Applications to the PhD and MPhil programs at the Australian Catholic University are now open for domestic and international Higher Degree Research candidates commencing in 2021. Intended research topics should align with the IRCI’s areas of expertise in New Testament studies, early Christianity from late antiquity to Byzantium, medieval and early modern studies, and religion and theology. Particular research areas might include:

• The social, intellectual, and cultural history of religion in all its forms, particularly
Christianity (e.g. texts, organizations, identities, experiences, theology, philosophy,
technology, material culture, popular culture, history of science, music, ritual, and
literature)
• Christianity and its relations to Judaism, the religions of Mediterranean antiquity, and
Islam, as well as its global contexts (Europe, Africa, Asia) from antiquity to the
Enlightenment
• Theology and religious thought, in all their dimensions, including ethics, aesthetics,
ritual, philosophy of religion, cross-cultural engagements, Catholicities, Vatican II
studies, systematic theology, political theology, comparative theologies, Global
Christianity, ecumenism

Successful applicants will be fully immersed in the intellectual life of the IRCI, 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 three research programs in Biblical and Early Christian Studies, Medieval and Early Modern Studies, and Religion and Theology. There is also the possibility of involvement with one of ACU’s overseas partner universities as well as activities at ACU’s Rome Campus.

Successful applicants are eligible for financial support through one of the University’s
competitive research scholarships. Financial support includes a stipend scholarship, a fee 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. See more information about HDR/graduate degrees at ACU here.

The closing date for applications for stipend scholarships is Sunday 18 October at 11:59pm.

Applications must follow the instructions on the ACU Become a Research Candidate Page.

For further details see the attached flyer, visit the website or contact eo.irci@acu.edu.au.