The Double degree PhD program offers a wide range of specialization options within the study of religions. The IRS PhD program provides expertise in the study of religions in Indonesia, using interdisciplinary and cross-cultural approaches, while also encouraging comparative research with other contexts. The Faculty of Theology and Philosophy at ACU specializes in historical and systematic theology, philosophy of religion, religious education, pastoral and applied theology, and bioethics, with significant expertise across a range of sub-disciplines, including biblical and early Christian studies, Catholic theology, philosophy of religion, metaphysics, ethics, and epistemology, disability theology, formation and leadership, and ecumenical and interfaith relations. Research at the intersection of disciplines is promoted.
The structure of the Double Degree program is designed in such a way as to capitalize on the strengths of the two programs. Students will pursue different trajectories and are assigned promoters depending on their educational background and their interests. The program is designed to be completed in 6-8 semesters (3-4 years). UGM and ACU require students to complete milestone seminars/examinations at key points in the candidature to maximize the chances of timely completion and incorporate advice on the project from beyond the supervision team. In general, Indonesian students will complete the first year of their studies at UGM before they submit their full dissertation proposal. They will then normally spend 50% of their time in each country for the remainder of the program. In these remaining semesters, students undertake their research, present the interim results of the research (Seminar Hasil/dissertation promotion club) twice, publish a journal article based on the dissertation together with the promoters, complete the dissertation writing, and defend the dissertation in a final exam. Annual milestone seminars assist students to pace their research towards successful completion. If the students do not complete all requirements by the end of the eighth semester, they may apply for an extension in accordance with the relevant PhD program regulations.
Academic Supervision
Students admitted to the program will be assigned academic supervisors/promoters from both universities to help them choose the courses, write their dissertation proposal, and undertake the comprehensive examination. Supervisors are responsible for guiding the students throughout the program. They are selected based on students’ interests as reflected in the initial Ph.D. proposal submitted for admission. Students may propose who will be assigned, but the final decision will also consider the (co-)promoters’ availability and interest, and will be made jointly by the Universities. Upon a successful comprehensive examination, the promoters will usually continue supervising the students and will be responsible for guiding their research and writing until they finish their dissertations and receive the PhD degree. In cases in which there is a need to change the (co-)promoters, based on the written request by the student or the (co-)promoters, the PhD committee will bring the case to deliberation among the doctoral faculty at UGM and the Associate Dean for Research and Dean of Graduate Research at ACU.