Doctor of Philosophy
The PhD is a course of supervised research and study leading to the submission of a thesis that makes a significant original contribution to knowledge. The new knowledge may be the form of new knowledge per se, or be a significant and original adaptation and interpretation of existing knowledge. The delivery of the course is governed by the Rules of the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy that provide details regarding all aspects of admission, progression, submission and examination of the thesis, and the storage of completed theses in perpetuity.Admission Requirements
A person may be admitted to candidature who:
- has been awarded a research masters degree, a masters degree with a part-research component or a bachelors honours degree (first or second class upper division) or equivalent; and
- is able to demonstrate potential to undertake work at doctoral level in the proposed field of study; or
- holds a qualification that the Research Committee deems equivalent to those prescribed above.
Note 1:
Students enrolled in a research masters degree at Avondale may upgrade their enrolment to PhD candidature where they have not yet completed the research masters degree, and where they have been enrolled in the research masters degree at Avondale for not less than 12 months as a full-time candidate or eighteen months as a part-time candidate, and the student has successfully passed the confirmation process where the assessment has been undertaken using the criteria for PhD confirmation.
Note 2:
Acceptance is dependent on: (a) the applicant’s qualifications; (b) the availability of appropriate supervision; (c) the availability of appropriate infrastructure; and (d) the quality and feasibility of the research proposal.
Note 3:
Applicants may demonstrate their potential to undertake doctoral level research by providing a quality proposal for the study and a completed thesis undertaken as part of a coursework masters degree; and/or a masters honours degree; and/or grades at a minimum of high credit in at least two research methodology units; and/or the equivalent, such as published material.
- Applicants who do not hold the minimum level of research competence outlined above may be required to undertake at least two units in a Grad Cert in Research Methods, or the equivalent.
- All students are enrolled in the PhD with provisional candidature. After 12 months of FT equivalent enrolment, students undertake the confirmation of candidature process and as part of this students are required to demonstrate that they are working at doctoral standard. Those students who are unable to successfully complete the final proposal within the normal time will be asked to show cause why their candidature should not be terminated.
Length of Candidature
PhD candidates normally conclude their work in no-less than 3 years by full-time study and no less than 4 years by part-time study. PhD candidates are not permitted to extend their candidature beyond 6 years full-time or 8 years part-time study.
Mode of Study
Study is offered in full-time or part-time mode, by distance education or on campus (Lake Macquarie Campus). Click here to decide which mode is right for you.
Fees
Tuition costs for full-time doctoral study are $12,500 per annum for Australian, New Zealand and South Pacific students, and $17,000 for international students. Pro rata fees are calculated for students undertaking the PhD by part-time study.
Scholarships
A limited number of scholarships is available, and prospective students wishing to be considered for a tuition-fee waiver scholarship should write to the Secretary of the Research Committee, including the letter with their application and brief proposal. Allocation of Scholarships is based on the quality of the proposal and continues subject to satisfactory progress in the degree.
Advanced Standing and Credit Transfer
Avondale’s PhD program permits students who transfer from another institution with completed research to reduce the minimum period of candidature, however, there is no reduction in the examination requirements of the thesis.
Candidates who have completed higher education studies by research prior to the lodgement of their application may submit an application for advanced standing. Determination will be made on the basis of equivalence of the candidate’s:
- prior award to the requirements of the PhD;
- time spent in obtaining or studying towards the prior award;
- level of the prior award;
- theoretical level of work already completed;
- prior experience as a professional in the field
Applying for a PhD
Avondale is able to support doctoral study in a limited number of areas. These areas include Australian history, history of the local area, denominational history, a variety of areas in educational research, health research and theological research. Both research infrastructure and staff experienced in doctoral supervision are available to support research in each of these areas.
Applications may be lodged at any time of the year. Prospective candidates complete the requisite form which may be submitted in hard copy to the Registrar at Avondale College. Intending applicants should discuss their plans with the Vice-President (Administration & Research), the Dean of the relevant Faculty, and/or potential supervisors before submitting an application. Applications normally are accompanied by a brief proposal (8-10 pages) outlining the proposed research field to be pursued.
Acceptance is dependent on: (a) the applicant's qualifications; (b) the availability of appropriate supervision; and (c) the availability of appropriate infrastructure.
