Doctor of Philosophy

The Doctor of Philosophy is designed for candidates who have a prior degree in theology or in a related field other than theology. It is designed for research to be undertaken normally in one field of specialisation within the Departments of Bible and Language, Christian Thought and History, or Ministry and Practice.

This degree will equip people as researchers and scholars in the traditional fields of theology, as well as in fields of study related to the humanities and social sciences which are integrated with theological perspectives. It provides a qualification recognised by theological and bible colleges as well as universities for those who aim to teach in these fields.

Enrolment in this Higher Degree by Research degree entails application processes requiring approval by both Ridley and the Australian College of Theology.

Graduates of the Doctor of Philosophy will be able to:

Knowledge

1. Create a substantial body of knowledge at the frontier of a field of theology and/or associated disciplines, including knowledge that constitutes an original contribution to the field.

2. Demonstrate substantial knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to the field of study.

3. Exhibit cognitive and technical skills to demonstrate expert understanding of theoretical knowledge in their discipline and to reflect critically on that theory and its potential application(s).

Skills

4. Demonstrate expert, specialised cognitive skills and use of intellectual independence to think critically, evaluate existing knowledge and ideas, undertake systematic investigation, and reflect on theory and practice to generate original knowledge.

5. Communicate a coherent and sustained argument effectively and disseminate research findings to specialist and non-specialist audiences.

Application of knowledge and skills

6. Demonstrate the application of knowledge and skills with autonomy and authoritative judgment as an expert and scholar.

7. Demonstrate the application of knowledge and skills with initiative, creativity and responsibility in new situations and/or for further learning.

Academic Qualifications:

• MTh, OR
• BTh/BMin Hons, with at least Upper Second Class Honours and at least a Distinction in the thesis, OR
• BTh or BMin plus a Graduate Diploma with embedded RTP, with satisfactory completion of Research Methods, an overall GPA≥3.0 and ≥Distinction in a major project of at least 12,000 words, OR
• BTh or BMin plus a Coursework Masters (such as MA(Th/Min) or MTS) with embedded RTP, with satisfactory completion of Research Methods, an overall GPA≥3.0 and ≥Distinction in a major project of at least 12,000 words in FoR, OR
• MDiv or MMin with embedded RTP, with satisfactory completion of Research Methods, an overall GPA≥3.0 and ≥ Distinction in a major project of at least 12,000 words in FoR, OR
• MDiv or MMin plus a Coursework Masters (such as MA(Th/Min) or MTS) with embedded RTP, with satisfactory completion of Research Methods, an overall GPA≥3.0 and ≥Distinction in a major project of at least 12,000 words in FoR, OR
• MTS, MA(ChrStuds) or MML with embedded RTP, with satisfactory completion of Research Methods, an overall GPA≥3.0 and ≥Distinction in a major project of at least 12,000 words, OR
• MPM with embedded RTP, with satisfactory completion of Research Methods and Confirmation of Candidature and an overall GPA≥3.0 OR
• Theological and non-theological qualifications deemed by the ACT Research Committee to provide a suitable grounding for Doctor of Philosophy study.

Please contact the Ridley College Registry team for further information.

RTP = Research Training Pathway

FoR = Field of Research

Language Qualifications for NESB:

• IELTS 7.5 overall with a minimum of 7.5 in reading and writing, 7.0 in listening, and 6.5 in speaking.

2024 domestic tuition fees are $2,784 for undergraduate units and $2,976 for graduate units.
2025 domestic tuition fees are $2,853 for undergraduate units and $3,162 for graduate units.

Current postgraduate research course (HDR) fees can be viewed on our fees page.

For more information about tuition fees including overseas student tuition fees, FEE-HELP, and payment information, view tuition fees.