The Doctor of Philosophy is a research degree that enables interaction with the discipline of theology by building on studies undertaken in a previous degree(s), usually in other disciplines.

Entry Requirements:
a) Completion of the equivalent of at least four years of full-time tertiary study, including at least one year of study in divinity or its associated disciplines, at the University of Divinity or at a university or college recognised by the Academic Board, at a standard determined by the Academic Board; and

b) Capacity to undertake research at doctoral level through completion of a piece of written work of at least 12,000 words assessed at or above a standard determined by the Academic Board.

Completion of one of the following awards from the University of Divinity
• a four-year undergraduate degree with Honours with a 75% average
• a Graduate Diploma with a 75% average
• a Masters by coursework with a 75% average (Master of Divinity or a Master of Theology (Coursework)
• completion of a research essay or thesis of at least 12,000 words graded at or
above 75%. In current UD awards this is now a 16,000 word minor thesis
graded to at least 75%, and a 75% average across the coursework component
of the degree
Or
• a Masters by research with a 75% average, or where a mark is not available, examiners’ reports which indicate to the satisfaction of the Research Committee that the candidate is adequately prepared for doctoral research
• completion of a research essay or thesis of at least 12,000 words graded at or above 75% if coming from another program of study

Structure:

1) Thesis of 100,000 words
2) Alternatives to thesis
a) Exegeted Research Project: A substantial project such as a musical
composition, an artwork, field work, a translation, an edition, or scholarly tool such as a lexicon, accompanied by a written exegesis of at least 50,000
words that demonstrates how the project contributes to the production of new knowledge or to a re-evaluation or modification of existing knowledge.

b) Portfolio: A portfolio of between 100,000 and 120,000 words in total, consisting of:
(i) peer-reviewed scholarship previously published or accepted for publication on a central unifying theme within six years prior to the date of submission

(ii) an original, substantial integrating essay of between 10,000 and 50,000 words that demonstrates how the portfolio contributes to the production of new knowledge or to a re-evaluation or modification of existing knowledge.

Every candidate for this degree must participate in eight hours of postgraduate seminars per year of candidacy.

Normal Duration: The standard full-time duration for the PhD is 3 years. A full-time candidate must complete in 4 years. Standard part-time duration for the PhD is 6 years. A part-time candidate must complete within 8 years.