Course Structure

The course consists of 240 credit points comprising:

• 80 000 word research thesis (240 credit points) in area of specialisation – Core

To qualify for award of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy a candidate shall complete at least 240 credit points.

For more information see the Student Handbook.

Subject

• RES803 PhD Research Thesis

For more details, see the current enrolment guide for this course.

Admission Criteria

Academic

Applicants with Recent Secondary Education (within the past 2 years)

This course of study requires the completion of higher education study at an authorised institution. Recent secondary education graduates are not eligible for direct entry into this course.

Applicants with Vocational Education and Training (VET) Study

This course of study requires the completion of higher education study at an authorised institution. Applicants with Vocational Education and Training (VET) study are not eligible for direct entry into this course.

Applicants with Higher Education Study

Completion of an AQF Level 8 Bachelors (Honours 1 or 2a) degree in a relevant field, or equivalent. Demonstrated knowledge of research methodology equivalent to RES701 AND methodology in the area of specialisation.

OR

Completion of an AQF Level 9 or above postgraduate qualification in a relevant field, or equivalent. This must include at least a 20 credit point research component and an overall GPA at least 2.8.

Note: Applicants to this degree must have completed a prior research thesis of at least 12,000 words. In some cases, peer reviewed publications (e.g. journal articles) may be accepted in lieu of a prior thesis.

Applicants with Work and Life Experience

In exceptional circumstances, the Graduate Research School may allow admission of an applicant who does not have the qualifications specified. In such cases, evidence must be supplied to verify that the applicant has equivalent qualifications based on academic and professional attainment, and demonstration of an appropriate capacity for research.

Language

Overseas students are required to demonstrate their English proficiency skills. Such students admitted into our programs must attain an overall IELTS (or equivalent) score of 7.0 (with no score below 7.0 in any of the four skills areas). IELTS (or equivalent) is not required for applicants who have undertaken five years of required higher education study (or equivalent) in English from an approved country or who have completed a Certificate IV or higher qualification awarded in English under the Australian Qualification Framework by an authorised institution or registered training organisation.

Fees & Timetable

A complete Fee Schedule for all Alphacrucis programs and courses can be found in our Fees Information section.

For a full list of course dates for new and continuing students please see our Timetables.

FEE-HELP is available for eligible students to assist you in financing your studies. For more information and other options, please visit the Financing Your Study page. For students who cannot access government loans, an alternative option is Study Loans, a private student loan provider. To learn more about loans provided by Study Loans, click here.

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge:

Demonstrated:

• critical, innovative and systematic understanding of a substantial and complex body of knowledge that makes an original contribution to a particular area in the field of specialisation;
• advanced and expert knowledge of scholarship and recent developments in the area under consideration;
• sophisticated understanding of advanced research principles and methods, and substantial knowledge of specific research approaches used within the field of Theology, Business and/or Education.

Skills:

Demonstrated ability to:

• autonomously engage in critical reflection, analysis and synthesis of the body of theoretical knowledge related to a particular area within the field of Theology, Business and/or Education;
• establish, incorporate and apply effective research methodologies to advance existing professional knowledge and/or practice;
• design a research question that explores an original and complex issue and propose solutions;
• communicate effectively the complexity of the original research and its findings to peers and the community;
• provide creative responses to the contemporary challenges and new developments in research and scholarship within the field of Theology, Business and/or Education.

Application of Knowledge and Skills:

Demonstrated ability to:

• apply the knowledge and skills developed within the selected research field to engage with new questions and find innovative and creative solutions;
• effectively contribute to regional, national or international professional communities within the selected research field;
• work independently, responsibly and with the level of professionalism expected of an expert in the selected research field;
• effectively design, implement and communicate a major thesis in the selected research field to contribute original knowledge and expertise to peers and the community;
• develop an advanced level of integrative reflection which will inform and enhance professional practice.