Graduates of the Doctor of Philosophy:

1. have a substantial body of knowledge at the frontier of a field of work or learning within divinity or one or more of its associated disciplines, including knowledge that constitutes an original contribution to the field
2. have a substantial knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to the field of work or learning
3. have expert cognitive, technical and creative skills to use intellectual independence to think critically, analyse and evaluate existing knowledge and ideas, undertake systematic investigation, reflect on theory and practice to generate original knowledge within divinity or one or more of its associated disciplines, and demonstrate expert understanding of theoretical knowledge and to reflect critically on that theory and its application
4. apply knowledge and skills with intellectual independence, and with responsibility and accountability, to plan and execute an ongoing program of original research, and to understand explicit and implicit ethical considerations to the formulation of a research project
5. have skills to present cogently a complex investigation of originality or original research for external examination against international standards, and to communicate research results to peers and the community.

The course of study for the Doctor of Philosophy by major thesis consists of:

1. Submission of an annual report throughout the duration of candidature.
2. Satisfactory completion of confirmation of candidature.
3. Where relevant, satisfactory completion of requirements of the Human Research Ethics Committee.
4.  Attendance and participation in a minimum of 8 hours of research seminars at the University and either a University Research Conference or a research conference approved by the candidate’s College during each year of candidature. Satisfactory completion of these requirements must be certified by the College on the candidate’s annual report.
5. Presentation of at least one seminar or conference paper of no less than 20 minutes’ duration prior to submission of the thesis.
6. Preparation of a thesis for examination.

PhD candidates present present their research in a thesis of not more 100,000 words which is examined by at least two external examiners.

To be eligible for admission an applicant must satisfy the SGR Committee that he or she has completed one of the following awards at the University of Divinity to the specified standard, or an equivalent award in divinity or its associated disciplines at another higher education provider recognised by the Academic Board to an equivalent standard:

• a Masters by research with a 75% average, or where a mark is not available, examiners’ reports which indicate to the satisfaction of the SGR Committee that the candidate is adequately prepared for doctoral research; or
• a Masters by coursework with a 75% average; or
• a Graduate Diploma with a 75% average; or
• a four year undergraduate degree with Honours with a 75% average.

An applicant must also satisfy the SGR Committee that he or she has completed a research essay or thesis of at least 12,000 words graded at or above 75%. The research essay or thesis may have been completed either within one of the awards listed above or as part of another program of study.

Upon admission, the applicant becomes a member of the School of Graduate Research

• Full-time: 2 years
• Part-time: 8 years

Supervised

• Part-time: $9,804 per annum
• Full-time: 19,608 per annum

Fees are subject to change from year to year.

For more information, please visit the Fees page.

• Research Process
• Doctor of Philosophy on the University of Divinity website
• Regulation
• Higher Degrees by Research Policy

Graduates of the Master of Philosophy:

1. have a body of knowledge in a field of study within divinity or one or more of its associated disciplines that includes the understanding of recent developments within this field
2. apply advanced knowledge and skills to plan and execute a substantial piece of research
3. have cognitive, technical and creative skills to generate and evaluate complex ideas and concepts in a field of study within divinity or one or more of its associated disciplines and to reflect critically on them
4. have cognitive skills in, and mastery of, research principles and methods applicable to the field in which the research has been carried out
5. have skills to present a coherent and sustained argument and to communicate research results to specialist and non-specialist audiences.

The course of study for the Master of Philosophy by major thesis consists of:

1. Satisfactory completion of confirmation of candidature
2. Preparation and submission of a thesis or its equivalent for examination (up to 40,000 words)
3. Satisfactory completion of any requirements of the Human Research Ethics Committee
4. Submission of an annual report throughout the duration of candidature
5. Annual attendance and participation in a minimum of 8 hours of research seminars and conferences
6. Presentation of at least one seminar or conference paper of no less than 20 minutes’ duration once candidature has been confirmed and prior to submission of the thesis

Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

1. Completion of one of the following awards in divinity or its associated disciplines with a 75% average
   • a Master by research degree, or
   • a Master by coursework degree, or
   • Graduate Diploma, or
   • a four year undergraduate degree with Honours
2. Completing of a thesis or equivalent of at least 12,000 words (graded at or above 70%)
3. A research proposal which identifies a research question, proposed methodology and a statement of the contribution to a field of knowledge or professional practice
4. The names of at least two supervisors with relevant expertise who satisfy the requirements of the Higher Degrees by Research Policy and who consent to supervise the thesis.

