St Mark’s, in partnership with Charles Sturt University, offers a vibrant Higher Degree by Research (HDR) program that invites you to join a close-knit community of scholars dedicated to advancing theological understanding and practice. Whether you’re passionate about Biblical Studies, Church History, Systematic Theology, Practical Theology, Ethics or Christian Ministry, our HDR pathway provides the highest level of research training—leading to a Master of Philosophy or Doctor of Philosophy—in a supportive, intellectually rigorous environment

As an HDR candidate in Theology, you will work one-on-one with expert supervisors whose research spans diverse traditions and methodologies—from liturgical studies and textual exegesis to intercultural theology and faith-based social engagement. You can tailor your project to interrogate contemporary challenges facing church and society, and benefit from St Mark’s NTC’s long-standing partnership with Charles Sturt, which enriches your study through collaborative networks and access to specialised resources

Our HDR program is designed for maximum flexibility: you may study full-time or part-time, on-campus in Canberra or fully online, with rolling admissions throughout the year. Generous scholarship opportunities—including research training program (RTP) stipends and fee-offsets—help make your research financially viable, while structured milestones, professional development workshops and a dedicated HDR support team ensure you stay on track from proposal to thesis submission

Whether you aspire to a career in academia, ministry leadership or cross-sectoral research, our School of Theology HDR will equip you with the skills, networks and credentials to make a distinctive contribution to the life of the church and the academy.