05.5.2 Course Structure

Owned by Susanna
Mar 31, 2023
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1. Candidates undertake independent research towards a 70,000 to 100,000 word thesis on a topic approved by MTC. The research is conducted under the supervision of a Primary Supervisor and a Joint Supervisor.

2. The first two semesters of candidacy are provisional. Confirmation of candidacy is the decision of the Research Committee. 

3. The first two semesters must be undertaken full-time on-campus. See also Section 5.5.6.9 below.

4. The thesis must:

  • Make a distinct contribution to theological learning;

  • Evidence original research and the exercise of independent critical analysis;

  • Evidence the author being trained in the techniques relevant to the field of research and of being capable, without supervision, of applying these techniques to other research projects;

  • Evidence sufficient familiarity with the area of discipline in which the author has worked to be able to assess critically the present state of knowledge in the subject and to conceive possibilities of further investigation with an increasing independence.

5. Candidates are required to participate in MTC’s program of Research Forums. This includes presentation, at least once per year, of an abstract of research to date.   In the case of part-time, off-campus students residing outside of metropolitan Sydney, arrangements may be made with the approval of the Director of Research, in conjunction with a joint Supervisor in their place of residence, for participation in appropriate research forums offered by another institution in order to supplement (any) agreed limited participation in the College’s Research Forum Program.

6. All candidates require competence in New Testament Greek. Depending on the thesis topic candidates may require advanced competence in other biblical language (Hebrew and Aramaic) and competence in other ancient and modern languages to the level of in-depth engagement with scholarly works.