Course Structure

The course consists of 240 credit points comprising:

• 1x core research methods subject (20 credit points)
• 1x 800-level elective to be taken from the area of specialisation (20 credit points)
• 1x core 50,000 research thesis in area of specialisation (200 credit points)

To qualify for award of the degree of Doctor of Ministry a candidate shall complete at least 240 credit points.

For more information see the Student Handbook.

Subjects

• RES801 Survey of Research Methods
• RES802 Research Thesis
• XXX806 Advanced Research in Discipline Area

Subjects with a 'XXX' code will be replaced with the discipline code as determined by your supervisor. For example, if your discipline area is Education, the code will be replaced as EDU806.

View the full list of subjects for this course. For more details, see the current enrolment guide for this course.

Admissions

Academic

Applicants with Recent Secondary Education (within the past 2 years)

This course of study requires the completion of higher education study at an authorised institution. Recent secondary education graduates are not eligible for direct entry into this course.

Applicants with Vocational Education and Training (VET) Study

This course of study requires the completion of higher education study at an authorised institution. Applicants with Vocational Education and Training (VET) study are not eligible for direct entry into this course.

Applicants with Higher Education Study

Completion of a AQF Level 8 Bachelors (Honours 1 or 2a) degree in theology or ministry, or equivalent.

OR

Completion of a AQF Level 8 or above postgraduate qualification in theology or ministry (with research component), or equivalent with GPA at least 2.8.

OR

Graduates with an AQF Level 9 postgraduate qualification outside the field of theology or ministry must have completed at least 6 subjects in leadership and/or ministry, at least 4 subjects in bible and/or theology, at least a 20-credit point research project or research essay.

Applicants with Work and Life Experience

In exceptional circumstances, the Graduate Research School may allow admission of an applicant who does not have the qualifications specified. In such cases, evidence must be supplied to verify that the applicant has equivalent qualifications based on academic and professional attainment, as well as demonstration of an appropriate capacity for the research.

Language Requirements

International Students will be required to show proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are a minimum IELTS score of 7.0 overall, reading 7.0; writing 7.0; speaking 7.0; listening 7.0 (or equivalent).

Essential Requirements

All potential applicants should start by completing the HDR expression of interest form. Bridging courses, such as RES601 Research Methods, may be required for some applicants.

Applicants must have at least 5 years’ full-time leadership and/or ministry experience, or equivalent. To demonstrate this, applicants must submit a copy of their CV with a cover letter outlining how they meet these criteria.

For more information regarding entry requirements, please contact hdr.admin@ac.edu.au.

Fees & Timetable

A complete Fee Schedule for all Alphacrucis programs and courses can be found in our Fees Information section.

For a full list of course dates for new and continuing students please see our Timetables.

FEE-HELP is available for eligible students to assist you in financing your studies. For more information and other options, please visit the Financing Your Study page. For students who cannot access government loans, an alternative option is Study Loans, a private student loan provider. To learn more about loans provided by Study Loans, click here.

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge:

Demonstrated:

• Critical, creative and systematic understanding of a substantial and complex body of knowledge that makes an original contribution to a particular area in the practice of ministry;
• Advanced knowledge of scholarship and recent developments in the area of under consideration;
• Understanding of advanced research principles and methods, and substantial knowledge of specific research approaches used in the field of practical ministry.

Skills:

Demonstrated ability to:

• Autonomously and analytically engage in critical reflection, synthesis and evaluation of the body of theoretical knowledge related to a particular area of the practice of ministry;
• Establish, incorporate and apply effective research methodologies to advance existing professional practice;
• Design a research question that explores an original and complex issue and provide possible solutions to the problem raised;
• Communicate effectively complex ideas, original knowledge and proposed solutions to peers and general audiences;
• Provide creative responses to the contemporary challenges and new developments in research and scholarship in the field of practical ministry.

Application of Knowledge and Skills:

Demonstrated ability to:

• Articulate new questions or issues and apply the knowledge and skills developed within the selected research field to develop original and appropriate solutions;
• Work independently, responsibly and with the level of professionalism  expected of an expert in the selected research field;
• Effectively design, implement and communicate a major thesis in the selected research field to contribute original knowledge and expertise to peers and general audiences;
• An advanced level of integrative reflection which will inform and enhance their professional ministry practice.