Doctor of Philosophy

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.

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 Masters by research degree, or
  • a Masters by coursework degree, or
  • a 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 doctoral research.

• Completion of a thesis or equivalent of at least 12,000 words graded at or above 75%. 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 original contribution.
• The names at least two supervisors with relevant expertise who satisfy the requirements of the Higher Degree by Research Policy and who consent to supervise the thesis.