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By integrating theory and practice, ACOM aims to produce well-formed thought leaders who will provide solutions to the challenges of today and tomorrow.

For students interested in research, ACOM has a long history of providing innovative, transformational research designed to improve professional practice. Student researchers are encouraged to learn through experimentation, discovery and adventure. By integrating theory and practice, ACOM aims to produce well-formed thought leaders who will provide solutions to the challenges of today and tomorrow.

ACOM students conduct research within the context of their ministry passion, grounded in local work, ministry or the community. The research process helps students to identify a problem that needs a solution, ask effective questions, challenge assumptions, collect data and establish clear conclusions.

These are essential skills for leaders who must adapt quickly to a complex and changing community context. This process is connected to rigorous scholarship and deep personal spiritual formation. Students can undertake small or medium-sized research projects within their undergraduate or postgraduate degrees. In partnership with the Sydney College of Divinity, the ACOM research faculty can help guide students to ensure they have a clear pathway to continuing research through the Sydney College of Divinity’s Doctor of Ministry or Doctor of Philosophy.

An effective and life-changing research experience requires outstanding supervision. At ACOM, we are committed to excellence in this area. Our research supervisors are not simply academic theorists; they are also ministry practitioners living at the coalface of effective mission and ministry.

As such, they emphasise a multidisciplinary approach, which is mission focused, theologically reflective, spirit empowered, biblically grounded, academically rigorous, practically oriented and spiritually formative.

Professor Darren Cronshaw
Head of Research and Professor of Missional Leadership

Courses

Doctor of Philosophy

(PhD)

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) provides students with the opportunity to pursue advanced study in a theologically-related area through research at the highest academic level. It is designed for those who seek to further their study in a specialist area (and can include interdisciplinary research). The PhD also offers research training and experience to support an academic or professional career involving research.

The PhD is undertaken by research and thesis alone.

It provides the opportunity for candidates to embark on a significant extended piece of research that investigates a theologically-related topic in a systematic, creative and comprehensive manner not available in coursework programmes.

Number of Units

This degree is completed after the submission of an 80,000 word thesis that contributes to knowledge by providing original investigation.

Duration of Course

3 - 4 years full-time
6 - 8 years part-time

Entry Requirements

A completed postgraduate degree in theology. The Doctor of Philosophy is supervised and awarded by the Sydney College of Divinity, of which ACOM is a Member Institution.

Core Units Required

Cost

The cost for the Doctor of Philosophy can be discussed on enquiry.

Future Pathways

Contact us to discuss further study options.

Doctor of Theology

(ThD)

 The Doctor of Theology (ThD) provides students with the opportunity to pursue advanced study through research at the highest academic level. It is designed for those who seek to further their study specifically in theology. The ThD also offers research training and experience to support an academic or professional career involving research.

The ThD is undertaken by research and thesis alone. It provides the opportunity for candidates to embark on a significant extended piece of research that investigates theology in a systematic, creative and comprehensive manner not available in coursework programmes.

Number of Units

This degree is completed after the submission of an 80,000 word thesis that contributes to knowledge by providing original investigation.

Duration of Course

3 - 4 years full-time
6 - 8 years part-time

Entry Requirements

A completed postgraduate degree in theology. The Doctor of Theology is supervised and awarded by the Sydney College of Divinity, of which ACOM is a Member Institution.

Core Units Required

Cost

The cost for the Doctor of Theology can be discussed on enquiry.

Future Pathways

Contact us to discuss further study options.

Doctor of Ministry

(DMin)

The Doctor of Ministry provides students with the opportunity to pursue advanced study in Christian Life and Ministry. Grounded in professional practice, research is supported with specialist coursework.

This course is designed for those who seek to expand their own understanding and develop new knowledge in a specialist area, contributing to the mission of the church in a global or local context.

Number of Units

2 units plus thesis

Duration of Course

3 - 4 years full-time
6 - 8 years part-time

Entry Requirements

An appropriate degree in theology and experience in ministry.
The Doctor of Ministry is supervised and awarded by the Sydney College of Divinity, of which ACOM is a Member Institution.

Core Units Required

Students complete 2 units of coursework, focusing on methodology, hermeneutics, and research theory.
This work is followed by the submission of a 60,000 word thesis.

Cost

The cost for the Doctor of Ministry can be discussed on enquiry.

Future Pathways

Contact us to discuss further study options.

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