The Doctor of Professional Practice is designed for experienced practitioners to develop advanced knowledge and skills relevant to their professional context. It equips mature professionals to develop their research competency and their critically reflective practice, and to further develop their theoretical knowledge.
Students undertake advanced coursework and independent supervised research, integrating critical thinking, spiritual awareness, and theological engagement with a body of knowledge and lived experience through enquiry-based research to address complex problems and initiate positive and sustainable change in their professional context. By engaging with theory and practice, candidates contribute in significant ways to the application of knowledge and/or practice within diverse professional contexts.
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- DurationThe Doctor of Professional Practice is only offered on a part-time basis in 2024 and 2025. Minimum duration is 2 years, standard full-time is 3 years and maximum part-time is 8 years.
- StructureThe Doctor of Professional Practice requires completion of 432 points. Students must complete Year 1 (coursework) before proceeding to Year 2. This requires successful completion of the six core units with an average mark of 70% and successful application of confirmaton of candidature, including approval of the proposed research project. Students complete a research project (years 2 and 3) of not more than 65,000 words (inclusive of all elements except the bibliography) and undergo independent examination by at least two external expert examiners of international standing.
- FeesIn 2025 the tuition fee for a year of study in the Doctor of Professional Practice is $19,608 (full-time) or $9,804 (part-time).
- Admission CriteriaApplicants may ony be admitted by the School of Graduate Research Committee. Meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission. The Committee takes into consideration the applicant's potential to undertake research, quality and feasibility of the research proposal, availability of appropriate supervision, and employer or referee reports. Applicants for the Doctor of Professional Practice must have completed four years of full-time tertiary study or part-time equivalent relevant to their professional practice and five years' work experience in the chose field of professional practice. Applicants are only admitted to the Doctor of Professional Practice if they satisfy the School of Graduate Research Committee that they have the professional and academic experience to undertake research which contributes to knowledge in an area of professional practice. Admission is by written application and interview with the DPP Coordinator, and one other research active university faculty member designated by the School of Graduate Research Committee. Applicants must provide a brief description of the proposed area of research including a clear statement of its relevance to the professional context; detailed evidence of professional experience relevant to the proposed area of research; a substantial piece of writing regarding a complex issue or issues in either a professional or research setting of no less than 6,000 words or equivalent, as approved by the School of Graduate Research Committee; either a letter of support from an employer or the names of two referees who can provide information in support of their application.
- Admission DatesApplications for admission to a Research Higher Degree can be made at any time.
The Doctor of Professional Practice is an AQF Level 10 Award. It is
- fully accredited through the University of Divinity
- qualifies for Austudy and FEE-HELP assistance
- available online
Course outcomes
Graduates of the Doctor of Professional Practice
- Critically analyse existing knowledge and practice to develop new solutions and concepts for advancing professional practice.
- Integrate insights into self, profession, systems and context with theoretical, ethical and theological understanding to empower critically reflective praxis.
- Evaluate, design, and justify the choice of appropriate research and investigate approaches to examine and solve issues of professional practice.
- Communicate and disseminate research data and findings to peers and diverse professional bodies with sensitivity and spiritual awareness.
- Exhibit autonomy, considered judgement, and thought leadership in professional practice.
More information
Doctor of Professional Practice summary information (opens to the external University of Divinity site)
Doctor of Professional Practice Regulation (not yet available)
Application for the Doctor of Professional Practice is made to the Registrar. The Registrar can be contacted via +61 3 9847 5400 and via email at enquiries@ebc.edu.au
Semester: 1. Summer School
Semester: 2. Semester 1
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AR8112B Learning for Life and Ministry
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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
You can email enquiries@ebc.edu.au for information on available courses.