School of Graduate Research

The University of Divinity has a long tradition of research excellence and produces world-class research in all theological disciplines. The School of Graduate Research (SGR) fosters a high-quality learning environment for higher degree by research (HDR) students and their supervisors from pre-admission information through to post-candidature guidance and networking.

The engaging research culture at the University of Divinity includes three higher degrees by research and a research methodology unit available to students, regular conferences, seminars and access to world-class visiting scholars.

All higher degree by research students and their supervisors become members of the School of Graduate Research (SGR). Members are entitled to a range of programs to support their successful completion, including an orientation program, annual Research Conference, HREC training, Thesis Boot Camp, and Research Methodologies.

Featured Links

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  Future Research Students

  The University is renowned for its HDR graduates. Many graduates have gone on to academic positions in Australia and overseas, and the University has a success rate well above the national average.

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  Current Research Students

  Manage your study with relevant forms, find out about the policies and regulations governing your degree program and explore opportunities open to you through the SGR.

Featured Links

• Research Scholarships

  Explore information about Research specific scholarships, the eligibility criteria, and the selection criteria.

• Research Grants

  A range of internal and external research grants are available competitively to higher degree by research students, academic staff, honorary researchers and librarians of the University.

• Human Research Ethics (HREC)

  Respect, research merit and integrity, justice, and beneficence are core values in the ethics of human research.

• Minor Thesis

  The Minor Thesis is a substantial piece of writing (16,000 words) that can be taken as a component of a number of postgraduate awards. It is an important entry point into a Higher Degree by Research award (Masters or Doctorate).

SGR Key Dates

All applications given below must be submitted before the close of business (5pm AEST) of the advertised due date, unless otherwise indicated.

You can apply for a research degree at any time of the year. Commencement of study will be February, May, August or November. Please allow approximately two months between submitting your application and being approved to commence study.

Meet the SGR Team

Contact the team at the School of Graduate Research for enquiries and assistance about becoming a research student, support for current students, and HDR supervision.

Dean of the School of Graduate Research

Professor Liz Boase
BAppSci (Speech and Hearing), BD(Honours), PhD

Liz is a Professor of the University and the Dean of the School of Graduate Research. Liz is responsible for the higher degree by research and minor thesis programs, including oversight of candidates and supervisors, and the delivery of programs that support successful completion, including teaching a unit on research methodologies. Liz chairs the School of Graduate Research Committee and is a member of the University Executive, the Academic Board, and the Research Strategy Committee.

Doctor of Professional Practice Director

Dr Rebekah Pryor
BAppSci(Hons), GradCertVisArts, PhD

Rebekah directs the Doctor of Professional Practice program within the School of Graduate Research. She is an artist and scholar whose interdisciplinary research focuses on embodiment (particularly in terms of sex, gender and sexuality) and how this is experienced, constructed, represented and renegotiated in material cultures and communities of belief. 

Registrar of the School of Graduate Research

Dr Suman Kashyap
MSc, MPhil, BEd, PhD

Suman provides a high level of administrative support to the Dean and members of the School of Graduate Research, including higher degree by research students, minor thesis students, and their supervisors. She administers the systems and processes which support the research training environment, assist in coordination of these activities and manages procedures from admission to graduation for higher degree by research students. She ensures successful completion by providing accurate and timely information about compliance requirements and supports the approval and examinations of the minor thesis and higher degree by research theses.

SGR at St Paschal Campus

Members (HDR students and staff) join the School of Graduate Research through a College. In addition to the facilities available at your home college, members of the SGR can use the facilities at the University’s St Paschal Campus, in Box Hill, Victoria.

Situated on quiet residential streets, the central buildings of the estate are surrounded by lush gardens and lawns. The site has been a place of religious significance and a hub for educational excellence throughout its history.

Facilities available to students

Student and Staff Dining Room
A dedicated area for students and staff to gather and meet informally during the week.

Tea and coffee making
Kitchen facilities are available next to the dining room.

Free wifi
Available throughout the campus.

Zoom room
Available for quiet study, zoom meetings, or to record a research presentation.

Meeting rooms
Enquire at reception to make a booking. Fees may apply.

Libraries
Two library facilities are available on the same campus property as the SGR offices. St Paschal Library, and (temporarily) the Whitley Library. Both libraries include individual study desks for quiet work.

Libraries

Members of the School of Graduate Research are able to access all Libraries that are part of the University of Divinity as well as a dedicated online Library Hub.