PROGRAMME SUMMARY

Programme Name

Master of Philosophy

Programme Description

Students interested in undertaking a smaller research topic that might not satisfy the scope of a full PhD might find it ideal to do a standalone Master of Philosophy (MPhil) instead. The full-time MPhil is a year and a half long programme (45 weeks of a 15-week semester schedule of the College) and equivalent to 3 semesters. The MPhil provides students with advanced research skills and the experience to enter the workforce or continue on to doctoral studies. Similar to the doctoral programmes, the MPhil is research-based and corresponds with the student’s field of interest. The programme prepares students with the inquisitive skills to make a unique contribution to knowledge using communities-based knowledge independent thought, well-formulated research questions and a deep commitment to real-world issues affecting Pasifika communities. The MPhil programme also provides flexibility for PhD candidates, who cannot complete their studies and have to exit the PhD programme early. Similarly, an MPhil is awarded to a PhD candidate’s thesis that does not fully produce the grade expected of a PhD. The title of the award on the Testamur when a student graduate in a specialise focus area is Master of Philosophy.

Minimum Entry

 Requirement

▪ Students with a Bachelor’s degree (level 7) or a Masters degree (level 8 or 9) outside the field of theology will be required to successfully complete all courses for the Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) in Theology programme at the Pacific Theological College (PTC) before formally entering the MPhil programme. The grade average of all courses in this qualifying year must be a ‘B’ or higher.    

▪ Students can immediately apply for MPhil after successful completion of PgDip programme, and will need to secure approval from sponsor if he/she is a sponsored student.

▪ shall write an academic paper on an appropriate topic set by the relevant department of the College to test their theological knowledge as well as their competence in the intended field of specialisation with a minimum of 50% pass grade of this paper. This paper shall accompany the completed application forms. 

▪ must demonstrate an appropriate standard of English comprehension through an English proficiency assessment approved by the Board of Graduate Studies, and gain at least a 50% pass grade, or a pass grade of 5.5 in an IELTS (Academic) test. 

Graduate Outcomes

 ▪ Articulate a critical understanding of whole of life Pasifika ways of being in transdisciplinary and communities-based contexts.

▪ Build diverse characteristics and perspectives in their professional/communities practice.

▪ Engage in contextual de-colonial thinking and practices which inform local, regional, and international development strategies.

▪ Critically appraise diverse Pasifika contexts and related development strategies.

▪ Produce concrete innovations to develop whole of life responses to current and future challenges.

▪ Construct effective communications for whole of life learning.

▪ Self-reflective practitioners, evaluate and adopt innovations in collaboration with diverse communities.

▪ Shows academic excellence in communities-based

approaches and navigating Pasifika issues with an obvious commitment to the whole of life.

Requirements for the

Award of the Degree

The MPhil will be awarded to candidates that successfully submit a research proposal of up to 5,000 words and a 10,000 word literature review relevant to their chosen field of study. The required average pass is 50% or higher. A doctoral student that has reached the examination level but is/was unable to complete may also be considered.

Mode of Delivery

Blended: Online + Face to Face

Duration

1.5 years Full Time or 3 years Part Time

Level

Equivalent to PQF/SPATS/FHEC level 9

School Name

School of Theology and Ecumenism

Credit Point

180

Education Pathway

At completion of their research paper students may exit with an MPhil or opt to progress into a Doctoral qualification (Level 10) or its overseas equivalent. To be eligible for progression candidates must receive 70% or higher from an internal panel of examiners for their submitted proposal and literature review. If they do not reach the required level, they can exit with an MPhil. If the candidate does not meet the required entry level for PhD, the candidate may be required to write a bridging research essay of up to 8,000 words based on a topic given by the internal panel of examiners, demonstrating advanced knowledge and creative

skills, which will be assessed for the candidate’s suitability to proceed to PhD.

Employment Pathway

Holders of this qualification will have the knowledge and skills to work in various roles in Christian churches or the wider society, particularly

within faith-based organisations and church affiliated sectors.

·      Instructors in theological institutions around the region

·      Leadership positions in ecumenical and faith-based organisations

·      Leadership positions in communities

·      Work in organisations such as NGOs with specific focus on leadership, justice, spirituality

·       Consultants in areas of the intersection of theology, spirituality, and social justice issues.

CODE

POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH SEMINARS &

COMMUNITIES PORTFOLIO

CREDITS

PH500

•      Postgraduate Research Seminars

The postgraduate research seminars integrate learning achieved in students’ participation in each of the specialised Discipline thesis seminars as well as the Inter-Discipline thesis seminars. At least two presentations a year (one presentation in the specialised discipline seminar and one presentation in the inter-discipline seminar in semester one) and participation in the Koro research mentoring seminar.

The presentation of a research proposal and literature review is usually required in specialised Disciplines postgraduate seminar. The Inter-Discipline seminar may also require a presentation (e.g., a draft thesis chapter). Additionally, students may present 1 paper in a conference/workshop/ seminar outside of PCU either local or international. Student facilitation of seminars and workshops can also be counted.

Students will learn and practice skills in discussing academic work, and will also learn and practise how to present their own work in an academic context (i.e., a research seminar). Participation in the seminars is obligatory and accounts for 15 credits.  The specialised discipline seminars may be scheduled throughout the academic year (semester 1 and 2) according to the needs of each specialised discipline; registration occurs in both semesters.

15 credits

15 credits

•      Research Proposal: 5,000 words

The research proposal forms part of a student’s application for MPhil/PhD point at issue (s) that a student should talk over with his/her supervisor. The proposal should follow the PTC guidelines for research proposals. The guidelines for proposal and structure for Masters research are usually introduced to students in the academic skills course.

•      Literature Review: 10,000 words

The literature review forms part of a students’ research proposal and as well as the chapters of the student’s thesis.

15 credits

15 credits

PH501

•      Research Thesis: 50,000 words

The research thesis is a vital part of the MPhil programme. Every student will undertake research on a topic approved by the specialised Discipline concerned.   The expected length of the thesis is about 50,000 words (150 pages), which includes the abstract, introduction, text (chapters) and the conclusion.  

120 credits

TOTAL

180 credits