The Master of Philosophy is a graduate research degree that enables candidates to further develop skills in carrying out independent and sustained research. Designed for applicants with a strong academic background, candidates are guided by a supervisory team to develop independent research that contributes to a field of knowledge in divinity or one or more of its associated disciplines. Candidates apply, critique, analyse or interpret knowledge through the development of research presented in the form of a thesis (or equivalent) of 40,000 words.
The course of study for the Master of Philosophy by major thesis consists of:
1. Satisfactory completion of confirmation of candidature.
2. Preparation and submission of a thesis or its equivalent for examination.
3. Satisfactory completion of any requirements of the Human Research Ethics Committee.
4. Submission of an annual report throughout the duration of candidature.
5. Annual attendance and participation in a minimum of 8 hours of research seminars and conferences
6. Presentation of at least one seminar or conference paper of no less than 20 minutes' duration once candidature has been confirmed and prior to submission of the thesis.
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- DurationThe standard full-time duration is eighteen months. The Master of Philosophy must be completed in not less than one year and not more than four years from the date on which the course is commenced.
- StructureThe course of study for the Master of Philosophy by major thesis consists of: 1. Submission of an annual report throughout the duration of candidature. 2. Satisfactory completion of confirmation of candidature. 3. Where relevant, satisfactory completion of requirements of the Human Research Ethics Committee. 4. Attendance and participation in a minimum of 8 hours of research seminars at the University and either a University Research Conference or a research conference approved by the candidate's College during each year of candidature. Satisfactory completion of these requirements must be certified by the College on the candidate's annual report. 5. Preparation of a Thesis of up to 40,000 words for examination.
- FeesIn 2025 the tuition fee for a year of study in the Master of Philosophy is $19,608 (full-time) or $9,804 (part-time).
- Admission CriteriaTo be eligible for admission an applicant must satisfy the School of Graduate Research Committee that he or she has completed one of the following awards in divinity or its associated disciplines with a 75% average: a) a Master by research degree; or b) a Master by coursework degree; or c) a Graduate Diploma; or d) a four year undergraduate degree with Honours. An applicant must also satisfy the SGR Committee that he or she has completed a thesis or equivalent of at least 12,000 words graded at or above 70%. 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. Applicants must have completed a research proposal which identifies a research question, proposed methodology and a statement of the contribution to a field of knowledge or professional practice. Applicants must provide the names of 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.
- Admission DatesApplications for admission to a Research Higher Degree can be made at any time.
The Master of Philosophy is an AQF Level 9 Award. It is
- fully accredited through the University of Divinity
- qualifies for Austudy and FEE-HELP assistance
- available online
Course outcomes
Graduates of the Master of Philosophy
- have a body of knowledge in a field of study within divinity or one or more of its associated disciplines that includes the understanding of recent developments within this field
- apply advanced knowledge and skills to plan and execute a substantial piece of research
- have cognitive, technical and creative skills to generate and evaluate complex ideas and concepts in a field of study within divinity or one or more of its associated disciplines and to reflect critically on them
- have cognitive skills in, and mastery of, research principles and methods applicable to the field in which the research has been carried out
- have skills to present a coherent and sustained argument and to communicate research results to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
More information
Master of Philosophy summary information (opens to the external University of Divinity site)
Application for the Master of Philosophy is made to the Registrar. The Registrar can be contacted via +61 3 9847 5400 and by email via enquiries@ebc.edu.au
Semester: 1. Summer School
Semester: 2. Semester 1
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BA8137B The Story of God, People and Land
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BN9111B Preaching the Gospels
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BS9313B Bible for Holistic Mission
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CH8306B Remembering and Forgetting in Christian History
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CH9125B Christianity in Australian History
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CT9149B Humanity 3.0: Christian Anthropology and the Posthuman Future
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DP8314B Pastoral Ministry Foundations
Semester: 3. Winter School
Semester: 4. Semester 2
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AR8112B-2 Learning for Life and Ministry
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BA9294B Psalms: Songs that Nurture the Soul
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BN8316B The Story of Jesus, Gospel and Early Church
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CH9100Z The Cracking of Christendom: Histories and Theologies of the Reformation
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CH9307B Radical and Evangelical: Origins of a Movement
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CT8109B Discovering Christian Theology
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CT9100Z The Cracking of Christendom: Histories and Theologies of the Reformation
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DL9115B Preaching and Narrative
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DM9138B Contemporary Mission in Context
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DP9147B Reflective Practice for Vocational Formation
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XX9310B Capstone Integrated Project
Semester: 5. Full Year
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DP9121B Supervised Theological Field Education
Graduates may be eligible for admission to the Doctor of Philosophy.