Course Overview

About This Course

The Master of Philosophy meets the specifications for a Master’s Degree (Research) set by the Australian Qualifications Framework. It provides candidates with the opportunity to pursue advanced study in a theologically related area by research at a high academic level. It is designed for those who seek to further their study in such an area, including interdisciplinary study, for academic, vocational, professional and/or personal reasons. It also offers research training that would support research at doctoral level. The Master of Philosophy is undertaken by research and thesis alone. It provides the opportunity for candidates to embark on a significant piece of research, which investigates a theologically related topic in a systematic and comprehensive manner that is not available in coursework programs.

If the approved thesis topic involves creative work, the Research Committee will determine a suitable proportionate weighting for the creative piece itself and the written account of it, which must include a justification of it as original research. It is an AQF Level 9 award completed by research and thesis through the AUCD Graduate Research School. The Master of Philosophy is an entirely research-based degree. All AUCD awards are delivered by its Member Institutions on the basis of a single shared curriculum and central academic governance structure; students enrol with a Member College and may study units across the colleges delivering AUCD awards while remaining enrolled with one college. The award is offered full time and part time. The course is registered on CRICOS (course code 082668K) under AUCD's CRICOS provider code 02948J and, for international students, is offered at AUCD Graduate Research School (NSW).

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Sydney

Level 2, 29 George St, Burwood, NSW 2134

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Student Information

Fees & Entry by Student Type

Tuition Fee

Fees are the same for all students. Contact the AUCD Graduate Research School for current fees and payment options.

Intakes

Applications accepted throughout the year

Study Mode

Full time or part time. Full-time candidature requires an average of thirty hours per week; part-time an average of fifteen hours per week.

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Admission requirements (domestic and international applicants)

The Australian University College of Divinity Graduate Research School may admit to candidature in the Master of Philosophy those persons who have attained:

a Bachelor (Hons) degree or equivalent with results at least at Class II, Division 1, from the Australian University College of Divinity or an equivalent institution; OR
a Graduate Diploma with a GPA of 3+ and one 18 cp research unit at Distinction level from the Australian University College of Divinity or an equivalent institution; OR
qualifications deemed by the Australian University College of Divinity to be equivalent to those above, equivalence to be determined by the Research Committee. In all cases, the prior studies should include sufficient preparation to undertake the proposed research in a theologically related area.

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose entry qualifications were obtained in an institution where English is not the language of instruction require a minimum IELTS (or equivalent) score of 7.0 in all bands of the test with no subtest below 6.5.

Additional requirements for international students

International students are subject to the conditions of their Australian student visa and are required to maintain a full-time enrolment.
Only AUCD Member Colleges registered on CRICOS can enrol international students and offer courses registered on CRICOS.
For this award, international students may enrol at: AUCD Graduate Research School (NSW).
AUCD does not use agents to recruit or administer overseas students; students must make a direct submission.

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Where this qualification takes you

It is designed for those who seek to further their study in such an area, including interdisciplinary study, for academic, vocational, professional and/or personal reasons.

What graduates can do

Graduates will have the ability to:

plan and execute a substantial piece of research with creativity and initiative
apply knowledge and skills in a way that demonstrates autonomy, expert judgment, adaptability, and accountability as a learner or practitioner in relation to the inter-dependent building up of the church and good of the wider community

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I study the Master of Philosophy?

The Master of Philosophy is delivered by AUCD Member Colleges: AUCD Graduate Research School. An application for enrolment is made to the Registrar of the teaching institution, who can help with information on fees, units, mode of delivery and timetable.

How much does the Master of Philosophy cost?

Fees are set by the individual Member Colleges, so students are asked to check with their enrolled college for details of fees and payment options. Unit fees are the same for both domestic and international students, and vary depending on the college, the calendar year of study, the course and the units selected. AUCD and its Member Institutions periodically review and adjust fees, and students are advised of any changes before each enrolment period opens.

Can I get help paying my tuition fees?

AUCD is an approved higher education provider, so eligible domestic students may apply for a FEE-HELP loan to pay part or all of their tuition fees. A FEE-HELP loan does not cover costs such as accommodation, laptops or textbooks, and applications must be submitted to the Registrar at your enrolled college before the census date. International students are not eligible for FEE-HELP and pay tuition fees up front in full unless special arrangements have been made in writing.

What is a census date and why does it matter?

The census date is the final day to withdraw from enrolled units without incurring the full cost, and the final date for FEE-HELP applications and for variations without penalty. An administration fee may still apply. Census dates for intensive and extensive units may differ from the standard census dates — contact the Registrar at your college for the latest academic timetable. Census dates for AUCD colleges are published under Key Dates.

Can international students study the Master of Philosophy?

Yes. The Master of Philosophy is registered on CRICOS (course code 082668K) under AUCD's CRICOS provider code 02948J, and international students may enrol at AUCD Graduate Research School (NSW). Higher Degree by Research students must maintain a full-time enrolment and are exempt from the restricted work-hour conditions that apply to undergraduate and postgraduate coursework students. AUCD does not use agents to recruit or administer overseas students — applications must be made directly.

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Course Snapshot

Salary, careers & skills

Typical Salary

Entry-level (0-2 years)AUD $65,000 to $85,000 per year

Early Career (2-5 years)AUD $85,000 to $105,000 per year

Mid-Level (5-10 years)AUD $105,000 to $135,000 per year

Career Paths

Research AnalystPolicy AnalystPolicy AdvisorBusiness Research AnalystManagement Consultant

Key Skills

Advanced academic and applied research designSystematic literature review and critical synthesisQuantitative research methods and statistical analysisQualitative research methods (interviews, case studies, ethnography)Mixed-methods research design

Full Course Overview

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