05.4.6 Academic Regulations

Pathway 1 – A thesis of 40,000–50,000 words.

This pathway is offered to candidates whose prior learning includes the necessary breadth and depth on which to base research at this level, such as: (1) a student who has completed the 15,000-word Research Project or a range of 8–10,000 word projects in the course of an MA(Theology) degree; (2) a student who has passed a 15,000-word project in the College’s four-year program with a result of at least 72.5%. Candidates seeking this pathway for a thesis in the field of Biblical Studies will need to show competency in original languages.

Pathway 2 – One Research Unit and a thesis of 30,000–40,000 words.

The Research Unit must consist of either an Original Language Research Unit (8,000 words equivalent) OR a Research Paper (8,000 words) that is not subsequently incorporated into the thesis. The Research Unit must be completed prior to the thesis stage. This pathway is recommended for candidates who (1) have an adequate research component in a prior degree but require further sharpening of original language skills; or (2) have demonstrated original language skill (e.g. in a prior degree) but have a minimal research component in a prior degree.

Pathway 3 – Two Research Units and a thesis of 25,000–32,000 words.

The two Research Units must consist of one Original Languages Research Unit (8,000 words or equivalent) AND a Research Paper (8,000 words) that is not subsequently incorporated into the thesis. Both Research Units must be completed prior to the thesis stage. This pathway is recommended for candidates with a minimal research component and original languages in a prior degree.

2. For Research Units and theses, the candidate may restrict reading in the primary (other than the biblical text itself) and secondary literature to English language publications so long as the Research Committee is satisfied that the body of literature in English is sufficient to support research at an MTh standard. Where English is not deemed sufficient to support research at an MTh standard, the candidate may be required to undertake further training to acquire the relevant languages. This may be a requirement to undertake an Original Languages Research Unit within Pathway 2 or Pathway 3, or to audit subjects offered within other degrees offered by the College, or to enrol in a relevant language class at another institution.

3. An Original Language Research Unit must be based on 320–400 verses of biblical text(s) in the original language(s), in conjunction with an approved bibliography of approximately 18 items (up to 2,500 pages, consisting of 1500–1800 pages, plus commentaries]). It will focus on linguistic, exegetical, or theological concerns related to the selected biblical texts. The purpose of the Original Language Research Unit is to sharpen analytical skill in biblical language(s). The unit is the equivalent of 8,000 words and is examined by one three-hour exam. The exam is set and marked by a recognised scholar in the area of research who must not be the candidate’s Supervisor but who may be another member of the Faculty of the College.

4. A Research Paper is 8,000 words in length. It must be on a topic related to the thesis, but it may not subsequently be incorporated into the thesis. The purpose of the Research Paper is to sharpen research skill in an area closely related to the thesis topic, while providing an opportunity for the candidate to explore wider issues that support research into the thesis topic. The candidate will decide on an appropriate topic in consultation with the Supervisor. The Research Paper is marked by a recognised scholar in the area of research who must not be the candidate’s Supervisor but who may be another member of the Faculty of the College.

5. It is the responsibility of the candidate’s Supervisor in consultation with the Department Head and the Director of Research to:

• suggest, for the approval of the Research Committee, the examiner for any Research Unit;

• agree with the examiner the format of the examination for an Original Language Research Unit;  and

• inform the student of the format of an examination for an Original Language Research Unit at least one month prior to the agreed date of the examination.

6. The thesis may be either a critical survey of existing learning on the subject, or a significant correction, supplement or new insight to existing learning on the subject, or an original contribution to theological learning. The candidate must demonstrate:

• Independent thought;

• Advanced critical or synthesising ability;

• Coverage of scholarly literature in the chosen field of study and research appropriate to the topic   at Masters level;

• The sustaining of extended and sophisticated argument; and

• The emergence of a creative or original contribution such that potential for doctoral level research is demonstrated.

7. The thesis is assessed by two examiners external to the College who have research doctorates from a recognised university (or equivalent evidence of expertise in the field). They must not be the candidate’s Supervisor and must not be a member of the Faculty of the College. The assessment is in relation to the standard required by an Australian university taking into account the criteria set out in par. 6 (above).

8. An application for admission to the course, using the form provided, is to be accompanied by a proposed study program and submitted to the Registrar in writing (accompanied by an electronic copy of the proposed program). The proposal should consist of:

• a proposed thesis topic, together with a written explanation of up to 500 words of the topic and envisioned approach;

• a proposed Pathway (Pathway 1, 2, or 3).

The proposal need not include details of any proposed Research Units (though the applicant is free to suggest some).

9. Applicants who are not previous graduates of the College will require a personal interview with the Director of Research before the Research Committee considers their application and accompanying proposal.

10. The application and proposal is reviewed by the College’s Research Committee. If the College has the capacity to supervise the applicant’s proposed program and if the thesis topic is considered to represent an appropriate contribution to theological learning and understanding in the particular field, a Supervisor is allocated and application for candidacy endorsed to the Academic Board. The Research Committee also makes a determination of the Pathway, taking into consideration the applicant’s proposed pathway, as well as the advice of the Director of Research.

10.1. If the applicant is approved for Pathway 1, the Research Committee reports approval to the Academic Board, and the candidate drafts a more detailed thesis proposal under the guidance of the designated Supervisor (see below).

10.2. If approved for Pathway 2 or Pathway 3, the candidate must consult with the designated Supervisor to finalise details of Research Units. In the case of an Original Languages Research Unit, the candidate should submit the proposed bibliography to the relevant Department Head for advice. The proposed program, endorsed by the Supervisor, is presented by the Head of Department to the Research Committee, which, with report to the Academic Board, will either:

• approve the program as submitted;

• approve the program subject to amendments to be confirmed by the Supervisor;

• ask for the program to be resubmitted after changes are made in consultation with the Supervisor; or

• reject the program.

