The Master of Philosophy is a higher degree by research in divinity or one or more of its associated disciplines and is designed for individuals who bring a foundation within this disciplinary range. The purpose of the Master of Philosophy is to qualify individuals to apply an advanced body of knowledge in divinity or one or more of its associated disciplines in a range of contexts and to provide a pathway for possible further learning.

The course of study for the Master of Philosophy by major thesis consists of:

• Submission of an annual report throughout the duration of candidature.
• Satisfactory completion of confirmation of candidature.
• Where relevant, satisfactory completion of requirements of the Human Research Ethics Committee.
• Attendance and participation in a minimum of 8 hours of research seminars at the University and either a University Research Day or a research conference approved by the candidate’s College during each year of candidature. Satisfactory completion of these requirements must be certified by the College on the candidate’s annual report.
• Preparation of a thesis of up to 40,000 words for examination.

Graduates of the Master of Philosophy:

• have a body of knowledge in a field of study within divinity or one or more of its associated disciplines that includes the understanding of recent developments within this field
• apply advanced knowledge and skills to plan and execute a substantial piece of research
• have cognitive, technical and creative skills to generate and evaluate complex ideas and concepts in a field of study within divinity or one or more of its associated disciplines and to reflect critically on them
• have cognitive skills in, and mastery of, research principles and methods applicable to the field in which the research has been carried out
• have skills to present a coherent and sustained argument and to communicate research results to specialist and non-specialist audiences.

Pathways to future study:

Graduates may be eligible for admission to the Doctor of Philosophy.

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.