Master of Philosophy

The Master of Philosophy is an entirely research-based degree.

Resulting in research and thesis of 30,000 words (but no less than 25,000 words):

• including footnotes/endnotes but excluding bibliography and appendices, under the direction of a supervisor; AND
  
• compulsory participation in the Thesis Writers’ Workshop and Research Seminars, except with the explicit permission of the Research Director in the last stages of thesis writing in appropriate cases.

Some thesis topics may require competence in ancient and/or modern foreign languages or other relevant areas of knowledge.

Knowledge

Graduates will have:

• an advanced and integrated understanding of a complex body of knowledge and theory in a theologically related area, including recent developments in the area;
• advanced knowledge of pertinent research principles and methods applicable to the area.

Skills

Graduates will have expert and specialised cognitive, technical, and creative skills in the research area, so that they are able independently to:

• analyse critically, reflect on and synthesise complex information, problems, abstract concepts and theories associated with the research area;
• research, evaluate, and apply established theories to the focal areas of knowledge or practice, using the English language competently and effectively for the purpose;
• design or adapt research methods appropriate to the research area;
  interpret and transmit knowledge, skills, and ideas through coherent and sustained argument concerning the research area to specialist and non- specialist audiences;
• make a fresh contribution to knowledge in the research area.

Applications of Knowledge and Skills

Graduates will have the ability to:

• plan and execute a substantial piece of research with creativity and initiative;
• apply knowledge and skills in a way that demonstrates autonomy, expert judgment, adaptability, and accountability as a learner or practitioner in relation to the inter-dependent building up of the church and good of the wider community.

Graduate Attributes

Master of Philosophy Graduates will:

• Be able to identify, analyse, and articulate problems and issues in discourses current in their academic, professional, and social communities;
• Recognise the level of their own understanding;
• Demonstrate creativity in solving problems and dealing with complex and abstract conceptual matters;
• Be able to access information efficiently using the means most appropriate to purpose and context;
• conduct themselves with academic integrity and rigour and exercise critical thinking in forming judgments;
• Work autonomously and with an open mind;
• Understand the distinction between information and argument and be able to marshal information as evidence in argument;
• Adopt and practise responsible values and attitudes as members of academic, professional and social communities, based in part on their experience as University College research candidates;
• Be able to communicate their thinking coherently and effectively, with appropriate English proficiency, in public debate and printed word;
• Have confidence to engage in public discussions of faith and ethics
• Appreciate and act on opportunities for further learning;
• Be willing to assume leadership in their academic, professional and social communities as needed.

Applications for candidature are made directly to the Sydney College of Divinity. Applications can be submitted online and are accepted throughout the year.

From 1 January 2021 higher education domestic and onshore international students commencing study will need a Unique Student Identifier (USI)

• to be eligible for FEE-HELP (domestic students only)

The process of applying online for candidature must commence only after you have discussed your proposed study with the Sydney College of Divinity Research Director Professor Constantine R. Campbell. Email Prof Campbell at [email protected] to explore your options.

An overview of the process would be

1. Attend an interview with Research Director Professor Constantine R. Campbell in person or on phone
2. Decide on the research degree taking onto consideration what is most suited to your research topic. You would also need to consider the time, cost and other factors before you embark on your study
3. Check your eligibility and know the regulations
4. Prepare to submit your online application which includes the Summary of Research Intentions. Have all the information and supporting documentation ready. All official documents must be certified
5. Submit your HDR Application online

The Sydney College of Divinity Research Committee will consider the application. If you are successful, you will be admitted on a provisional basis and assigned a principal and secondary supervisor. They will assist you to prepare a Thesis Proposal.  The candidature is provisional until the acceptance of the Thesis Proposal by the Research Committee.

A graduate research degree provides a unique opportunity to follow and focus on an area of interest, and make an important contribution to the development of your chosen area. The decision to enter into a research degree should not be taken lightly. The study requires substantial time and financial commitment, and the capacity for innovative, independent research; critical thinking; time and project management skills; and skills of organisation and communication of information. Typically, full-time candidature requires an average of thirty hours per week and part-time candidature requires an average of fifteen hours per week. These hours should preferably be achieved through regular weekly commitment, but they may be achieved through varying periods of more and less intensive work.

International Students

International students are subject to the conditions of their Australian student visa and are required to maintain a full-time enrolment. If you are planning to enrol as an international student, you have the responsibility to ensure that you comply with your visa conditions at all times.

Fees are the same for all students. International students are not eligible for FEE-HELP, an Australian loan scheme that assists eligible full fee paying students pay their tuition fees at university and other higher education providers. International students will be required to pay the tuition fee at the beginning of each semester. The Graduate Research School may discuss payment plans if paying upfront presents difficulties.

Higher Degree by Research students are exempt from the restricted work hour conditions that apply to undergraduate and postgraduate (coursework) international students. This means that you may be able to work unlimited hours thus adding to your finances once you are in Australia. Always check the conditions of your visa before you decide to commence any work.

For more information email [email protected]