11. All successful applicants are deemed to be on probation for an initial period of twelve months (two semesters). Probation is reviewed during the Annual Progress Review.

12. The duration of candidacy is measured from the date of approval by the Research Committee.

13. Depending on their prior study, a candidate may be required to undertake a unit in Research Methods as a co-requisite while completing their Research Unit(s). This must be completed before a candidate may progress to thesis stage.

14. Review by the College’s Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) may be required if a Research Paper or the thesis involves:

• interviews with any identifiable individuals or groups;

• the collection of data from or about identifiable individuals or groups; or

• the observation of identifiable individuals or groups.

15. Candidates must attend the College’s Research Forum (at least four forums per year). During the thesis stage, candidates must present at one forum annually within this program, in which they present an abstract of the content of their research, as well as reflect critically upon issues pertaining specifically to the method of their research.

16. Candidates must undergo an annual progress review.  See the Research Higher Degree Progress Procedure in the Moore Policy Library.  This includes completing an Annual Progress Review for Higher Research Degree Candidates form.

17. Candidates must also attend an interview with a Review Panel if:

• they are in a period of probation (such as the first twelve months of candidature); or

• required by a previous Review Panel.

18. A candidate wishing to change to another Pathway must apply to the Research Committee, stating reasons for the desired change. The Supervisor must also recommend the change in Pathway. The Research Committee will evaluate the merits of the application and make a determination.

19. Candidates in the thesis stage of their program are required to participate in the College’s program of Research Forums. This includes the presentation, at least once per year, of an abstract of their research to date. Normally students must participate in all such forums offered by the College (usually four per year). However, students residing outside the Sydney metropolitan area may apply to the Research Committee for permission to participate in a lesser number. In such cases, students are expected to combine visits to Sydney for forums with face-to-face sessions with their Supervisor.

20. All Research Units must be completed successfully prior to the commencement of the thesis.

21. If a candidate receives a fail for an Original Languages Research Unit, the candidate may sit one supplementary exam. Where a candidate receives a fail for a Research Paper, the candidate may resubmit the paper or request a re-mark. A re-marked Research Paper may not be subsequently resubmitted. A supplementary Original Languages Research Unit exam or a resubmitted Research Paper may not be awarded more than 60%. A candidate who receives more than one fail within the degree will not be permitted to continue in it, but will be offered enrolment within the MA(Theology) degree with advanced standing of one unit in the MA(Theology) for each successfully completed Research Unit.

22. Research Papers are assessed on a relevant sub-set of the criteria for assessment of a thesis (see 26).  

23. At the beginning of the thesis stage, the candidate submits to the Supervisor a paper of approximately 2,000 words detailing the proposed thesis topic and approach to research. The paper should also include a literature survey appropriate to the topic, which would be suitable as part of a first draft of a chapter of the thesis. The following headings should be included in the essay:

• Topic

• Introduction

• Statement of problem and possible contribution to the field;

• Proposed research;

• Methodology and parameters; and

• Tentative outline of thesis and timeline for completion and submission.

When endorsed by the Supervisor, this paper is submitted to the Research Committee with the Supervisor’s recommendation for consideration with one of the following outcomes:

• Approved as submitted;

• Approved subject to amendments to the satisfaction of the Supervisor; or

• Must be re-submitted; or

• Candidate should exit MTh program and be granted advanced standing of one unit in the               MA(Theology) for each successfully completed Research Unit.

24. Changes to a thesis topic may be initiated by the candidate, the Supervisor, or the Research Committee. Changes must be approved by the Academic Board on the recommendation of the Research Committee.

25. Guidelines for the presentation of a thesis are set out in the Research Higher Degree Thesis Examination Procedure found in the Moore Policy Library on the website.  Style guidelines are set out in Section 8 of this Handbook.

26. The thesis examination process including selection of examiners and examination outcome is set out in the Research Higher Degree Thesis Examination Procedure found in the Moore Policy Library on the website.

27. The roles of the various entities involved with results are set out in Section 4 Roles of the Research Higher Degree Thesis Examination Procedure.

28. Where the Research Committee agrees that “the degree be awarded subject to correction to the satisfaction of the Supervisor” or “that the candidate be invited to revise part or all of the thesis and re-submit it for examination” the Supervisor will provide the candidate with written instructions regarding the decision of the Research Committee, the work to be performed, and the criteria that must be satisfied in carrying it out. When the Supervisor is satisfied that the required changes have been made, a signed statement to that effect is given to the Director of Research, or the thesis is re-submitted for external examination.

29. If an RHD student’s thesis is submitted before 1 February (for Sem 1) or 1 July (for Sem 2) and receives ‘Degree Awarded’ (includes typographical errors only) from the Research Committee, no enrolment or tuition fee is required.  All other situations, the RHD student is required to enrol for one semester part-time.

30. Once the Research Committee has made its decision on the outcome of the thesis, each external thesis examiner may be provided with an un-identified copy of the other examiner’s report.

31. Once the Academic Board recommends that the degree be awarded by the Governing Board of the College, the candidate must arrange for the permanent binding of two copies of the thesis on archive paper and an electronic copy of the thesis to be lodged with the Registrar.  The title of the thesis and the candidate’s initials and surname should appear on the front cover of the bound thesis, together with the name of the degree and the year of submission. The spine of the thesis should contain the title of the thesis (abbreviated where necessary), the candidate’s initials and surname, and the year of award of the degree.