![]() | Rev. Dr Max Vodola Acting Research Coordinator Email the Acting Research Coordinator |
Research Degrees
The following 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 discipline:
Upon being admitted to one of these degrees the research candidate become a member of the University of Divinity’s School of Graduate Research.
Research students have full borrowing rights at all 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.
Research Units
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Fee Information
Other Grants/funding
HDR students may be eligible to apply for external funding from organisations such as ACTA, ACBA, ANZATS to assist with research expenses, conference participation or publication costs.
HDR Lunches
HDR students and their supervisors are invited four times a year to a luncheon provided by CTC. These events include some research-seminar activities, updates of progress, raising of issues and sharing of experiences and challenges. This is a valuable collegial event. For dates please see the Research Calendar.
University of Divinity Research Conference
The University of Divinity Research Conference is an annual gathering of faculty and HDR students providing attendees with an opportunity of presenting a short presentation of current research. For more information see the UDiv Website. 2020 Date: Wednesday 3 June 10.00am – 4.00pm
Thesis Boot Camp
The Research Office organises three thesis bootcamps a year. A Thesis Bootcamp is a two-day intensive writing program in a supportive and productive environment, involving research students from all Colleges of the University. CTC encourages participation in more than one of these bootcamps.
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.
School of Graduate Research
University of Divinity’s School of Graduate Research (SGR) has a long tradition of research excellence, and produces world-class research in all theological disciplines. The University actively fosters a vibrant research culture through publications, conferences, seminars, visiting scholars, four higher degrees by research (HDR), and a research methodology unit for current and prospective HDR students. Research may be defined as creative work that is undertaken on a systematic basis in order to increase our theoretical and/or practical knowledge and to apply knowledge in new ways. Research degrees are undertaken under supervision of two appropriately accredited supervisors, one of whom must be a research active faculty member of the University of Divinity.
Typical Study Paths

Research Process
Application and Admission
- Contact Research Coordinator
- Contact supervisors
- Complete and submit Admission Form with appropriate documentation to the Research Coordinator
- Application considered by University of Divinity Research Committee
- University of Divinity sends student Letter of Offer/Enrolment Summary (if approved)
Confirmation of Candidature
- Complete and submit Panel Request Form and accompanying documents to the Research Coordinator
- Confirmation Panel meets with student and supervisors:
- Confirmation of Candidature / Upgrade of Candidature
- Submission of Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) Application Form (if required)
Progress
- Regular contact with supervisors
- Submit Annual Report Form by 15 November each year (Sections A, B, C)
- Where applicable submit Change of Candidature Form
- Where applicable submit Annual HREC Progress Report or HREC final report
- Participation in approved research seminars/conferences
- Doctoral Students: A short presentation at a research seminar prior to submission of thesis
Examination
- Three months prior to thesis submission, submit the following form:
- Intention to Submit and Nomination of Examiners Form
- Submit:
- Thesis Certification and Submission Form
- Thesis: one digital and two identical paper copies for examination
- Examination period
- Thesis sent to examiners, who report within three months
- Candidate responds to examiners’ recommendations (if required)
- University of Divinity Research Committee informs candidate and supervisors in writing of examination outcome
Thesis Lodgement
Candidate provides the following:
- at least one permanent bound copy and 1 digital copy of completed thesis
- 50-word abstract for conferral ceremony, 150-word abstract for repository, with up to a dozen keywords
- Thesis Confidentiality and Repository Upload Form
Conferral of Degree
Featured Links
Research Flowchart

Recent Research Graduates
2020 Graduates

Daryl Barclay Doctor of Philosophy The Multivalent Moment in Jean Pierre de Caussade’s L’abandon à la Providence divine and Virginia Woolf ’s Mrs. Dalloway | Rina Madden Doctor of Philosophy Living Between: Exploring a Framework of Spirituality for Students and Teachers in Catholic Schools |
2019 Graduates

Giuseppe Capuana Master of Philosophy Rethinking the Western Non-interpolations: A Case for Luke Re-editing His Gospel | Ruth Fowler Master of Theology (Research) Recovering Obedience in the Spiritual Path | Christopher Ryan Doctor of Philosophy The Baptismal Catechumenate as a Source for Youth Ministry in a Secular Age |