Doctor of Ministry

The DMin by New Thesis is by coursework (20%) and research (80%).

• Coursework Component
  • Two core 18 credit point units each, to be completed with at least a High Credit average before proceeding to the research requirements.
  • The two units are:
    R10001 Pastoral and Practical Theology: Hermeneutics and Methodological Paradigms
    R10002 Research Settings in Pastoral and Practical Theology

• Research Component
  • Research and thesis of 60,000 words maximum including footnotes/endnotes but excluding bibliography and appendices, under the direction of a supervisor and associate supervisor.

• Compulsory participation in the Research Degree Workshop and the Research Seminars is required of candidates.
• Some thesis topics may require competence in ancient and/or modern foreign languages or other relevant areas of knowledge such as statistics.

The DMin by coursework Thesis is by coursework (60%) and research (40%).

• Coursework Component
  • Three core 18 credit point units and three elective 18 credit point units, each, to be completed with at least a High Credit average before proceeding to the research requirements with assessments completed during coursework stages to contribute to the completed thesis.

• Compulsory participation in the Research Degree Workshop and the Research Seminars is required of candidates.
• Some thesis topics may require competence in ancient and/or modern foreign languages or other relevant areas of knowledge such as statistics.

The degree provides individuals with the opportunity to pursue advanced study in a theologically and pastorally related area by research at the highest academic level. It is designed for those who seek to further their study in such an area, including interdisciplinary study, for academic, vocational, professional and/or personal reasons. It also offers research training and experience that would support an academic or professional career involving research or who wish to acquire highly sophisticated skills in an area of practical ministry.

Graduate Attributes

DMin graduates will:

• Be able to identify, analyse and articulate problems and issues in discourses current in their academic, professional and social communities
• Recognize the level of their own understanding
• Demonstrate creativity and originality of thought in solving problems and dealing with complex and abstract conceptual matters, and seek resolutions in light of the common good
• 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 adept in marshalling 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 SCD 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 lifelong learning and encourage others to recognize learning opportunities for themselves
• Be willing to assume high-level leadership in their academic, professional and social communities as needed.

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.

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.

Applicants whose entry qualifications were obtained in an institution where English is not the language of instruction will be required to demonstrate competency in English by an IELTS result of 7.0 in all bands of the test and may be required to attend such English language courses as prescribed by the Sydney College of Divinity.

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 and others not using FEE-HELP 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.

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

• to be eligible for FEE-HELP (domestic students only)
• to receive your degree, if you intend to complete your study at the end of 2022 and graduate in 2023