Higher Degree Research
Admission Form for Domestic Higher Degree by Research Students
Admission Form for International Higher Degree by Research Students
16,000 word research essay outline – please consider this advice sheet when completing this outline
Other forms for research students
Please email admission forms to Research Coordinator, Graham Joseph Hill: ghill@stirling.edu.au
The Graduate Certificate in Research Methodology equips students to apply sophisticated research skills to complex issues such as the development of a research proposal, gathering of and conceptual processing of research material, and the presentation of a research artefact, such as a dissertation.
Course learning outcomes
Graduates of the Graduate Certificate in Research Methodology:
- have a working knowledge of terms, assumptions and approaches to research that are current in selected theological disciplines;
- have familiarity with research methods, protocols, practices and ethics;
- apply focussed research methods towards complex research issues;
- apply writing and communication skills to the presentation of research results.
Course structure
Candidates for the Graduate Certificate in Research Methodology must complete 45 credit points as follows:
- a postgraduate unit in research methodology (worth 15 points)
- a 16,000 word Research Essay (worth 30 points).
Download Course Planner
Follow on study
Graduates who meet the other requirements for higher degrees by research may be eligible for admission to the Master of Theology, Doctor of Theology, Master of Philosophy or Doctor of Philosophy.
Click here to see the course regulations.
Stirling and the University of Divinity have partnered with Abilene Christian University, Texas, to provide the Doctor of Ministry program.
This program incorporates faculty and project/thesis advisors from both Stirling and ACU, offers a portion of the degree as dual enrollment toward a UD Graduate Diploma in Divinity (G.D.Div.), and makes it possible for you to complete the D.Min. degree with only two required trips to the US for classes.
Interested? Our team would love to help!
Please complete the form below and we’ll be in touch to answer any of your questions.
Publications:
The Doctor of Ministry Goes to the Land Down Under by | Jul 9, 2019
Partner Spotlight: Andrew Menzies by | Jul 10, 2019
CRICOS Code 011485E
Doctor of Theology candidates present their research in a 100,000 word thesis. Each candidate is first admitted to probationary candidature, and has their project assessed by a Confirmation Panel no later than 12 months into their candidature. Each candidate must also enrol in an approved subject in Research Methodologies. The DTheol is a research-only program. Study is self-directed, but with regular input from the supervisor(s). Candidates are also expected to take an active role in postgraduate seminars.
Entry Requirements
The DTheol is open to candidates who have completed a four-year Bachelor with Honours degree in an appropriate discipline as determined by the Academic Board, , with at least Distinction level Honours.
Assessment Methods
Two examiners, external to the institution, examine the thesis. At least one of these examiners will be based overseas.
Duration
The length of candidature for the DTheol is three years of full-time study, or the part-time equivalent. One extension of up to six months may be granted to full-time candidates, and one extension of 12 months may be granted to part-time candidates.
Click here for regulations.
CRICOS Code 037861E
The Doctor of Philosophy PhD is designed to enable approved candidates to interact with the discipline of theology by building on studies undertaken in their previous degree, usually in other disciplines. PhD candidates at the University of Divinity may present their research in one of three approved ways: a 100,000 word thesis; a publications portfolio, or an exegeted research project. Details can be found in Regulation 26.1.8. Each candidate is first admitted to probationary candidature, and must have their project assessed by a Confirmation Panel no later than 12 months into candidature. Each candidate must also enrol in an approved subject in Research Methodologies.
Entry Requirements
The PhD is open to candidates who have completed a 4-year Bachelor with Honours degree in an appropriate discipline as determined by the Academic Board, with at least Distinction level Honours.
Assessment Methods
The thesis, whether presented as a single body of work, or a publications portfolio, will have two examiners (external to the institution) examine the thesis. At least one of these examiners will be based overseas.
Duration
The length of candidature is three years full-time, or the part-time equivalent. One extension of six months may be granted to full-time candidates, and one extension of up to 12 months.
CRICOS Code 011486D
The degree of Master of Theology (MTheol) is a higher degree by research which aims to equip students with advanced research skills, and enable them to pursue focused study through research. Candidates enrolled in the MTheol by major thesis will write a 40,000 word thesis. Those enrolled in the MTheol by minor thesis will complete two subjects of postgraduate coursework, and a minor thesis of 25,000 words. Every candidate must, in addition, successfully complete an approved subject in Research Methodologies.
Successful completion of the MTheol provides a pathway to doctoral studies at the University of Divinity. A student may also apply for their candidature to be upgraded to a doctoral candidature after 12 months of satisfactory masters candidature.
Entry Requirements
The MTheol is open to candidates who have completed a four-year Bachelor with Honours degree in an appropriate discipline, or the equivalent, with at least Distinction level Honours. Another entry path is open to those who have completed a graduate diploma in an appropriate discipline, including a 12,000 word research essay graded to at least 75%.
Duration
The minimum length of candidature is 12 months full-time, and the maximum length of candidature is 18 months full-time or three years part-time. One extension of six months may be granted to full-time candidates, and one extension of 12 months may be granted to part-time candidates.
Click here for regulations.
CRICOS Code 077752A
The Master of Philosophy is a research program which provides an opportunity for candidates who might not have a prior theological degree to undertake advanced studies in cognate disciplines, such as history, ethics and philosophy. Candidates enrolled in the MPhil by major thesis write a 40,000 word thesis. Those enrolled in the MPhil by minor thesis complete two subjects of postgraduate coursework, and write a minor thesis of 25,000 words. Every candidate must, in addition, successfully complete an approved subject in Research Methodologies.
The MPhil offers a pathway to PhD studies. A student may also apply for their candidature to be upgraded from the MPhil to the PhD, after 12 months of satisfactory masters candidature.
Entry Requirements
The MPhil is open to candidates who have completed a four-year Bachelor (with Honours degree) in an appropriate discipline, or the equivalent, with at least Distinction level Honours. Another entry path is open to those who have completed a graduate diploma in an appropriate discipline, including a 12,000 word research essay graded to at least 75%.
Duration
The minimum length of candidature is 12 months full-time, and the maximum length of candidature is 18 months full-time or 3 years part-time. One extension of 6 months may be granted to full-time candidates, and one extension of 12 months may be granted to part-time candidates.
Click here for regulations.