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Research

Doctor of Ministry

CRICOS: 084480F

Are you an experienced leader looking to make a profound impact in church, academic, and community settings? The Doctor of Ministry (DMin) program at Alphacrucis University College is designed for graduates with significant leadership experience who are ready to make a lasting contribution to the Church and society. This advanced program will pair you with a supervisor who will teach you how to research effectively and equip you to become a thought leader in Christian ministry.

Course Duration
3 years full time, up to 10 years part time
Study Modes
Online Recorded, Online Live, Mixed Mode, Face to Face
Study Locations
Online, Sydney*, Melbourne*
* Some subjects are available on campus, see the timetable to confirm location and mode.
Start Dates
March (S1), Aug (S2)
Fees
$2,650 per subject
FEE-HELP
Subjects/Units
3 Subjects (240 credit points)
Speak to enrolment advisorDownload Course Guide

What is the Doctor of Ministry?

The Doctor of Ministry is a postgraduate program that combines advanced research coursework with a significant research thesis. Designed for leaders in churches, ministries, educational institutions, and other organisations, the DMin provides the tools to critically explore and address complex challenges and opportunities for the Church in our world. Through rigorous research and scholarship, you will gain advanced skills in critical thinking, communication, and creative problem-solving. Your research will make a significant and original contribution to the field of Christian ministry, helping to shape its future.

Who is this for?

Are you a seasoned leader in a church, parachurch, educational institution, mission-oriented organisation?

Do you have significant experience to pass on to future generations?

Are you eager to research and address contemporary issues in Christian ministry?

Do you aspire to make a lasting impact through innovative leadership and practice?

The Doctor of Ministry will help you realise these aspirations!

Outcomes

Elevate your expertise and thought leadership.

Equip yourself to become a lecturer or trainer in your area of specialisation.

Enhance your qualifications for Leadership roles across sectors.

Develop as a church pastor, church administrator, or pastoral educator.

Make a significant contribution to the field of Christian ministry through original research.

I think anyone who's got Alphacrucis as a part of their journey is better off for it.

Mark Varughese, Senior Pastor Kingdomcity

Accreditation

Course Structure

Subjects & Units

Core
2 Subjects
220 Credit Points
Survey of Research Methods RES801
In this subject, students will gain an understanding of the difference between quantitative and qualitative approaches to research and will effectively construct and communicate a research project on a topic of their interest, which will inform and enhance their selected research field.
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Research Thesis RES802
This subject is designed to equip students to identify, investigate and address an issue within their own professional life. Students will develop a thesis that explores issues of relevancy to them and their context. The goal of this thesis is not only to benefit the student but also to contribute to the mission of the Church through its contribution to learning and/or new practice.
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Specialisation
1 Subject
20 Credit Points
XXX806 Advanced Research in Discipline Area (choose 1 of the following subjects based on your area of specialisation)

No subjects found in this category.

Work-Integrated Learning

Work-Integrated Learning may be undertaken through various Professional Practice and Professional Experience subjects at AC. These subjects seek to create a direct linkage between the learning, skills and values engaged in lectures, and the reflection which occurs when these are applied in real-life settings. These work-based training subjects comprise of instruction, academic assessment and a placement in a workplace for each subject.

Students are usually required to find their own workplace/ employer/ mentor to be approved by AC. In some cases, a new aspect within a student’s current paid employment may be suitable as a work placement.

More Information

For more information and details of previous course structures see Student Handbook.

*You can also use the Subject & Unit Search to explore the subjects (including electives) available to enrol in for this course and can filter by subject area and level.
For a full list of course dates for new and continuing students, please see our Timetables.

Download Doctor of Ministry Handbook

What people say

  • I’ve watched people around me grow in confidence, but it’s a confidence mixed with humility, and that’s been a direct result of studying in the environment at Alphacrucis.

    Darlene Zchech

    HopeUC, Senior Pastor and Worship Leader

  • My studies at Alphacrucis have made an immediate impact on my life and ministry. The quality courses and teaching have empowered me practically and enriched me personally, leaving me more passionate about God and his plans for my life.

    Tim Biasetto

    Executive Pastor, Horizon Church

  • If anyone should be audacious in the pursuit of knowledge it should be Christians.

    Stephen Fogarty

    President Alphacrucis University College

  • The Leadership course helps us to process new ideas and build to a greater understanding of our role as Christ-centred leaders.  I was encouraged to think analytically and given freedom to question assumptions in a safe forum. The class discussions are highly engaging and relevant.

    Helen Kobakian

    Senior Pastor, Lifehouse Church

    • Learning Outcomes

    Knowledge

    • Critical, creative and systematic understanding of a substantial and complex body of knowledge that makes an original contribution to a particular area in the practice of ministry.
    • Advanced knowledge of scholarship and recent developments in the area of under consideration.
    • Understanding of advanced research principles and methods, and substantial knowledge of specific research approaches used in the field of practical ministry.

    Skills

    • Autonomously and analytically engage in critical reflection, synthesis and evaluation of the body of theoretical knowledge related to a particular area of the practice of ministry.
    • Establish, incorporate and apply effective research methodologies to advance existing professional practice.
    • Design a research question that explores an original and complex issue and provide possible solutions to the problem raised.
    • Communicate effectively complex ideas, original knowledge and proposed solutions to peers and general audiences.
    • Provide creative responses to the contemporary challenges and new developments in research and scholarship in the field of practical ministry.

    Ability

    • Articulate new questions or issues and apply the knowledge and skills developed within the selected research field to develop original and appropriate solutions.
    • Work independently, responsibly and with the level of professionalism  expected of an expert in the selected research field.
    • Effectively design, implement and communicate a major thesis in the selected research field to contribute original knowledge and expertise to peers and general audiences.
    • An advanced level of integrative reflection which will inform and enhance their professional ministry practice.

    Admission Criteria

    Entry Requirements

    Higher Education Study

    Completion of an AQF Level 8 or above postgraduate qualification in theology or ministry (with research component), or equivalent with GPA at least 2.8.
    OR
    Graduates with an AQF Level 9 postgraduate qualification outside the field of theology or ministry must have completed at least 6 subjects in leadership and/or ministry, at least 4 subjects in bible and/or theology, at least a 20-credit point research project or research essay.

    Professional Entry – Applicants who do not meet academic requirements

    Applicants to the DMin must normally hold a prior research qualification, such as a Master’s degree with a substantive thesis component of at least 12,000 words, or an Honours degree with a thesis. In exceptional circumstances, applicants without these qualifications may be admitted on the recommendation of the Graduate Research School Director, provided they can demonstrate equivalent research training through peer-reviewed publications, professional research outputs, or other verifiable evidence of research capacity. All applicants must demonstrate readiness for advanced independent research, normally evidenced through a research proposal and academic references.

    International Students – Language Requirements

    IELTS (or equivalent) Score of 7.0 (with no score below 7.0 in any of the four skills areas).

    Leadership & Ministry Experience

    Demonstrate a minimum of 5 years full-time leadership and/or ministry experience, or equivalent.

    Applicants must submit a copy of their CV with a cover letter outlining how they meet the above criteria, or equivalent.

    HDR Application Process

    • Are you ready to Apply?

      If you are ready to apply, please complete the HDR Application Form.

    • Do you need further information?

      If you are not yet ready to apply but would like further information or advice, please use our expression of interest form.

    • Other questions?

      If you have any questions about our programs or would like to discuss a prospective research project further, please let the Graduate Research School know by contacting hdr.admin@ac.edu.au.