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Melbourne School of Theology

Doctor of Theology

Become a career theologian and change the world by pursuing research to the glory of God and the flourishing of human communities
How to Apply
Enquire Today

Introduction

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.

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Dr. Thomas Kimber - Senior Lecturer in Missional & Pastoral Theology

Thomas Kimber

Dean of Faculty, Director of Research, Lecturer in Missional and Pastoral Theology

Course Details

Overview

Course Code: THD20

Type: Doctorate
AQF Level: 10

Duration: Minimum 3 years full time, up to 6 years part time.

Delivery Modes: On Campus, Online

Overseas Students: No

Structure

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:

 

  • The thesis must embody the results of independent scholarship and research. It may be either a critical and analytical study of existing material or, as is more usual, an original contribution to the subject. In either case, it must show evidence of originality and independence of thought, posing a new insight into the topic or formulating an existing issue in a novel and useful way.

 

  • Thesis length can be ±10%, with no more than 100,000 words in total (everything between the covers submitted to the examiner, including appendices, excurses, bibliography, footnotes and title page).

 

  • The candidate must demonstrate that he or she is aware of, understands and is able to read and analyse the literature—including primary source and scholarly material in languages other than English—that is directly relevant to the topic as well as related areas of significance, and is able to make considered judgments.

 

  • The thesis must be a work of appropriate literary standard. While assessing what constitutes a “distinct contribution to theological learning” is no easy matter, one way of gauging whether a candidate’s work meets the criterion is to consider the extent to which the thesis is publishable. Criteria that will help determine whether a thesis is publishable are:

 

      • there is emerging and/or growing interest in the subject area of the thesis such that the thesis, if published, would complement what has been published already, or the thesis makes a radically new contribution to the subject area;

     

      • the thesis is well-written, its ideas are accessible, and it would lend itself to easy conversion to published format;

     

      • there are well-known, international scholars who could be advocates for the published version of the thesis.

     

Entry Requirements

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/

Fees and Support

Fees

For a breakdown on the fees for this course please visit our fees page here.

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This is a course of the Australian College of Theology. Click here to see ACT Doctor of Theology course page.
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What students are saying

Hannah's Story

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“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

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Where this course can lead you

This can lead to...

Pastoral Position

Pastor, teacher or minister with responsibility for preaching and/or teaching, providing leadership in various ministry contexts.

Cross-Cultural Ministry

Leader of staff in cross-cultural ministry, whether in Australia or internationally.

Bible translator

Bible translation work in Australia or internationally.

Apply Now for the Mid-Year Intake!

Step out in faith and submit your application today! We’re excited to begin this next season in your life together.

Applications close 30th June

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Apply Now for Semester 1, 2023!

Step out in faith and submit your application today! We’re excited to begin this next season in your life together.
Applications close 3 February, 2023.

 

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Ready to start your studies at MST? Click below and apply today!

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Australian College of Theology Logo

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

Melbourne School of Theology

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.

ABN:58 004 265 016

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