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.
a) 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
b) have a substantial knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to the field of work or learning
c) 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
d) 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
e) 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.
f) Submission of an annual report throughout the duration of candidature.
g) Satisfactory completion of confirmation of candidature.
h) Where relevant, satisfactory completion of requirements of the Human Research Ethics Committee.
i) Attendance and participation in a minimum of 8 hours of research seminars at the University and either a University Research Conference 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.
j) Presentation of at least one seminar or conference paper of no less than 20 minutes' duration prior to submission of the thesis.
k) Preparation of a thesis for examination.