Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
The study of spirituality as an academic discipline has been increasing in schools of divinity over the last decade or so. There is an increasing recognition of the importance of spirituality among the theological disciplines because it promises to be a truly interdisciplinary field of theological scholarship in dialogue with some of the central concerns of our time.
The Institute for Christian Spirituality and Pastoral Formation is keen to support students who wish to study spirituality and spiritual direction at the doctoral level.
Dean of Studies
Please contact the Dean of Studies if you are interested in applying for this course. |
Revd Dr Michael Smith SJ
Jesuit Theological College
175 Royal Parade
Parkville VIC 3052 |
smithm@mira.net
+61 3 9341 5800 |
Why undertake the Doctor of Philosophy?
A Doctor of Philosophy requires extended study and intense intellectual effort. To earn a PhD a student must accomplish two things:
(i) demonstrate a high level of competence in a subject area;
(ii) extend the body of knowledge about that subject.
A few questions to ask
Because studying for a PhD degree is a major commitment in a person’s life, he or she needs to carefully explore the motivation for undertaking such study before commencing. If you are deciding whether or not to pursue a PhD, the following questions might be useful:
1. Do you want a research career?
Before enrolling in a PhD, you should carefully consider your long-term goals. Because earning a PhD is training for research, you should ask yourself whether a research position is your long-term goal. If it is, a Ph.D. degree is the standard path to your chosen career.
2. Do you want an academic position?
(i) Most universities require faculty members to have a PhD.
(ii) Faculty need the expertise a PhD brings in order to teach advanced courses.
3. Do you have what it takes?
The following guidelines and questions may be of help:
(i) Did you do well in your undergraduate and graduate courses?
(ii) Are you prepared to tackle a project larger than any you have undertaken before?
(iii) Are you prepared to commit to at least three full years of study?
(iv) Are you willing to reduce or forego other activities?
(v) Are you creative?
(vi) Do you have a natural curiosity that will enable you to explore on your own?
(vii) Can you adapt to new ways of thinking?
(viii) Can you tolerate searching for answers even when no one knows the precise questions?
(ix) Are you self-motivated enough to keep working toward a goal without day-to-day encouragement?
(x) If you do a PhD, you will have the freedom to set your own goals, determine your daily schedule, and follow interesting ideas. Are you prepared to accept the responsibility that accompanies the additional freedoms? Your success or failure in a PhD research depends on it.
Finding a good supervisor
One of the keys to a successful completion of a PhD is finding a good supervisor with whom you can work. The Institute for Christian Spirituality and Pastoral Formation (ICSPF) will assist a student who is wishing to do a PhD in the field of Christian spirituality and praxis to find a supervisor who can work with him or her.
Admission and Enrolment
A person may seek the permission of the Board of the Melbourne College of Divinity to be admitted as a probationary candidate for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy if he or she
(i) has obtained, or is qualified to obtain, at a standard deemed acceptable by the Board, a research Master's degree of the College or the University of Melbourne, or an equivalent qualification from a university or college recognised by the Council for the purposes of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, or
(ii) has obtained an exceptional level of relevant professional attainment recognised by the Council for the purposes of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy; or
(iii) has obtained, or is qualified to obtain, the Bachelor of Theology, Bachelor of Divinity or Master of Divinity degrees of the College with First Class Honours; or
(iv) has obtained, or is qualified to obtain, the degree of Master of Theological Studies of the College including a 12,000-word Postgraduate essay with High Distinction.
2010 Fee information
Fees for Australian Students in 2010
Fulltime doctoral research $9188 per annum
Part time doctoral research $4594 per annum
Fees for International Students in 2010
Fulltime doctoral research $9588 per annum
Can my tuition fees be put on FEE-HELP?
Yes – if you are an Australian citizen, or hold a Permanent Humanitarian visa, you are eligible for a Commonwealth Government FEE-HELP loan. The Commonwealth pays the MCD for your studies, and your loan is repaid through the tax system once your taxable income reaches around $40,000. Further details about FEE-HELP are given elsewhere on the ICSPF web site.
Would you like to know more?
General enquiries may be made to:
(i) the MCD Registrar at the Melbourne College of Divinity office (03 9853 3177)
(ii) the Dean of the Institute for Christian Spirituality and Pastoral Formation (03 9341 5800)
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