The Doctor of Philosophy is a higher degree by research in divinity or one or more of its associated disciplines. The purpose of the Doctor of Philosophy is to qualify individuals who apply a substantial body of knowledge to research, investigate and develop new knowledge, in one or more areas of investigation, scholarship or professional practice.

PhD candidates present their research in a thesis of not more 100,000 words that is examined by at least two external examiners.

Graduates of the Doctor of Philosophy:

• Have a substantial body of knowledge at the frontier of a field of work or learning within divinity or one or more of its associated disciplines, including knowledge that constitutes an original contribution to the field
• Have a substantial knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to the field of work or learning
• Have expert cognitive, technical and creative skills to use intellectual independence to think critically, analyse and evaluate existing knowledge and ideas, undertake systematic investigation, reflect on theory and practice to generate original knowledge within divinity or one or more of its associated disciplines, and demonstrate expert understanding of theoretical knowledge and to reflect critically on that theory and its application
• Apply knowledge and skills with intellectual independence, and with responsibility and accountability, to plan and execute an ongoing program of original research, and to understand explicit and implicit ethical considerations to the formulation of a research project
• Have skills to present cogently a complex investigation of originality or original research for external examination against international standards, and to communicate research results to peers and the community.

To be eligible for admission an applicant must satisfy the Research Committee that he or she has completed one of the following awards at the University of Divinity to the specified standard,

IELTS Academic: 7.0 with no band below 6.5

TOEFL Academic: 577 with a Test of Written English score of at least 5.0

TOEFL Internet: 91 including at least 25 (Writing), 22 (Listening), 22 (Reading), 22 (Speaking)

PTE Academic: 65 with no communicative skill score below 58.