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Research

Master of Philosophy

CRICOS: 089243A

Are you ready to make a significant contribution to your field through original research? The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) program at Alphacrucis University College is designed for individuals like you who aspire to engage in advanced research and develop innovative solutions in Theology, Business, Social Science or Education. This program offers a unique opportunity to set yourself apart as a thought leader and expert in your chosen field.

Course Duration
1.5 years full time, up to 5 years part time
Study Modes
Online Recorded, Online Live, Mixed Mode, Face to Face
Study Locations
Online, Sydney*
* Some subjects are available on campus, see the timetable to confirm location and mode.
Start Dates
March (S1), Aug (S2)
Fees
$2,525 per subject
FEE-HELP
Subjects/Units
120 credit points
Speak to enrolment advisorDownload Course Guide

What is the Master of Philosophy?

The Master of Philosophy is a research-intensive postgraduate course that equips you with the skills needed to conduct independent, original research. Ideal for those who have completed a coursework Master's degree and wish to delve deeper into their field of study, the Master of Philosophy provides a pathway to further doctoral studies. Cross-disciplinary research is also encouraged, enabling you to explore innovative intersections like Theology and Economics or Communication in Education.

Who is this for?

Are you driven to conduct original research and contribute to your field?

Do you have a coursework Master’s degree and seek to pursue further independent research?

Are you looking to specialise in Theology, Social Science, Business, or Education, or explore cross-disciplinary areas?

Do you aspire to develop advanced skills in critical thinking, communication, and creative problem-solving?

If these goals resonate with you, the Master of Philosophy is designed to help you achieve them!

Outcomes

Prepare for roles as a lecturer, trainer, or academic researcher.

Enhance your qualifications for leadership positions in the church, business, education, and community sectors.

I think anyone who's got Alphacrucis as a part of their journey is better off for it.

Mark Varughese, Senior Pastor Kingdomcity

Accreditation & Partnerships

*This course meets the theological qualification requirements to be an ordained minister in churches that are part of the Australian Christian Churches movement, which represents over 1,100 churches throughout Australia and neighbouring countries.

If your church is part of another denomination, please check with your church or denomination office if this course is also recognised for credentialled ministry.

Course Structure

Subjects & Units

Core
3 Subjects
120 Credit Points
Research Methods RES701
This subject is the foundational class for all MPhil studies. Students will be taught advanced research skills across the main disciplines of theological and ministry studies. They will also develop some of the early research of what will become their major project.
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Research Thesis RES703
This unit is designed to equip students to be independent researchers and make a substantial contribution toward advancement of knowledge and practice within their chosen field. Through this subject, students will undertake a thesis in consultation with an approved supervisor.
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XXX706 Advanced Studies in Discipline Area (choose 1 of the following subjects based on your area of specialisation)

No subjects found in this category.

Work-Integrated Learning

Work-Integrated Learning may be undertaken through various Professional Practice and Professional Experience subjects at AC. These subjects seek to create a direct linkage between the learning, skills and values engaged in lectures, and the reflection which occurs when these are applied in real-life settings. These work-based training subjects comprise of instruction, academic assessment and a placement in a workplace for each subject.

Students are usually required to find their own workplace/ employer/ mentor to be approved by AC. In some cases, a new aspect within a student’s current paid employment may be suitable as a work placement.

More Information

For more information and details of previous course structures see Student Handbook.

*You can also use the Subject & Unit Search to explore the subjects (including electives) available to enrol in for this course and can filter by subject area and level.
For a full list of course dates for new and continuing students, please see our Timetables.

What people say

  • I am thoroughly enjoying my study with AC. My supervisors are experts in the field, who model both academic rigour and pastoral support in our regular meetings. Because they show such a genuine interest in my research and in me as a student, I am continually encouraged to face the challenges of postgraduate and keep going!

    Melissa Brown

    PhD Candidate (Education)

  • At AC, we are committed to research created for good that makes a positive and transformative impact in society. Through our research centres, world class career researchers and HDR candidates, exciting opportunities are available in a wide range of discipline areas.

    Johannes Luetz

    Faculty

  • I did several subjects online during my Masters studies and can vouch for the great online content. The content was very clear and easy to engage with… I absolutely loved it, particularly the leadership subjects. They have given me a really strong grounding and foundation for what’s next.

    Rob Waugh

    Masters of Leadership

    • Learning Outcomes

    Knowledge

    • Critical, creative 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 knowledge of scholarship and recent developments in the area under consideration.
    • Understanding of advanced research principles and methods, and substantial knowledge of specific research approaches used within the chosen field.

    Skills

    • 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 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 chosen field.

    Ability

    • 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 and responsibly 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.

    Admission Criteria

    Entry Requirements

    International Students – Language Requirements

    IELTS (or equivalent) Score of 7.0 (with no score below 7.0 in any of the four skills areas).

    Professional Entry – Applicants who do not meet academic requirements

    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.

    


    This is an alternate pathway for applicants who do not meet other academic requirements.

    Higher Education Study

    Completion of an AQF Level 8 Bachelors (Honours 1 or 2a) degree in a relevant field, or equivalent.

    OR

    Completion of an AQF Level 7 bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, or equivalent, as well as an AQF Level 8 graduate diploma in a relevant field with at least a 20 credit point research component and an overall GPA at least 2.8.

    OR

    Completion of an AQF Level 9 or above postgraduate qualification in a relevant field, or equivalent.

    Note: Applicants to this degree should normally have completed a prior research paper/thesis of 12,000 words or more. In some cases, peer reviewed publications (e.g. journal articles) may be accepted in lieu of a prior thesis.

    HDR Application Process

    • Are you ready to Apply?

      If you are ready to apply, please complete the HDR Application Form.

    • Do you need further information?

      If you are not yet ready to apply but would like further information or advice, please use our expression of interest form.

    • Other questions?

      If you have any questions about our programs or would like to discuss a prospective research project further, please let the Graduate Research School know by contacting hdr.admin@ac.edu.au.