Hi Everyone, I posted a bit ago but did not put enough specifics in my post. I am a pastor and would like to continue my education (have BA in philosophy and MDiv in theology...also did some post-grad courses in historical/systematic theology but did not finish the program as they started to require mid-terms and finals for the courses and I don't have the time for that plus research and writing). Anyway, I was looking at SA schools because of their cost and also the format of research and writing. It seems that I have missed the application deadline though for the schools. I checked UNISA and Pretoria, both are closed for new applications. Are there others with less strict time requirements? Also, has anyone done a PhD at an SA school in theology (any kind)? Can you tell me what is required in the 'research course' where you write up a thesis proposal? I suspect that my BA+MDiv may not be enough to get me into a PhD program straight away so are there any short year-long masters programs that I could work through, write up a dissertation, and prepare me for an actual PhD program? Thanks!
Look at SATS (South African Theological Seminary). I am looking at them right now as well. They are far more responsive and helpful than either UNISA or Pretoria. Their website is really easy to navigate as well.
Thanks! Yes, I have started talking with them and found them rather responsive. To be honest, though, I found the head of the department at Pretoria to be very cordial and quick to respond. Does SATS accept students year-round to your knowledge? I wonder if I'd have to complete a mini-thesis of some sort there before getting into the PhD program. What are you hoping to study there? What is your theological background?
I haven't yet made up my mind to study with them, or even to pursue a degree in theology. It's just one of many considerations right now. Regarding enrollment, I believe they start new terms 4 times a year, but I am not certain. My theological background includes some undergraduate study, time spent as a lay minister and part-time pastor at local churches, and a lot of time reading and studying for personal enrichment. I doubt SATS would admit me to the PhD program, but that's the route I would like to go. I'm confident that I would succeed at the doctorate level and would be willing to take some leveling courses or draft a mini-thesis to prove it. If denied entry to the PhD, I would consider the MTh. Before I do anything, I need to spend a bit more time in thought and prayer to be certain of my next move.
Interesting! I wish you well as you make your decision. I don't know if I would need a mini-thesis to get into the PhD program. I have sent SATS a formal request about it. We'll see what they say. I could maybe transfer my ThM courses in and finish up something there. I wouldn't mind that but it would be better if I could make it into the PhD program outright. I am not yet sure what I would write on as I am going back and forth between dogmatics or Biblical studies. More likely, I would rather do something in the area of Biblical theology though I am not sure how they would categorize that there, probably Biblical studies.
Biblical Studies has always been more interesting to me. I'm sure, if admitted, the SATS faculty will direct you. Do you have specific topics within the field of Biblical Studies and/or Dogmatics that you've already selected?
Biblical studies is certainly fun...and something that I use on a regular basis as a pastor that preaches twice a week and leads 3 Bible studies on top of all that. The area of dogmatics that interests me is the history of dogmatics. At this point I am interested in the contemporary discussions (debates) on the doctrine of sanctification and I wonder if there is something in the development of that doctrine (during the Reformation) that could be of help in the modern discussions. That said, I need to read some more in the area of the history and formation of dogmatics in order to really see if I have a thesis that can be worked through. I was considering something in the area of straight Biblical studies as an alternative to the above. The working title of my thesis is: Confident of Better Things: The Old Testament Covenant Structure as a Paradigm for Understanding Apostasy Warnings in Hebrews. I am not sure if this has been spelled out, in detail, elsewhere so I would need to read on that. At this point, I am in the initial stages of research for a thesis proposal. I have heard from SATS that they would receive me into their PhD program with my current level of education and work. I am excited about that...now to find the $3400 per year for four years that is necessary. It's less expensive than a US accredited program but it's still a bit on the pricey side. I can't complain though...an accredited PhD for the price of a US accredited D.Min.
Greetings, ehenes I'll comment on my current experience, newly enrolled at SATS I have just passed Research Methodology course for PhD at SATS. It's a 90-day pre-qualifying gate, before one is assigned a supervisor and can begin work on a full-blown research proposal. The Methodology course does culminate in a limited rough draft proposal. The Research Proposal phase is a year-long effort, to which I now look forward, full of excitement and not a little trepidation. I was accepted into SATS PhD having an MAR. You can just apply and see if they require a master thesis as part of your qualification. They may offer the PhD as well as the MTh route for you. regards, well-wishes and encouraging thoughts to you!
I am actually waiting to hear from them to clarify that point. The website says one thing but the information they sent me says the other. I'll report back when I know for certain.
Hi Fingkish! Thank you for your comments! I will be excited to hear how things progress for you. I am worried about getting into it and not finding a suitable topic for my thesis. I am trying to do lots thinking, writing, and reading before I apply in order to make sure I am able to go a couple of different directions depending on what I/they decide. Could you expand on the 90-day pre-qualifying gate? How much time did it take? Was it fairly accessible? Does the $3400 fee cover that 90-day period plus the other 9 months of the first year or do you have to pay more after the 90 days? In talking with the admissions person, they seem to think that I could get in with my BA, MDiv, and additional ThM courses I've completed. I am happy about that and I've found them very responsive to my emails, which is encouraging. What area are you writing on? Cheers!
Hi Ehenes, By "time" I assume you mean labor hours. I would say it can take from 100-200 hours of reading and writing. A lot depends on how much prelim wortk you have already done in researching the literature. Overall, it's a good amount of work. The more able and familiar you are with formal academic writing from a content/method POV, and in adhering to citation formats, following formatting guidelines and the like, the better. I had no issues with accessing the course info and the institution provided access to mutiple academic resources online. I very much relate to your mention of having a diversity of interests. I recomend you collapse things into a primary interest area before starting. You have to develop that proposal at the end of 90 days and that requires not just an area or interest, but rather a statement of a specific problem/objective/hypothesis. And that item will be the focus of your life for quite some time! In my case I had to sort out the "methods" that interested me versus the "topics." This ended up suggesting a research problem that combined several of my interests. I do not expect to have to pay a year 2 annual fee until my first year is up. I am proposing a problem in the area of systematic theology. PM me if you really want the excruciating details. Very best wishes and regards!
Thanks for the feedback. It is much appreciated. I applied over the weekend after carefully documenting all of my experience and generally making a case for my acceptance. We'll see how it goes. I received an email this morning acknowledging receipt of the application. I'm told that I will hear something more tomorrow. I'm still not completely certain that I want to pursue the either the MTh or PhD, but I definitely want to see what the options are so I can make an informed decision.
Good for you, Pug! I did hear back from them on the length of program. They told me that they have had a couple of full time students finish the PhD program in 2 years, which is the minimum. But most students take 3-4 years, which includes the first year of research. For myself, I am planning do a lot more research in the next 6 months while I save up some money for the first year's tuition. I know it's not the price of a US PhD program but $3400 is still quite a bit for me. I had thought those programs just went based on the Rand cost plus an International levy but not SATS. They caught on and charge way more than any levy among the universities (for instance, Pretoria would be around $575 per year for the levy on top of the usual tuition costs). At any rate, I should know better in a few months whether I have something worth pursuing or I need to go back to the drawing board. My intention, though, is to jump in once I have a thesis and some money saved up. Cheers!
