due
  • Domestic Application Forms due for Semester 1, 2022
  • Overseas Application Forms due for Semester 2, 2022

December

• 3 Friday: 7.30pm: Adelaide Graduation Ceremony: Immanuel College Chapel, 32 Morphett Road, Novar Gardens, South Australia

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 you 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.

Researcher Training
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.

The School of Graduate Research organises three thesis bootcamps a year. A Thesis Bootcamp is a two-day intensive Keeping yourself motivated to write can be a challenge. The SGR organises writing events throughout the year. Thesis bootcamps run over two days and provide the space and motivation for a period of concentrated writing. “Shut up and Write” sessions are only 2-3 hours at a time but run on a more regular basis.

Supervision Resource from Assoc Prof. Liz Boase.

Kumar, S., Kumar, V. & Taylor, S. (2020) A Guide to Online Supervision. UK Council for Graduate Education. Available on-line.
As I converse with candidates, I note that student experiences with supervision do vary across the University. There is a considerable body of research that supports a correlation between supervision and good outcomes for candidates, demonstrating that students thrive best when they meet with supervisors regularly (at least monthly). Regular meetings provide opportunities for discussion about ideas, future research direction, problem solving, and support. In this way the focus is on the student and their needs and not solely on written work. There is, after all, much more to developing effective researchers than providing comments on their writing (although that too is important).

Study and Mentoring Program offered by the Good Samaritan Sisters

Research News on Vox

Dr Barbara Deutschmann

Dr Barbara Deutschmann graduated with a PhD in 2020. Her thesis is a literary study of the female-male pair in the non-P creation narrative (Gen 2:4a–3:24).

“The University of Divinity offered a breadth of Christian tradition that I knew would stretch and challenge me. The interdenominational strength of the university encompassed a wider variety of approaches to Christian formation than the evangelical tradition in which I had come to faith.”

John O’Connor

John O’Connor graduated with a Master of Theology (Research) in 2020. His thesis is an exegesis of Luke’s Parable of the Persistent Widow: Luke 18:1–8 in context.

“In contrast to what some feminist scholars claim, that Luke in his Gospel portrays women in somewhat negative and passive light, especially in lacking leadership and discipleship roles, my research attempts to explain and argue the case for an alternative perspective.”

Rev Dr Richard Wilson

Rev Dr Richard Wilson graduated with a PhD in 2020. His thesis examined the institutional church in Australia’s influence on public policy formation, especially in economics, finance and business.

“I chose the University of Divinity because it specialises in theological research, appropriate to my specialisation in public theology. In particular, I wanted to retain my long association (since 2002) with Trinity College Theological School, which has nurtured my development as a theologian.”