1. have a body of knowledge that includes the understanding of recent developments in a field of study within divinity or one or more of its associated disciplines;
2. have an advanced knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to the field in which the research has been carried out;
3. have cognitive skills to demonstrate mastery of theoretical knowledge and to reflect critically on theory and its application
4. have cognitive skills to investigate, analyse, and synthesise complex information, problems, concepts and theories, including the management of significant amounts of information, effective use and differentiation of primary and secondary resources, and identification and application of appropriate research resources such as computer programs, libraries, the internet, archives, databases or interviews
5. have communication and technical skills to present a coherent and sustained argument, and to disseminate research results to specialist and non-specialists audiences
6. have communication and technical skills to design, implement, evaluate, analyse, theorise and disseminate research that makes a contribution to knowledge within divinity or one or more of its associated disciplines
7. have sufficient psychological strength to work with a high degree of independence on a research project and to engage strategies to cope with the stress accompanying such a project and its necessary deadlines
8. have the capacity to balance independent initiative and response to constructive criticism, and to learn from others.
9. apply knowledge and skills with initiative and creativity in new situations or in further learning
10. apply knowledge and skills with a high level of personal autonomy and accountability
11. apply knowledge and skills to plan and execute a substantial piece of research
12. apply explicit and implicit ethical considerations to the formulation of a research project
13. apply established theories to different bodies of knowledge or practice
14. apply knowledge and skills to generate and evaluate complex ideas and concepts at an abstract level

The MPhil by major thesis requires submission for examination of a thesis of 40,000 words.

The MPhil by minor thesis requires completion of two postgraduate coursework units and submission for examination of a thesis of 25,000 words.

A thesis submitted for the MPhil is examined by two examiners external to the University of Divinity.

An applicant must also satisfy the Research Committee that he or she has completed a research essay or thesis of at least 12,000 words graded at or above 75%. The research essay or thesis may have been completed either within one of the awards listed above or as part of another program of study.