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 Masters degree either by research, or with a substantial element of research work within it, in an accredited higher education institution; or
- Qualified for the award of a Bachelor's degree in an appropriate discipline with First Class Honours or Second Class Honours Division A, in an accredited higher education institution; or
- Been enrolled for a Masters degree either by research at Avondale College for not less than one year as a full-time candidate or two years as a part-time candidate, and the Dean of the Faculty certified that the applicant's work as a Masters degree candidate is of such a standard as to justify candidature for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy; or
- Qualifications that the Academic Board deems are equivalent to those prescribed above.
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 5 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 (Sydney Campus or Lake Macquarie Campus, depending on area of study). Click here to decide which mode is right for you.
Fees
Tuition costs for full-time doctoral study are $11,200 per annum for Australian, New Zealand and South Pacific students, and $14,400 for international students. Pro rata fees are calculated for students undertaking the PhD by part-time study. Increasing numbers of scholarships will become available from 2007 and onwards.
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
Advanced standing is not normally awarded in the PhD except where a student seeks to transfer a partially completed PhD project from another institution. In such cases determination of advanced standing will be made where: the previous enrolment was in a PhD offered by an accredited institution; the amount of time spent as a candidate in the prior award; and theoretical level of work already completed.
The maximum amount of advanced standing that could be awarded is 1.5 years for students enrolled in full-time mode, or 2 years for students enrolled part-time. However, there is no change to any other PhD requirements. Students to whom advanced standing is granted are expected to complete a thesis that complies with all criteria of the Thesis Examination Guidelines.
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 |
Dr Kevin de Berg | Dr Kevin de Berg |
| Vocal pedagogy Ethnomusicology Music history |
Dr Robb Dennis | |
| Ecological issues and policy Water quality |
Dr Howard Fisher | |
| Sociology of religion Ministry studies |
Dr Rick Ferret | |
| Postcolonial theory English pedagogy |
Dr Jane Fernandez | |
| Quantitative methodologies Indigenous education Learning theory |
Dr Cedric Greive | |
| Non-profit organisational structures | Dr Keith Howson | |
| Gospel of Matthew Historical Jesus Parables Tithe Memory and the Gospels |
Dr Robert McIver | |
| Exercise science Lifestyle issues PDHPE curriculum |
Dr Darren Morton | |
| Marine biology | Dr Jason Morton | |
| Australian history Media history History of the local area Denominational history |
Dr Daniel Reynaud | Dr 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 | |
| New Testament Greco-Roman Society |
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 | ||
| Qualitative methodologies Mixed methods methodologies Mathematics education Gender studies Christian ethos and identity Christian education Evaluation studies Psycho-social support systems |
Dr John Watts | Dr John Watts |
| Music composition Australian Music 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 Enquiries on 1800 804 324 or international +61 2 49 802 277
English Language Proficiency Requirements
Courses at Avondale College are delivered in the English language. In order to complete the courses successfully, applicants from a country where English is not the first language 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 with no individual band score 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 Vivienne Watts or phone +61 2 49 802 120.
