ADMISSION REQUIREMENT

Admission to Doctor of Philosophy

To be admitted to the Doctor of Philosophy a candidate must have:

• a relevant Bachelor degree at Honours Class 1 or Honours Class 2 Division 1;

OR

• a relevant Master by Research;

OR

• enrolled in a Charles Sturt University Master by Research program and the candidate has demonstrated exceptional ability in the conduct of a research project which is clearly capable of being extended to a doctoral level;

OR

• a relevant coursework Master's degree with evidence of research equivalent to a Charles Sturt University 16 point subject or greater, at a Distinction level or above;

OR

• other qualifications acceptable to the Faculty and the University Research Committee

Admission to Doctor of Philosophy by Prior Publication
Admission will be subject to external assessment. A candidate is expected to be an experienced researcher with a significant refereed publication record of doctoral standard.

An applicant for admission to Doctor of Philosophy by Prior Publication candidature shall have:

• an appropriate Bachelor degree with class 1 or class 2(i) Honours from an Australian university or an equivalent overseas tertiary institution, taken over a minimum of four years (full-time equivalent);

OR

• qualified for the award of a Master degree by research at an acceptable level;

OR

• a relevant coursework Master degree with evidence of research equivalent to a Charles Sturt University 16 point subject or greater, at a Distinction level or above;

OR

• some other appropriate combination of undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications (such as relevant graduate diplomas) and research experience which demonstrates to the University Research Committee that the applicant is capable of undertaking research at a Doctoral level, may be accepted into the program.

The University Research Committee shall base its decision upon the following evidence:

• the publications (which may include books and non-print materials) that will be included in the submission presented for examination—self-published works will not be considered as a basis for entry into the program;
• information on the quality and citations of the publications to be included in the submission;
• statement making clear the applicant contribution to all jointly-authored publications;
• statement from the co-authors of any jointly-authored publications confirming the extent of the applicant's contribution to these publications;
• statement of no more than five pages that:
  indicates the way in which the work has developed;
  • demonstrates the contemporary relevance of each publication;
  • makes clear the way in which the publications make an original scholarly contribution to knowledge;
  • provides a thematic overview which serves to link the individual publications into an integrated whole;
  • confirms papers have not previously been submitted as part of a degree;
  • statement indicating whether or not additional research activity may be required in order to convert the publications to an integrated whole, and if so, an outline of the necessary work,
  • names of two persons who are able to provide academic references relevant to the candidature
    the qualifications and experience of the applicant;
  • area of research;
  • indication of willingness to supervise the proposed research from a supervisor;
• certification from the Faculty that:
  program of study and research is at a level appropriate to the degree being sought;
• program falls within an approved University field of research for higher degrees;
• adequate supervision and physical resources are available;
• applicant has the appropriate background and ability to undertake the proposed course;
  and
• applicant has given the necessary commitment to work regularly on the approved program of study and research and maintain regular contact with a supervisor.

Candidates should contact the Sub-Dean Graduate Studies to discuss possible research topics. Candidates wishing to undertake research in an area strategically aligned with a designated University Research Centre should also contact the Director of that Centre.

In accordance with the University's Higher Degree Research Policy, candidates will be assigned an appropriate supervisor who will assist the candidate in developing a research proposal, the title of the thesis, and guide the candidate throughout their candidature and thesis preparation.

Theological and biblical studies are amongst the priority research areas of the Faculty for a Doctor of Philosophy by research and thesis.

Candidates will be enrolled into one of the following subjects, depending on chosen area of research and mode of study:

• ASH701 – Doctoral Research (Arts and Education) PT (192cp)
• ASH702 – Doctoral Research (Arts and Education) FT (192cp)
• THL701 – Doctoral Research (Theology) PT (192cp)
• THL702 – Doctoral Research (Theology) FT (192cp)

See Charles Sturt University for more detail about the course structure and its individual components.

Candidates are advised to contact the Sub-Dean Graduate Studies for relevant information.

Upon completion of this course, graduates will be able to:

1. create a substantial body of knowledge at the frontier of a field of work or learning, including knowledge that constitutes an original contribution
2. develop, adapt and implement research methodologies to extend and redefine existing knowledge or professional practice
3. demonstrate cognitive skills and use of intellectual independence to think critically, evaluate existing knowledge and ideas, undertake systematic investigation and reflect on theory and professional practice
4. demonstrate expert technical and creative skills applicable to the field of work, learning or professional practice
5. demonstrate communication skills to explain and critique theoretical propositions, methodologies and conclusions
6. demonstrate communication skills to present cogently a complex investigation of originality or original research for external examination against international standards and to communicate results to peers and the community
7. demonstrate expert skills to design, implement, analyse, theorise and communicate research that makes a significant and original contribution to knowledge and/or professional practice
8. demonstrate the application of knowledge and skills with intellectual independence
9. demonstrate the application of knowledge and skills with initiative and creativity in new situations and/or for further learning
10. demonstrate the application of knowledge and skills with full responsibility and accountability for personal outputs
11. demonstrate the application of knowledge and skills to plan and execute original research
12. demonstrate the application of knowledge and skills with the ongoing capacity to generate new knowledge, including in the context of professional practice