Applicants may only be admitted by the School of Graduate Research Committee. Meeting minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission.

Upon admission, the applicant becomes a member of the School of Graduate Research

• Full-time: 1.5 years
• Part-time: 4 years

Supervised

• Part-time: $9,804 per annum
• Full-time: 19,608 per annum

Fees are subject to change from year to year.

For more information, please visit the Fees page.

A Master of Philosophy is a pathway to admission to a Doctor of Philosophy.

• Research Process
• Master of Philosophy on the University of Divinity website
• Regulation
• Higher Degrees by Research policy

Graduates of the Master of Spirituality:

1. have advanced knowledge of the theological and spiritual foundations of spirituality, spiritual practice and spiritual growth in the Christian tradition, and of the relation of these to broader theological studies
2. have mastery of skills to reflect critically on personal spiritual experience in the light of key themes, traditions and approaches in spirituality
3. have communication and technical research skills to justify and interpret theoretical propositions and professional decisions about themes, traditions and approaches in spirituality
4. apply knowledge of themes, traditions and approaches in spirituality with creativity and initiative to professional practice and further learning
5. apply relevant theological and hermeneutical skills through the execution of a substantial research-based project, capstone experience or piece of scholarship.

The Master of Spirituality consists of 288 points comprised of:

• 96 points of foundational units in three disciplines from at least 2 fields including 48 points in the discipline of Spirituality or Spiritual Direction
• 96 points of elective units in the discipline of Spirituality or Spiritual Direction
• 24 points of elective units in any discipline
• Either a capstone unit of at least 24 points in the discipline of Spirituality or in synthesis with it, or the unit RQ9748M Minor Thesis.
• Further units at postgraduate level.

Provided that at least 192 points are taken in the discipline of Spirituality or Spiritual Direction

Successful completion of a undergraduate degree, or an approved equivalent.

• Full-time: 2 years
• Part-time: 6 years

Available in classroom, mixed and online modes.

$3,268 per 24-point unit.

Fees are subject to change from year to year.

For more information, please visit the Fees page.

• Master of Spirituality on the University of Divinity website
• Regulation

Graduates of the Master of Theological Studies:

1. have advanced knowledge of sources, terms and concepts required in theology and its related disciplines
2. have mastery of research principles and methods, including analytical and communication skills applicable to theology and its related disciplines
3. have advanced skills of interpretation and critical reflection on a range of theological and related disciplines, with awareness of implications and applications to historical and contemporary issues and contexts, in order to generate and evaluate ideas for professional practice and further learning
4. articulate and communicate knowledge and insights in theology and its related disciplines to specialist and non-specialist audiences
5. apply relevant theological and hermeneutical skills through the execution of a substantial research-based project, capstone experience, or piece of scholarship.

The Master of Theological Studies consists of 288 points comprised of:

• 72 points of foundational units from at least three fields
• 120 points of elective units in more than one field
• Either a capstone unit of at least 24 points or the unit RQ9748M Minor Thesis

Successful completion of an undergraduate degree.

• Full-time: 2 years
• Part-time: 6 years

Available in classroom, mixed and online modes.

$3,268 per 24-point unit.

Fees are subject to change from year to year.

For more information, please visit the Fees page.

Graduates who have completed a Minor Thesis to a specified standard may be eligible for admission to higher degrees by research.

• Master of Theological Studies on the University of Divinity website
• Regulation

Graduates of the Master of Theology:

1. have advanced knowledge of sources, terms and concepts required in theology and its related disciplines
2. have mastery of research principles and methods, including analytical and communication skills applicable to theology and its related disciplines
3. have advanced skills of interpretation and critical reflection on a range of theological and related disciplines, with awareness of implications and applications to historical and contemporary issues and contexts, in order to generate and evaluate ideas for professional practice and further learning
4. articulate and communicate knowledge and insights in theology and its related disciplines to specialist and non-specialist audiences
5. apply relevant theological and hermeneutical skills through the execution of a substantial research-based project, capstone experience, theological synthesis or supervised ministry project.

