Australian Lutheran College

What you'll study

Candidature is research-focused and assessed principally through a thesis. Core requirements and activities during candidature include:

• Submission of an annual report each year of candidature.
• Satisfactory completion of confirmation of candidature.
• Completion of Human Research Ethics Committee requirements where relevant.
• Attendance and participation in a minimum of eight hours of research seminars at the University and attendance at either a University Research Conference or an approved external research conference each year.
• Presentation of at least one seminar or conference paper of no less than 20 minutes before submitting the thesis.
• Preparation of a thesis of no more than 100,000 words, examined by at least two external examiners.

Entry requirements

Applicants must satisfy the School of Graduate Research Committee that they hold one of the listed qualifications at the required standard or an equivalent recognised award:

• A Masters by research with a 75% average (or examiners' reports indicating readiness for doctoral research where a mark is not available).
• A Masters by coursework with a 75% average.
• A Graduate Diploma with a 75% average.
• A four‑year undergraduate degree with Honours with a 75% average.

In addition, applicants must have completed a research essay or thesis of at least 12,000 words graded at or above 75% (this may have been part of the listed awards or another program of study). Where the applicant's first language is not English, English language proficiency requirements apply.

Career prospects

Graduates attain a substantial body of knowledge at the frontier of a field within divinity or related disciplines and develop expert research methods and critical skills. Career trajectories commonly include academic research and teaching, specialist research roles in theological colleges or faith-based organisations, and other positions that require high-level independent research, critical reflection and public communication of complex findings.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

The course is registered for FEE-HELP. The College operates credit transfer and recognition of prior learning (RPL) policies. Prospective candidates should consult the admissions and credit policies for details on funding, scholarships and recognition arrangements.