Higher Degree Research

HDR study suits candidates who:

• Enjoy sustained reading, thinking and writing

• Want to explore a focused research question in depth

• Are willing to receive feedback and refine their ideas over time

• Can manage their time and commitments responsibly

• Desire to serve the church and world through rigorous theological reflection

If this sounds like you, HDR may be a good next step in your academic and ministry journey.

Admission to HDR courses is determined by the Australian University of Theology. In general, applicants must:

• Hold appropriate prior theological qualifications at AQF level 8 or above.

• Have completed a recognised Research Training Pathway, including a research methods unit and a substantial research project.

• Meet discipline specific requirements in areas such as biblical languages for certain fields of research.

• Demonstrate sufficient academic achievement to progress to the MTh (Res) or PhD.

Exact requirements for each course are outlined in the AUT admission information and HDR Course Enrolment Policy.

If English is not your first language, you will be required to demonstrate that you meet AUT’s English language proficiency standards for Higher Degree Research. This may involve providing recent test results or evidence of prior study conducted in English. Current requirements are outlined in the AUT English Language Proficiency Policy.

Research degrees involve a significant ongoing commitment. As a general guide:

• The Master of Theology (Research) is typically completed within one year of full time study, with a maximum candidature of two and a half years.

• The Doctor of Philosophy is typically completed within three years of full time study, with a maximum candidature of six years.

You will need to consider how your study load fits alongside ministry, employment and family responsibilities, and how you will fund tuition and related costs. Eligible candidates may use FEE HELP and apply for scholarships.

The HDR application process is a partnership between you, Morling College and the Australian University of Theology. In most cases you will:

1. Develop a preliminary research idea in an area aligned with Morling’s supervisory expertise.

2. Contact Morling for an initial conversation, so we can help you identify a potential supervisor and give feedback on your proposal.

3. Gather your documentation, including academic transcripts, certified copies of qualifications, identity documents and evidence of English proficiency where required.

4. Prepare your research outline, indicating your proposed topic, research questions and field of research.

5. Submit a preliminary application to Morling, who will work with you to finalise your AUT HDR Application Form.

6. Morling submits your application to the AUT Research Committee for consideration and approval.

7. If approved, you receive an offer of admission and induction information from AUT and Morling.

Throughout this process, our team will help you understand timelines, forms and next steps.

Overseas Candidates, who are students who would like to come to Australia to study, can undertake HDR through AUT at selected delivery locations. Overseas students are normally enrolled full time and must meet the conditions of their student visa, including progress and attendance requirements.

Offshore Candidates who intend to primarily reside outside Australia for most of their candidature may also be considered, provided that appropriate supervision, resources and local support can be arranged. In some cases, off shore candidates may be required to attend short research intensives for one to two weeks in Australia.

Definitions:

"Overseas Candidates" are students who come to Australia to do their study.

"Offshore Candidates," study primarily outside Australia, but visit Australia during their candidature, typically for one to two weeks each year during their candidature.