Course Description

The Doctor of Theology (AQF level 10 Doctoral Research) course has been designed for research to be undertaken in a field of specialisation within traditional theological disciplines (i.e., in the Department of Bible and Language, Department of Christian Thought, or Department of Ministry and Practice).

The degree is designed to equip men and women as beginning researchers in the traditional fields of theology and provide qualification recognised by theological Bible colleges as well as universities for those who teach in these fields.

See the ACT website for the full list of course learning outcomes.

Course Duration

3 years full-time or part-time equivalent up to 6 years (12 semesters).

Campuses this course is delivered at:

Sydney Campus & Perth Campus

Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications:

• MTh, OR
• BTh/BMin Hons, with at least Upper Second Class Honours and at least a Distinction in the thesis, OR
• BTh or BMin plus a Graduate Diploma with embedded RTP^, with satisfactory completion of Research Methods, an overall GPA≥3.0 and ≥Distinction in a major project of at least 12,000 words, OR
• BTh or BMin plus a Coursework Masters (such as MA(Th/Min) or MTS) with embedded RTP, with satisfactory completion of Research Methods, an overall GPA≥3.0 and ≥Distinction in a major project of at least 12,000 words in FoR~, OR
• MDiv or MMin with embedded RTP, with satisfactory completion of Research Methods, an overall GPA≥3.0 and ≥ Distinction in a major project of at least 12,000 words in FoR, OR
• MDiv or MMin plus a Coursework Masters (such as MA(Th/Min) or MTS) with embedded RTP, with satisfactory completion of Research Methods, an overall GPA≥3.0 and ≥Distinction in a major project of at least 12,000 words in FoR, OR
• MTS, MA(ChrStuds) or MML with embedded RTP, with satisfactory completion of Research Methods, an overall GPA≥3.0 and ≥Credit in a major project of at least 12,000 words, OR
• Theological and non-theological qualifications deemed by the Research and Research Studies Committee to provide a suitable grounding for Doctor of Theology study.

^ RTP = Research Training Pathway
~ FoR = Field of Research

N.B. All applicants for the Doctor of Theology must demonstrate competence in Biblical languages required for their FoR. Normally this is demonstrated by an applicant having successfully completed 2 units of language study in a relevant Biblical language and 2 units of exegesis of Biblical text using the relevant Biblical language.

Language Qualifications for NESB: IELTS min 7.5 overall with a min 7.5 in reading and writing, 7.0 in listening and 6.5 in speaking.

Course Structure

80-100,000 word thesis, excluding bibliography

This is a course of the Australian College of Theology.