Doctor of Philosophy
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program is designed for original research in the broad fields of Theology, Business or Education. If you have prepared your proposal and are ready to apply, please use our HDR application form. If you are not yet ready to apply but would like further information or advice, please use our expression of interest form.
Course Description
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program is designed for in-depth investigation of ideas which make original contributions to your chosen field.
The PhD course equips candidates to make substantial contributions toward the advancement of knowledge and practice within your chosen field and in the broader community. Our exceptional supervisors include many of the world’s leading scholars in their fields. While developing skills in independent research, there are also many opportunities for connection and interaction. Candidates will join a vibrant research culture which is closely engaged with industry, professional and scholarly networks across Australia and beyond.

Course Structure
The course consists of 240 credit points comprising:
- 80 000 word research thesis (240 credit points) in area of specialisation – Core
To qualify for award of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy a candidate shall complete at least 240 credit points.
For more information see the Student Handbook.
Admission Criteria
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 an AQF Level 8 Bachelors (Honours 1 or 2a) degree in a relevant field, or equivalent. Demonstrated knowledge of research methodology equivalent to RES701 AND methodology in the area of specialisation.
OR
Completion of an AQF Level 9 or above postgraduate qualification in a relevant field, or equivalent. This must include at least a 20 credit point research component and an overall GPA at least 2.8.
Note: Applicants to this degree must have completed a prior research thesis of at least 12,000 words. In some cases, peer reviewed publications (e.g. journal articles) may be accepted in lieu of a prior thesis.
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, and demonstration of an appropriate capacity for research.
Language
Overseas students are required to demonstrate their English proficiency skills. Such students admitted into our programs must attain an overall IELTS (or equivalent) score of 7.0 (with no score below 7.0 in any of the four skills areas). IELTS (or equivalent) is not required for applicants who have undertaken five years of required higher education study (or equivalent) in English from an approved country or who have completed a Certificate IV or higher qualification awarded in English under the Australian Qualification Framework by an authorised institution or registered training organisation.
Study Modes
Delivery Mode: Online or on-campus*
Duration: Up to 10 years
Intakes: Semester 1, Semester 2
*Independent research may be undertaken anywhere in the world.
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, innovative and systematic understanding of a substantial and complex body of knowledge that makes an original contribution to a particular area in the field of specialisation;
- advanced and expert knowledge of scholarship and recent developments in the area under consideration;
- sophisticated understanding of advanced research principles and methods, and substantial knowledge of specific research approaches used within the field of Theology, Business and/or Education.
Skills:
Demonstrated ability to:
- autonomously engage in critical reflection, analysis and synthesis of the body of theoretical knowledge related to a particular area within the field of Theology, Business and/or Education;
- establish, incorporate and apply effective research methodologies to advance existing professional knowledge and/or practice;
- design a research question that explores an original and complex issue and propose solutions;
- communicate effectively the complexity of the original research and its findings to peers and the community;
- provide creative responses to the contemporary challenges and new developments in research and scholarship within the field of Theology, Business and/or Education.
Application of Knowledge and Skills:
Demonstrated ability to:
- apply the knowledge and skills developed within the selected research field to engage with new questions and find innovative and creative solutions;
- effectively contribute to regional, national or international professional communities within the selected research field;
- 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 the community;
- develop an advanced level of integrative reflection which will inform and enhance professional practice.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the PhD program are likely to find employment in the church, the business sector, the education sector, as well as in the community sector. Your graduate employment opportunities include, but are not limited to:
- Lecturer
- Academic researcher
- Church pastor
- Community/NFP/NGO worker
- Church administrator
- Education administrator or teacher
- Business professional
- Overseas aid and development worker
Alumni Stories
“My study at Alphacrucis College is more than just attending classes, research in the library, meeting with supervisors or obtaining a degree. It’s a life transformation: physically, mentality and spiritually. My time at AC these past few years have been the greatest experience. This is the best theological college in which to train to be a better servant of God and to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. This Christ-centred College has motivated me to make the most of my study… and the friendly staff have given me joy and happiness, too! To God be the Glory.”
Makalofi Kakala (PhD Candidate)
Alphacrucis College Melbourne Campus

Student Services
For more information on the suite of student support services available, please see our Student Services section.