Click here for an application for enrolment form
Potential Topic Areas
The following list of potential supervisors and their respective areas of expertise is indicative rather than exhaustive. It is intended to start prospective candidates thinking. Additional topics and areas may be possible and prospective candidates are encouraged to discuss their ideas with potential supervisors, Faculty Deans, and the Vice-President (Administration & Research).
List of Approved Supervisors
| Area of Expertise | Principal Supervisors | Associate Supervisors |
|---|---|---|
| Traumatic Brain Injury Psycho-social support systems |
Dr Malcolm Anderson | Dr Malcolm Anderson |
| Chemical epistemology Chemistry education History and philosophy of science and its application to teaching and learning of science Science education Qualitative and quantitative methodologies |
A/Prof Kevin de Berg | A/Prof Kevin de Berg |
| Vocal pedagogy Ethnomusicology Music history |
Dr Robb Dennis | |
| Sociology of religion Ministry studies |
Dr Rick Ferret | |
| English pedagogy Qualitative research methodologies |
A/Prof Phil Fitzsimmons | A/Prof Phil Fitzsimmons |
| Postcolonial theory English literature |
Dr Jane Fernandez | |
| Youth Ministry Leadership |
Dr Barry Gane | |
| Quantitative methodologies Indigenous education Learning theory |
Dr Cedric Greive | |
| Gospel of Matthew Historical Jesus Parables Tithe Memory and the Gospels |
A/Prof Robert McIver | |
| Leadership Change Management Quantitative Methodology |
Dr Peter Morey | |
| Exercise science Lifestyle issues PDHPE curriculum |
Dr Darren Morton | |
| Marine biology | Dr Jason Morton | Dr Jason Morton |
| Education Studies Learning Design and Learning Support Qualitative methodologies |
Dr Maria Northcote | |
| Dietetics | Dr Robyn Pearce | |
| Australian history Media history History of the local area Denominational history |
A/Prof Daniel Reynaud | A/Prof Daniel Reynaud |
| Systematic theology Biblical Interpretation |
Dr Ray Roennfeldt | |
| Science and faith issues and policy | Dr Lynden Rogers | |
| Midwifery Infant feeding Postnatal care Maternal and child health Qualitative methodologies Grounded theory Discourse analysis Metasynthesis of qualitative research |
Dr Athena Sheehan | |
| Curriculum development Adult learning Clinical nursing education |
Dr Alison Smedley | |
| Denominational history | Dr John Skrzypaszek | |
| Old Testament narratives and ancient translations Studies in the Book of Revelation Studies in Luke/Acts Ancient cultural conventions and early Christianity |
Dr Steve Thompson | Dr Steve Thompson |
| Curriculum Development Curriculum Evaluation Student Welfare Issues (e.g., bullying, child protection, school violence) Qualitative methodologies |
Dr Vivienne Watts | Dr Vivienne Watts | Sessional Supervisors |
| Music composition Margaret Sutherland Music history |
Dr Cherie Watters-Cowan | Honorary Senior Research Fellows |
| Religious history | Dr Bryan Ball | |
| Adventist studies | Dr Graeme Bradford | |
| English pedagogy | Dr Merle Cozens | |
| Denominational history | Dr Milton Hook | |
| Adventist studies | Dr Arthur Patrick | |
| New Testament studies | Dr Norm Young |
Click on the link below for more detailed information on selected topic areas:
Theology - Adventist Studies
For information on other areas contact the Enquiry and Enrolment Centre on 1800 991 392 or international
+61 2 49 802 377
English Language Proficiency Requirements
Courses at Avondale College are delivered in the English language. In order to complete the courses successfully, students whose first language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in English in one of the following ways:
- Provide documentary evidence that a significant part of their education was conducted in the English language; or
- Successful completion of at least two years of tertiary study conducted in the English language in Australia or another country in which English is the official language within the last two years; or
- Provide documentary evidence that an IELTS score of 7.0 has been achieved, a minimum score for the writing component of 7.0 has been achieved, and no other individual band score is less than 6.5.
International Students
Overseas applicants wishing to reside on campus in Australia whilst undertaking graduate studies at Avondale are required to satisfy Australian Government VISA requirements (see the Department of Immigration and Citizenship [DIAC] website at www.immi.gov.au/study).
More Information
For more information email Dr Vivienne Watts, phone +61 2 49 802 120 or see the Postgraduate Handbook.
