Doctorate (PhD)
The Doctor of Theology is a research-based degree offered in partnership with the Catholic Institute of Sydney, focusing on advanced theological studies and original contributions to the field. It includes tailored research training and mentoring within a vibrant academic culture.
The Doctor of Theology is an opportunity for students to achieve the highest award in Theology, while studying at an Ecclesiastical Faculty in partnership with the University of Notre Dame Australia. Those who graduate with the ThD will be experts in their field, entering into a community of scholarship that is internationally recognized.
Why study this degree?A Doctor of Theology is a thesis-based research degree and is the civil counterpart to the Catholic Institute of Sydney's ecclesiastical Doctor of Sacred Theology delivered at the Catholic Institute of Sydney. Students in the ThD benefit from an individually tailored program, that takes into account your background, the research methodology required, and the nature of your thesis topic. Candidates can pursue research training or further coursework as part of the Doctor of Theology program, and will benefit from ongoing support, mentoring and involvement in a vibrant research culture.
Program summaryThe Doctor of Theology is completed as a traditional thesis that investigates a significant theological question using advanced skills. The thesis needs to make an original and substantial contribution to theological studies.
Before submitting your application to enrol in a Doctor of Theology you must discuss your application with a suitably qualified member of the academic staff, preferably one you wish to be your principal research supervisor.
Full details of the program requirements are contained in the Program Requirements.
To be eligible for admission to The University of Notre Dame Australia, all applicants must meet the University's minimum requirements for admission. The requirements for admission are detailed in the University's Policy: Admissions.
Applications must also meet the following requirements:
A Doctor of Theology can lead to careers in academia, the Church, government and non-government organisations, writing, communications, advertising, scientific research, specialist consultancy, research management, and executive-level management.
The Doctor of Theology is a thesis-based AQF10 (Research) degree directed by the Catholic Institute of Sydney and accredited by the University of Notre Dame Australia. The degree is individually designed and built around the methodological requirements of the research and the nature of the topic to be investigated, taking into consideration the background of the candidate, and building upon their extensive prior studies in theology. Specialisation, to appropriately qualified candidates, is available in any discipline of Theology in which supervision is available. Competence in research languages other than English is encouraged in the program. Candidates may be asked to undertake further coursework to extend their knowledge and skills as a basis for the research component.
Year OneSemesterCourse CodeCourse TitleUnits of CreditSemester OneCISR7010Supervised Research100Semester TwoCISR7010Supervised Research100Year TwoSemesterCourse CodeCourse TitleUnits of CreditSemester OneCISR7010Supervised Research100Semester TwoCISR7010Supervised Research100Year ThreeSemesterCourse CodeCourse TitleUnits of CreditSemester OneCISR7010Supervised Research100Semester TwoCISR7010Supervised Research100Total Program Units of Credit: 600