Show Me
The Institute for Religion and Critical Inquiry (IRCI) at ACU advances globally connected research across Biblical and Early Christian Studies, Medieval and Early Modern Studies, and Religion and Theology. Higher Degree Research students are an integral part of our scholarly community and intellectual vision.
Our Virtual Open Day is designed to answer your questions about the IRCI PhD/MPhil experience. If you are interested in applying for one of our funded places for the PhD or MPhil programs, or would like to hear more about what these courses involve, please join us for one of our sessions. Please Click Here for more information on the Virtual Open Day Sessions and Individual Appointments.
The Virtual Open Day Information Sessions are offered at two times:
To sign up for Individual Appointments, register here by completing the form.
We are now accepting applications from prospective domestic and international candidates for study commencing in Research Term A 2023. Applications close 11.59pm 16 October 2022 AEST.
For further queries, please contact hdr.irci@acu.edu.au. Information about the application process is provided below (beneath the video slides).
We welcome applications from both domestic candidates from Australia and New Zealand, and international candidates. Applications for PhD and MPhil programs will close 11.59pm 16 October 2022 AEST. Fully-funded places are available. For students from outside of Australia and New Zealand who may be affected by current Australian government restrictions on international student arrivals as part of the response to the Covid-19 pandemic, please see further information about commencement options.
Applicants to the PhD and MPhil programs should have research topics in one of IRCI's areas of expertise. For information on our research areas and profiles of prospective supervisors, please see the Biblical and Early Christian Studies, Medieval and Early Modern Studies, and Religion and Theology, and ACU Node of the ARC Centre of Excellence for the History of Emotions pages.
Stipend scholarships are available to support PhD candidates affiliated with our collaborative project, ‘Religious Mobilities: Medieval and Early Modern Europe and the World.’ Learn more
Successful applicants will be fully immersed in the intellectual life of the Institute, at ACU’s St. Patrick’s Campus in Fitzroy, Melbourne, participating in seminars, conferences, and reading groups, and working collaboratively with our team of world-class scholars across our research programs.
These programs support ongoing research projects which provide a vibrant environment for research students, including the possibility of international experience at international partner institutions and a co-tutelle program.
Successful applicants may be eligible for financial support through one of the University’s competitive research scholarships. Financial support includes a stipend scholarship, a fees-offset scholarship or a tuition fee waiver (as appropriate). Full details are found in the University’s research scholarships website.
At ACU the PhD is a three-year degree, while the MPhil is a two-year degree. A PhD Thesis must make an original contribution to the field, whereas an MPhil Thesis is required to display mastery of its field. For more information about HDR/graduate degrees at ACU, consult the following links
Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Prior to submitting your application you should review:
Applicants must follow the instructions on the ACU Become a Research Candidate Page. Applications for PhD and MPhil programs will close 11.59pm 16 October 2022 AEST.
For further information please contact hdr.irci@acu.edu.au
C/- 115 Victoria Pde
Fitzroy, VIC, 3065.