Higher Degree Research

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.

Meet our students

Applications for PhD and MPhil candidates

Applications for fully funded places for the PhD and MPhil programs at Australian Catholic University has closed. The next round will be open for applications in October 2023.

For further queries, please contact hdr.irci@acu.edu.au. Information about the application process is provided below (beneath the video slides).

Scholarship Opportunities

Important information for applicants

We welcome applications from both domestic candidates from Australia and New Zealand, and international candidates. The next application round for PhD and MPhil program applications will be open in October 2023.

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, 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

Before you apply

Prior to submitting your application you should review:

How to apply

Applicants must follow the instructions on the ACU Become a Research Candidate Page. For further information please contact hdr.irci@acu.edu.au

ACU Institute for Religion and Critical Inquiry

Mailing address

C/- 115 Victoria Pde
Fitzroy, VIC, 3065.