The Master of Theology consists of 240 points comprised of:

• Up to 48 points of foundational units in any discipline
• Either a capstone unit of at least 24 points or the unit RQ9748M Minor Thesis
• Further elective units to make up a total of 240 points

A person may apply to the Academic Board to enrol as a candidate for the Master of Theology if he or she:

• has obtained or is qualified to obtain a Bachelor of Theology or a Bachelor of Ministry or a Master of Divinity from the University of Divinity or an equivalent theological qualification from a university or college recognised by the Academic Board; or
• is enrolled in the Bachelor of Theology or Bachelor of Ministry at the University of Divinity and has completed at least 378 points of the course of study for that award to a standard and in accordance with any conditions decided by the Academic Board.

• Full-time: 2 years
• Part-time: 5 years

Available in classroom, mixed and online modes.

$3,268 per 24-point unit.

Fees are subject to change from year to year.

For more information, please visit the Fees page.

• Master of Theology on the University of Divinity website
• Regulation

Graduates of the Master of Philosophical Studies:

1. have advanced knowledge of sources, terms and concepts required in philosophy, and of the relation of philosophy to broader theological studies
2. have mastery of methodologies for historical and critical analysis of philosophical texts
3. have advanced skills of interpretation and critical reflection in philosophy, with awareness of implications for and applications to historical and contemporary issues and contexts, in order to generate and evaluate ideas for professional practice and further learning
4. articulate and communicate knowledge and insights in philosophy to specialist and non-specialist audiences
5. apply relevant philosophical and hermeneutical skills through the execution of a substantial research-based project, capstone experience or piece of scholarship.

The Master of Philosophical Studies consists of 288 points comprised of:

• 72 points of foundational units in three disciplines from at least two fields, where one of the disciplines is Philosophy (Field A)
• 96 points of elective units in the discipline of Philosophy (Field A)
• 24 points of elective units in any discipline
• Either a capstone unit of at least 24 points in the discipline of Philosophy or in synthesis with it, or the unit RQ9748M Minor Thesis
• Further units at postgraduate level.

provided that at least 192 points are taken in the discipline

Successful completion of a undergraduate degree, or an approved equivalent.

• Full-time: 2 years
• Part-time: 6 years

Available in classroom, mixed and online modes.

$3,268 per 24-point unit.

Fees are subject to change from year to year.

For more information, please visit the Fees page.

• Master of Philosophical Studies on the University of Divinity website
• Regulation

Graduates of the Master of Pastoral and Spiritual Care:

1. have advanced knowledge of sources, terms and concepts required in pastoral care, and of the relation of pastoral care to broader theological studies
2. have mastery of research principles and methods, including analytical skills applicable to pastoral care
3. have advanced skills of interpretation and critical reflection on a range of approaches and methodologies in pastoral care, with awareness of implications and application to contemporary issues in professional ministry, in order to generate and evaluate ideas for professional practice and further learning
4. articulate and communicate knowledge and insights in pastoral care to specialist and non-specialist audiences
5. apply relevant skills in pastoral care through the execution of a substantial research-based project, capstone experience or piece of scholarship.

The Master of Pastoral and Spiritual Care consists of 288 points comprised of:

• 72 points of Postgraduate Foundational units comprised of:
  • 24 in the discipline of Biblical Studies
  • 24 points in the discipline of Systematic Theology
  • 24 points in the discipline of Pastoral Theology and Ministry Studies
• 72 points of Postgraduate units in the discipline of Pastoral Theology and Ministry Studies
• A Capstone unit of at least 24 points
• Further units at postgraduate level that must include either:
  • at least 72 points of additional Postgraduate Elective units in the discipline of Pastoral Theology and Ministry Studies; or
  • a 24 point Research Methodology unit (either DP9734W or RQ9012Z or an equivalent) and the unit RQ9748M Minor Thesis

Successful completion of a undergraduate degree, or an approved equivalent.

• Full-time: 2 years
• Part-time: 6 years

Available in classroom, mixed and online modes.

$3,268 per 24-point unit.

Fees are subject to change from year to year.

