Applying for Admission

Moore College offers PhD programs in collaboration with both the University of Sydney (USyd) and the	Admission Criteria
University of Western Sydney (UWS).

There are four stages in the process for applying for admission to the Moore College PhD program.	PhD with USyd
	PhD with UWS
Stage 1 – Information
Provide the College with the following information:
> completed Postgraduate Application Data Sheet
> certified academic transcripts for all tertiary qualifications to date
> proof of studies in either Greek or Hebrew to at least level III, that is, at the level of 3rd Year units in a	Fees
three year degree
> a certified copy of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) result with at least 7.0
in every band (applies to all students requiring a student visa for entry to Australia and to those for whom	USyd
English is not their first language who have not completed a pre-requisite award in the English medium).	UWS
> two confidential personal references, including one from the applicant’s current minister/pastor or
denominational leader. At least one reference should include evidence that on graduation the applicant is
likely to have a ministry leading to an increase of ministry in the wider churches that is directly dependent
on the benefits that would be gained from the proposed research. If part-time candidacy is being sought
at least one reference should provide evidence that the candidate will be available for full-time study for
at least the first two semesters of research and that thereafter at least 20 hours per week will be available
for study.
> two academic references (to be forwarded to the College in a sealed envelope by the referee using the
form provided by the College for the purpose).
> a piece of writing, of between 2000 and 5000 words. The purpose of this is to enable an assessment of
the level at which the applicant is working and the applicant’s ability to write clearly and mount a
coherent argument. A marked thesis (honours or masters by research) may be substituted for this item).
> a proposed research topic together with a written explanation of up to 250 words of the topic and
envisioned approach (to be submitted both in writing and electronically).

Stage 2 – Preliminary Interview
Depending on the foregoing, a preliminary interview is arranged with the Director of Postgraduate Studies or
a person on behalf of the Director. If the applicant is not able to undertake the interview in Sydney, contact
details will be provided for the nearest suitable interviewer to enable the applicant to arrange for an
appointment for an interview. All costs associated with attending this interview are the responsibility of the
applicant.

Stage 3 – Moore College Application
Depending on the outcome of the preliminary interview Moore College application forms are provided.
At this time a supervisor-designate will be nominated.
The Moore College application form must be accompanied by a research proposal. It may be prepared in
consultation with the supervisor-designate and is to be a 2,000 word essay detailing the proposed thesis topic
and approach to research. The following headings should be included in the essay:
> topic
> statement of problem/question
> statement of possible contribution to the field
> outline of conceptual framework within which the problem/question is to be addressed
> proposed research (including key objectives and milestones)
> methodology and parameters
> requirements for HREC approval of the proposed research (if any)
> a literature survey of synopsis of literature which would be the first draft of a chapter of the thesis as a
basis for a preliminary bibliography
> tentative outline (including a table of contents) of thesis and timeline for completion

When endorsed by the MTC supervisor-designate this thesis proposal is submitted with the MTC application
form to the MTC Postgraduate Committee for approval.
The Postgraduate Committee reviews the application and decides whether the application should be endorsed
to the Academic Board.
Applications are handled in terms of the procedures set out in the College's Student Policies and Appeals.
In cases where the application is rejected the applicant has recourse to the Academic Grievance Policy of
the College.

Stage 4 – University Application
If candidature is approved by the Academic Board on the recommendation of the Postgraduate Committee
an application for enrolment at the particular university should be prepared and sent to the MTC Registrar.
Applications for USyd close on 31 October and 30 April for the following semester. A USyd application form
may be accessed HERE.
Applications for UWS close on 31 October for the following year. A UWS application form may be accessed
HERE.
The completed university application form, together with all required attachments, must be submitted to the
MTC Registrar for lodgment with the university concerned.

University Supervisors
As part of its process of identifying a suitable supervisor USyd requires applicants to meet with a member of
the USyd academic staff before the application is submitted to the MTC Registrar. The MTC supervisor-
designate and/or Registrar will assist the applicant to make contact with the appropriate Department Head
at USyd for this purpose.
UWS identifies its supervisors after the application form has been submitted by MTC and no contact with UWS
is necessary prior to submitting the university application form to the MTC Registrar.

Once the university application form has been submitted to the satisfaction of the MTC Registrar, the
application will be forwarded by MTC with its endorsement to the university concerned.

A copy of all correspondence received by the applicant from the university concerned must be forwarded
to Moore College. When the university offers the applicant a place and advises the names of supervisors
candidacy commences. Admission to the PhD program shall be on a provisional basis.