Doctor of Theology

School of Philosophy & Theology

The Doctor of Theology is an opportunity for students to achieve the highest award in Theology, while studying at an Ecclesiastical Faculty in partnership with the University of Notre Dame Australia. Those who graduate with the ThD will be experts in their field, entering into a community of scholarship that is internationally recognized.

• Why study this degree?

  A Doctor of Theology is a thesis-based research degree and is the civil counterpart to the Catholic Institute of Sydney’s ecclesiastical Doctor of Sacred Theology delivered at the Catholic Institute of Sydney. Students in the ThD benefit from an individually tailored program, that takes into account your background, the research methodology required, and the nature of your thesis topic. Candidates can pursue research training or further coursework as part of the Doctor of Theology program, and will benefit from ongoing support, mentoring and involvement in a vibrant research culture.

• Program summary

  The Doctor of Theology is completed as a traditional thesis that investigates a significant theological question using advanced skills. The thesis needs to make an original and substantial contribution to theological studies.

  Before submitting your application to enrol in a Doctor of Theology you must discuss your application with a suitably qualified member of the academic staff, preferably one you wish to be your principal research supervisor.

  Full details of the program requirements are contained in the Program Requirements.

• Entry requirements

  To be eligible for admission to The University of Notre Dame Australia, all applicants must meet the University’s minimum requirements for admission. The requirements for admission are detailed in the University’s Policy: Admissions.

  Applications must also meet the following requirements:

  • AQF7 in theology or equivalent and AQF9 in theology or equivalent with substantial research component at A High Level of Achievement. Or AQF8 Honours Degree in Theology with Honours at 1st or 2A Level OR equivalent.
  • For students without the prior study in the English language, IELTS of 7.0 in all bands.

• Learning outcomes

  Upon successful completion of the Doctor of Theology graduates will be able to:

  1. Apply a substantial body of knowledge, at the frontier of their chosen theological discipline, including knowledge that constitutes an original contribution to the field through the design and execution of a substantial research project
  2. Apply theoretical knowledge, methods, and research principles, in the light of Catholic faith, in one of the theological disciplines
  3. Exercise cognitive, technical, and creative skills within intellectual independence to analyse and evaluate complex information, methods, and theories in a manner that allows them to then generate original knowledge
  4. Write a publishable thesis that communicates cogently the product of original research for external examination against international standards, and also to communicate in a succinct, contextualised and doctrinally coherent way, to peers and community audiences; and
  5. Conduct research with intellectual independence, creativity, adaptability, responsibility and accountability for their further outputs and Christian living in the world.

• Partnership with the Catholic Institute of Sydney

  This program is offered through an exclusive partnership with the Catholic Institute of Sydney (CIS) and provides the option to participate in this program externally, at one of the eligible CIS campuses or through Notre Dame, at the Fremantle or Sydney campus. By attending the CIS campus in Sydney, you will receive instruction from their internationally trained faculty and lecturers, and earn an accredited degree through the University of Notre Dame Australia.

  Learn more about our partnership.

• Career opportunities

  A Doctor of Theology can lead to careers in academia, the Church, government and non-government organisations, writing, communications, advertising, scientific research, specialist consultancy, research management, and executive-level management.

• Real-world experience

  You will learn from our academics, who are leaders in their field. There are no practicum requirements for this program.

• Fees and costs

  This Program has the following loan scheme(s) available for eligible students:

  Domestic Fee-Paying
  A domestic fee-paying place is a place at university where the student is responsible for the full cost the program.

  Eligible domestic fee-paying students may apply for the FEE-HELP loan scheme which assists eligible fee-paying students with the payment of all, or part, of their tuition fees, not including additional study costs such as accommodation or textbooks. Your FEE-HELP debt will be indexed each year in line with the Consumer Price Index.

  For indicative fees and information on how to pay, including Government loan schemes and our online calculator, visit our Fees, costs and scholarships page.

• More information

  Considering your uni options?
  Our advisors provide support while choosing a program of study and completing our application process.

  If you need advice about studying at Notre Dame, the Prospective Students Office can help. Talk to one of our career advisors for a personalised advice session.

  Phone: 1800 878 916
  Email: sydney@nd.edu.au
  Address: 128-140 Broadway, Chippendale, NSW 2008

  Catholic Institute of Sydney
  If you need advice about studying the dual campus program, you can contact the Catholic Institute of Sydney.

  Phone: +61 2 9752 9522
  Email: cisinfo@cis.catholic.edu.au
  Address: 99 Albert Road, Strathfield NSW 2135