For more information, please visit the Fees page.

• Master of Pastoral and Spiritual Care on the University of Divinity website
• Regulation

Graduates of the Master of Education and Theology:

1. demonstrate advanced and integrated knowledge of educational and theological concepts which underpin the practice and mission of faith-based learning contexts
2. critically analyse professional practice in faith-based learning contexts, informed by education and theological theory
3. integrate insights from the dialogue between education and theology to generate and evaluate complex concepts in professional practice and further learning
4. research and apply established theories to investigate, interpret and justify theoretical propositions and professional decisions in faith-based learning contexts.

The Master of Education and Theology consists of 216 points comprised of:

• DR9663Y Leadership for Mission in a Catholic School
• 24 points in the discipline of Biblical Studies or the discipline of Systematic Theology
• 24 points in the discipline of Education or the discipline of Religious Education
• 24 points in the discipline of Education or the discipline of Religious Education or the discipline of Systematic Theology
• Either a Capstone unit of at least 24 points that integrates education and theology or the unit RQ9748M Minor Thesis on a related theme, as approved by the Postgraduate Coordinator
• Further units at postgraduate level.

Provided that at least 96 points of Postgraduate Elective units are included.

Applicants must have:

• an undergraduate degree
• have obtained a qualification recognised for teacher registration in Australia
• have two years of full-time teaching experience or part-time equivalent
• In accordance with the College’s child-protection policy, all participants must hold either a current Working with Children Check (WWCC) or VIT registration, and must register at reception each day of attendance.

• The MEdTheol is a recognised course for sponsored study by Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools, Catholic Education Office Sale, and Catholic Education Office Sandhurst.
• Other teachers should contact their local Catholic Education Office.

• Full-time: 1.5 years
• Part-time: 4.5 years

Credit is available for a four-year teaching qualification and/or relevant postgraduate studies.

Available in classroom, mixed and online modes.

$3,268 per 24-point unit.

Fees are subject to change from year to year.

For more information, please visit the Fees page.

• Master of Education and Theology on the University of Divinity website
• Regulation

Graduates of the Graduate Diploma in Philosophy:

1. have knowledge of the texts, sources, terms and concepts required for engagement with philosophy and its relationship to Christian theological traditions;
2. have research, analysis, logical critical thinking, appraisal and communication skills applicable to philosophical studies;
3. apply skills of interpretation and appraisal to a range of texts with awareness of context, implications and application to historical and or contemporary issues;
4. apply relevant philosophical and hermeneutical, argumentation and critical thinking and logical skills to developing new arguments, and presenting analysis, appraisal and exegesis of (western, canonical) philosophical arguments, and narrate the relation of those to Christian theological traditions.

The Graduate Diploma in Philosophy consists of 144 points comprised of:

• 96 points in Philosophy (Field A)
• a further 48 points

Successful completion of an undergraduate degree, or an approved equivalent.

• Full-time: 1 year
• Part-time: 3 years

Available in classroom, mixed and online modes.

$3,268 per 24-point unit.

Fees are subject to change from year to year.

For more information, please visit the Fees page.

• Graduate Diploma in Philosophy on the University of Divinity website
• Regulation

Graduates of the Graduate Diploma in Theology:

1. have knowledge of sources, terms and concepts required for theological engagement;
2. have research, analysis and communication skills applicable to theological studies;
3. apply skills of interpretation to a range of texts with awareness of context, implications and application to historical and or contemporary issues;
4. apply relevant theological and hermeneutical skills in clearly articulating insights into life, work and community.

The Graduate Diploma in Theology consists of 144 points comprised of:

• 72 points of foundational units in three disciplines from at least three fields
• a further 72 points

Successful completion of an undergraduate degree, or a Graduate Certificate in Theology.

• Full-time: 1 year
• Part-time: 3 years

Available in classroom, mixed and online modes.

$3,268 per 24-point unit.

Fees are subject to change from year to year.

For more information, please visit the Fees page.

Graduates may be eligible to proceed to a Masters award. Graduates who have included a Minor Thesis (16000 words) in their course may be eligible to apply for admission to a higher degree by research.

• Graduate Diploma in Theology on the University of Divinity website
• Regulation