Master of Philosophy

The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) is a graduate research degree that enables candidates to further develop skills in carrying out independent and sustained research. Designed for applicants with a strong academic background, candidates are guided by a supervisory team to develop independent research that contributes to a field of knowledge in divinity or one or more of its associated disciplines. Candidates apply, critique, analyse or interpret knowledge through the development of research presented in the form of a thesis (or equivalent) of 40,000 words. A Master of Philosophy is a pathway to admission to a Doctor of Philosophy.

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.

Applicants may only be admitted by the School of Graduate Research Committee. Meeting minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission. The Committee also takes into consideration the applicant’s potential to undertake research, quality and feasibility of the research proposal, availability of appropriate supervision, and strength of employer or referee reports.

Probationary admission is not available.

Applicants must meet all of the following requirements.

• 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

Where a mark is not available, examiners’ reports may be provided which indicate to the satisfaction of the School of Graduate Research Committee that the candidate is adequately prepared for master’s research.

• Completion of a thesis or equivalent of at least 12,000 words (graded at or above 70%). The thesis may have been completed either within one of the awards listed above or as part of another program of study in an associated discipline.
• A research proposal which identifies a research question, proposed methodology and a statement of the contribution to a field of knowledge or professional practice
• 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.