The Archbishop's Examination in Theology: MPhil/PhD Programme

The Archbishop's Examination in Theology

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The Archbishop's Examination in Theology
Until 2007 the Archbishop's Examination in Theology comprised the Diploma of Student in Theology (the Lambeth Diploma) and the Degree of Master of Arts by Thesis (the Lambeth MA).

The Lambeth Diploma was instituted in 1905 by Archbishop Randall Davidson. It provided an opportunity for women to study theology, principally so that they could teach religious education in schools and churches. In later decades it was open to both men and women and the means of study was either by examination or thesis.

The Lambeth MA was inaugurated by Dr Runcie in 1990 in order to provide an opportunity for theological study at a more advanced level. The Department for Education and Skills viewed the Lambeth MA in the same light as a Lambeth Degrees MA, in that it was examined to the level of an Oxbridge Masters degree and the Archbishop dispensed the students from residence - once again it was a 'degree of the realm'.

In 2007 the Archbishop's Examination in Theology moved in a new direction. The Council introduced an MPhil research degree, with the opportunity to extend to a PhD, while the Lambeth MA was phased out as students completed the course. Similarly the Lambeth Diploma is no longer offered by examination and the thesis option is currently being reviewed. During the period of the review no new students are being accepted.

The reasoning behind the introduction of the MPhil/PhD courses was to meet the unparalleled challenges and opportunities faced by the Church through offering opportunities for thorough, critical and detailed research, and analysis and interpretation. These research courses are offered at a level that meets QAA requirements but at a reasonable cost and with 'user-friendly' access. However although tutors will be fully qualified, students will receive a more limited service than they would from the Open University or similar courses. As many of our students are engaged in full time employment as well as having family commitments we want to utilise the concept of 'work-based learning'.

 

As an Anglican, I would be very happy to have either of these degrees. I would imagine that they are very demanding.

 

The price is also reasonable:

Fees

Probationary period fee £500

Registration fee £250

Annual tutorial fee £1000

Examination fee £500

 

Additional information..

Curious me..... I e-mailed the contact person for the program and received this interesting, and not totally unexpected response:


"Before sending you information about the MPhil/PhD research degrees, I need to point out that there is a nationality clause in determining eligibility to receive a degree offered by the Archbishop of Canterbury. In order to receive the degree, a recipient has to swear an oath of obedience to Her Majesty the Queen. Therefore the recipient has to either be a British citizen or a citizen of a Commonwealth country that still recognises the Queen as Head of State, or hold dual nationality. If you do fall into one of the above categories, then I am very happy to send you more information."


[edited address]
Ruth, Awards & Administrative Officer

 

congratulation for your DTh degree from Uzulu

Hi John,

It may be a little bit late. Congratulation for your DTh from the University of Zululand!.

 

Yes, my dear brother... thank you.

Finally finished ....... though I do not have the diploma 'in hand' as yet.

As Cory Seibel predicted.... the entire theology department at Uzulu has undergone a massive change. When I enrolled for the doctoral program, there were four full-time [full] professors and several other lecturers and administrative staff.

Now, Uzulu is reduced to a 'department' and one lecturer who has a doctorate from the US.

Uzulu also now requires [new] doctoral candidates to spend more time on campus, more akin to Pretoria. Seems only Unisa is a fully 'distance' doctorate anymore.


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Thank you so much for sharing about the Archbishop's program. I had not heard of it previously.

Hope you and your wonderful family are well!

Haggai12