Doctor of Philosophy

Apply a substantial body of knowledge to research, investigate and develop new knowledge in one or more areas of investigation, scholarship or professional practice.
Course Duration
  • 3 years full-time
  • Up to 8 years part-time
AQF and Course Codes
  • Doctoral Degree (AQF 10)
  • CRICOS 037861E
Tuition Fees
AU$60,912
at 2026 fees
Next Intake
Open now
Apply

Apply now to begin to begin your study journey

Course Overview

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is a graduate research degree that enables candidates to make an original contribution to knowledge and to develop as an independent researcher. Designed for applicants with a strong academic background, candidates are guided by a supervisory team to research, investigate and develop new knowledge. Candidates submit a thesis (or equivalent) of 80,000-100,000 words. PhD graduates demonstrate a systematic and critical understanding in a complex field of learning and are equipped with specialised research skills for the advancement of learning or professional practice.

Course Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Doctor of Philosophy:

1. have a substantial body of knowledge at the frontier of a field of work or learning within divinity or one or more of its associated disciplines, including knowledge that constitutes an original contribution to the field
2. have a substantial knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to the field of work or learning
3. have expert cognitive, technical and creative skills to use intellectual independence to think critically, analyse and evaluate existing knowledge and ideas, undertake systematic investigation, reflect on theory and practice to generate original knowledge within divinity or one or more of its associated disciplines, and demonstrate expert understanding of theoretical knowledge and to reflect critically on that theory and its application
4. apply knowledge and skills with intellectual independence, and with responsibility and accountability, to plan and execute an ongoing program of original research, and to understand explicit and implicit ethical considerations to the formulation of a research project
5. have skills to present cogently a complex investigation of originality or original research for external examination against international standards, and to communicate research results to peers and the community.

Course Structure

1. Satisfactory completion of confirmation of candidature.
2. Preparation and submission of a thesis or its equivalent for examination.
3. Completion of Oral Examination.
4. Satisfactory completion of any requirements of the Human Research Ethics Committee.
5. Submission of an annual report throughout the duration of candidature.
6. Annual attendance and participation in a minimum of 8 hours of research seminars and conferences.
7. Presentation of at least one seminar or conference paper of no less than 20 minutes’ duration between confirmation of candidature and the submission of the thesis.

Applicants may only be admitted by the School of Graduate Research Committee. Meeting minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission. The Committee also takes into consideration the applicant’s potential to undertake research, quality and feasibility of the research proposal, availability of appropriate supervision, and strength of employer or referee reports.

Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

1. Completion of one of the following awards in divinity or its associated disciplines with a 75% average:

  • a Master by research degree, or
  • a Master by coursework degree, or
  • a Graduate Diploma, or
  • a four year undergraduate degree with Honours.

Where a mark is not available, examiners’ reports may be provided which indicate to the satisfaction of the School of Graduate Research Committee that the candidate is adequately prepared for doctoral research.
2. Completion of a thesis or equivalent of at least 12,000 words graded at or above 75%. The thesis may have been completed either within one of the awards listed above or as part of another program of study in an associated discipline.
3. A research proposal which identifies a research question, proposed methodology and a statement of the original contribution.
4. The names at least two supervisors with relevant expertise who satisfy the requirements of the Higher Degree by Research Policy and who consent to supervise the thesis.

Probationary admission is not available.

The total cost of the Doctor of Philosophy at 2026 fees is $60,912.

The cost for a year of study at 2026 fees is $20,304 (full-time) or $10,152 (part-time).

Fees are subject to change from year to year. For more information about fees, please visit the Fees page.

Candidates transferring from another doctoral program may have the length of candidature reduced.

Choose a Home College

Australian Lutheran College

Catholic Theological College

Eva Burrows College

Pilgrim Theological College

St Athanasius College

St Barnabas College

St Francis College

Trinity College Theological School

Uniting College for Leadership and Theology

Whitley College

Wollaston Theological College

Yarra Theological Union

Study Modes

Courses can be delivered through a variety of modes, such as:

  • Face-to-face: This is the traditional mode of study where you attend your classes in person at a physical location.
  • Online: In this mode, teaching and learning activities are delivered online.
  • Mixed-modes: This combines both face-to-face and online units throughout your award.
  • Intensive: this involves completing a condensed amount of content over a shorter period of time. Intensives can be face-to-face or online.
  • Supervised Research: This involves independent research, which is supervised by one or more people with expertise in the field.

Course Duration

The standard full-time duration of the Doctor of Philosophy is three years. A full-time candidate must complete the course within four years. The Doctor of Philosophy must be completed in not less than two years and not more than eight years from the date on which the course is commenced.
Standard Minimum Maximum
3 years
2 years
8 years

AQF Level:

Regulation:

Regulation 11 Awards, Courses and Units

Course Code:

CRICOS Code:

037861E

The table gives an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students admitted into this course. It provides data on all students who commenced study in the most relevant recent intake period.

This course did not have any new students commence in the most recent semester.

You can compare other institutions with the University of Divinity to help inform your postgraduate study choices. ComparED is an initiative of the Australian Government. It’s powered by QILT (Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching) surveys that draw data from real life student experiences from commencement of study through to employment.

Upon successful completion of all course requirements, students will receive an invitation to graduate. This entitles the graduate to wear the approved Academic Dress at the graduation ceremony, and to use the approved postnominals after their name.

Academic Dress

Gown: Black Doctoral gown faced with hood colour

Headwear: Black velvet bonnet

Hood: Cherry

Postnominals

PhD

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Getting meta data from field: table_test_body from current_post, Doctor of Philosophy
Empty Response. No Repeater Items Found
A

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