Distant Learning PhD in Theology

Greetings:
I am new to postings on degreeinfo, but have followed lots of posts on South African Universities' PhD in Theology. I plan on applying to Pretoria for a PhD in Theology, but have these questions and would like to tap into your wide experiences:
- Is it possible to do a research paper from the USA, on a theological matter (i.e. Prayer As a Catalyst for Change) as it relates to XX African country?
- Would it be a requirement to visit the African nation, since I will have all I need to do such research in the USA (although, I may use future evangelism trip to garner any information, if needed).
- What methodology would be appropriate in this instance?

Many thanks for your insights, and thanks to Kizmet for his direction on posting to the board.

Tbilly09
Peter

 

Hi Peter - Theology is not my thing but I do know a few things about earning degrees from South African universities and that's what really counts in at least beginning to answer your questions. Please forgive me if I tell you some things that you already know.

I'm not sure how you chose Pretoria specifically but I think it's important to point out from the very beginning that the University of Pretoria is not a distance learning university (such as UNISA) and it does not offer distance learning programs such as you are seeking. What they do have however, is a system where Doctoral degrees are awarded for the completion of a doctoral dissertation without any coursework necessarily attached. It is possible, in some cases, to complete this research at a distance from the campus and it is conceivable that this distance might be quite large, lets say the distance between Pretoria and Raleigh, North Carolina. But here's the important part. You are asking them to bend the rules. You are asking to be the exception. You can not simply assume they'll go for it. You have to convince them. Probably the most important factor in this is . . . do they have a faculty member who area of research interest is sufficiently close to your own that they feel that they can support and guide your research? Have you looked at their faculty list? Do you know their research interests, maybe even read some of their papers? Have you ever contacted them? asked them about their research? told them about yours? Consider that because what you are asking, essentially, is for a faculty member at a large internationally known university to spend the next 4-6 years helping you out without ever meeting you. Would you do that for someone you've never met and never will? I'm not sure that I would, especially if there was some other local student, maybe someone I already know from their Masters work, sitting right across the room looking for that same grad student slot (they only take limited numbers, right?) Have you ever read any research that approximates what you are proposing? Some other dissertation perhaps? How did they go about it? Did it work? Researchers are supposed to stand on each others shoulders therby eliminating the need to re-invent the wheel with every proposal. Consider doing that reading. OK, so here's my own opinions about the other questions. Can you do a dissertation on a country without ever visiting that country? I'd say no. Would it be a requirement to visit? I'd say yes. What methodology to use? I'd point out that this is a major component of your research proposal and you will spend your first year writing that proposal. It would be much better if you already knew the answer. I've been very blunt with this post but I figured it's better to get that first reality slap from me than someone at the school.

 

I completed the PhD in Practical Theology from the University of Pretoria in 2009. I contacted the individual who ultimately became my research supervisor and asked if he would be open to supervising my research. He is an internationally recognized authority in a couple of key areas closely related to my research. He expressed interest in working with me and agreed to do so at a distance. Fortunately, he would also travel to the US somewhat frequently. As a result, I was able to spend time with him on the Princeton Seminary campus a couple of times. From a distance, he was very helpful and responsive. I also thought that the Faculty of Theology staff and various university offices were quite responsive. Since completing my thesis in 2009, I have had the privilege of serving as an external examiner for other University of Pretoria Practical Theology theses and have served as a resource person for other doctoral candidates. I am really grateful for my experience with Pretoria.

 

Is UNISA primarily a distance learning university? Or, is it a well-established brick/mortar university with a large number of distance learning programs/students?

 

UNISA is exclusively an open distance learning university. From the website:

"Unisa is the largest open distance learning institution in Africa and the longest standing dedicated distance education university in the world. We enrol nearly one-third of all South African students.

Founded in 1873 as the University of the Cape of Good Hope, the institution became the first public university in the world to teach exclusively by means of distance education in 1946. Throughout the years, Unisa was perhaps the only university in South Africa to have provided all people with access to education, irrespective of race, colour or creed. This vibrant past is mirrored in our rich history, more particularly our massive and impressive database of alumni, some of whom are to be found in the most senior levels of society across the world."

 

South African Theological Seminary: fully online programme PhD in Theology
Doctor of Philosophy in Theology | Programme | SATS

 

Thanks Kizmet and CLSeibel for your insights. I did consider the possibility of my questions being answered in the yes and No. I have also, been in contact with department persons for directives, and have considered and read research works of potential supervisor(s). The desire and plan for a PhD have been in the offing for years, and I have through the years looked at SATS, Stellenbosch, UNISA, Free State and Pretoria and considered their pros and cons, as applicable. I have also, approached department persons to get clarifications.

As done by CLSeibel, my plan is to (1) Approach potential Supervisor(s) with a tentative plan to do my research from a distance (communicating via e-mail, phone, skype, etc), with possibility of having a Co-supervisor from the USA. (2) I am also, able to visit with the potential supervisor albeit, when I go on a mission trip. (3) Get suggestions for making the process run smoothly for me.

For now, I have laid some groundwork to get all needed information before the application process. Many thanks again!

 

Thanks Kizmet and CLSeibel for your insights. I did consider the possibility of my questions being answered in the yes and No. I have also, been in contact with department persons for directives, and have considered and read research works of potential supervisor(s). The desire and plan for a PhD have been in the offing for years, and I have through the years looked at SATS, Stellenbosch, UNISA, Free State and Pretoria and considered their pros and cons, as applicable. I have also, approached department persons to get clarifications.

As done by CLSeibel, my plan is to (1) Approach potential Supervisor(s) with a tentative plan to do my research from a distance (communicating via e-mail, phone, skype, etc), with possibility of having a Co-supervisor from the USA. (2) I am also, able to visit with the potential supervisor albeit, when I go on a mission trip. (3) Get suggestions for making the process run smoothly for me.

For now, I have laid some groundwork to get all needed information before the application process. Many thanks again!