The Doctor of Theology (ThD) is the ACT’s premier research qualification for graduates who are already professionally engaged in ministry and aspire to teach theology at tertiary level in Australia and overseas. It is designed to equip candidates as beginning researchers in the traditional fields of theology.
The ThD is usually awarded for the satisfactory completion of a thesis, although it might also be awarded on the basis of work(s) published during candidature. The thesis or portfolio must constitute a distinct contribution to theological learning and must show evidence of original research and independent critical analysis. The award certifies that the candidate is sufficiently familiar with a significant area of the discipline to assess the present state of knowledge in the subject critically and to conceive original possibilities for further investigation.
Thomas Kimber
Dean of Faculty, Director of Research, Lecturer in Missional and Pastoral Theology
Course Code: THD20
Duration: Minimum 3 years full time, up to 6 years part time.
Overseas Students: No
The minimum time for candidature in the Doctor of Theology is three years and the maximum time is six years. Candidates may study full-time or part-time, with full-time students normally taking 48 credit points per semester.
Credit points refer to the overall student effort, including contact hours and time spent on assessment tasks. The degree requires the satisfactory completion of 288 credit points.
Higher Degree Research candidates may not be granted more than two (2) semesters of suspension of candidature during the term of their candidature and may be granted no more than two semesters of extension of candidature prior to the examination phase of their candidature. The R&RSC will accept applications for suspension beyond the two-semester limit on a case by case basis, only for extraordinary circumstances and supported by written evidence.
Research Thesis
The ThD research thesis must be 80,000–100,000 words in length and must adhere to the following rules:
Theological and non-theological qualifications deemed by the ACT Research and Research Studies Committee to provide a suitable grounding for Doctor of Theology study.
*The Doctor of Theology is not approved for delivery by Melbourne School of Theology to overseas applicants.
Language requirements for non-English speaking background applicants:
IELTS 7.5 overall with a minimum of 7.5 in reading and writing, 7.0 in listening and 6.5 in speaking.
For a full breakdown of the entry requirements for this course visit the ACT website here: https://www.actheology.edu.au/course/THD20/
For a breakdown on the fees for this course please visit our fees page here.
“I wanted to learn at a school that embraced my beliefs and values. The Melbourne School of Theology does just that.”
Hannah Halliday, Pastor
Graduate Diploma of Divinity
Pastor, teacher or minister with responsibility for preaching and/or teaching, providing leadership in various ministry contexts.
Leader of staff in cross-cultural ministry, whether in Australia or internationally.
Bible translation work in Australia or internationally.
Alternatively you can get in touch with one of our Student Services team and chat further around study options, we are always here to help!
Applications close 3 July, 2023
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MST is approved to deliver courses of the Australian College of Theology including the diploma, undergraduate, graduate and post-graduate qualifications offered by MST.
These are self-accredited by the ACT under the authority of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA).
Melbourne School of Theology is an Affiliated College of the Australian College of Theology, CRICOS:02650E
We acknowledge the Wurundjeri People as the traditional custodians of God’s land on which MST stands, and pay our respects to their elders past and present, and our support for the emerging leaders of the future.
Melbourne School of Theology is a non-denominational Bible college, based in the outer eastern suburbs of Melbourne. Since 1920, MST has been passionate about training those with a heart for ministry and mission with a solid Biblical grounding in God’s Word.
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