Hello folks, Good to be here. I'm looking into Ph.D. programs in practical theology. In the UK I'm looking at Durham and Union (Queens). In S. Africa I'm looking at Stellenbosch, UNISA, and NWU. I need to be non-residential. I want to teack seminary or university. I have an MA and MDIV. Tell me what you think; what expereinces you have, what recommendations. I'm assuming Durham is the best choice, but also the most expensive of these. Will
Hi Will, Welcome to the forum. Have you tried the archives here? Simply do a search on "research degrees," "UNISA," "South Africa," etc., and you'll find a lot of discussion on various schools and research programs. I have read that UNISA is fairly liberal, and SATS is more conservative. I have no experience with these schools. I mention this because of another post you made. Good luck. Roscoe
Rev. Will, A few basic things you must consider first. #1. Why do I want this degree -- hoping for a job in academia, or for ministry? #2. How much can I spend? UK is definitely more costly than SAfr. #3. With the cost factor, also consider that any UK doctorate will require yearly time on campus. The Unisa program will not. You already mentioned you are Liberal. For the UK, Durham is fine, you might also consider Wales - Lampeter. If South Africa, you really only have one choice -- Unisa [the others are fairly conservative].
Hello Will I have just finished my PhD Theology at the University of the Free State in Bloemfontein. The normally do not take many DL students for the PhD or other programmes but I gave them a copy of my proposal and they along with Pretoria, Unisa, and KZN accepted it immediately. I will be in RSA in Sept to defend on 14 Sept. I think if you have a topic related to someone who teaches in the faculty you have a better opportunity. Check the faculty list to see if there is someone in your proposed field and have a good proposal with bibliography and a time line and they might accept the project. I never had to worry about registrations each year or payments as one contact person in the finance dept of the uni did all the work for me each year. My supervisor was very good and pretty well let me do what I wished and only made a few comments as I progressed. If the project is good and you have expressed how you will accomplish this from afar then it might work for you. Brad
Thanks, Brad, Haggai: I was hoping you guys would comment. I always look forward to your posts. Roscoe
Thanks I'm down to four choices - one is Graduate Theological Foundation, a Ph.D. in Pastoral Psychology and Theology, Durham, UNISA. University of Central Nicaragua, Ph.D. in Psychology is a possibility as well. Thanks for your feedback. I'm finding GTF widely accepted in the academic world. Will
I have no experience with GTF, but the name sounded familiar, and indeed there is a recent thread about it here: http://forums.degreeinfo.com/distance-learning-discussions/33703-graduate-theological-foundation.html I visited their site, and their page that sorta-almost makes it sound like they have official Oxford University connections but doesn't actually state it ... seems a bit duplicitous IMHO. Again I have no experience with the school and haven't done much personal research on it.
The South African Theological Seminary offers the Ph.D. in practical or systematic theology for $2400 per year and can be completed in two years. I am enrolled.
Congratulations! That is rather exciting (going to RSA to defend). South African schools appear to have an excellent academic reputation and you see theological faculty in the US with RSA degrees. I hope you will post about the trip and your experience at the school. Make sure you buy a T Shirt and mug while you are there. Something not every kid on the block will have back home.
Have you considered the University of Aberdeen? I am currently working on a PhD in practical theology here. We have three full time faculty members in this field. Here is a link: Research Supervision in Divinity - Divinity and Religious Studies - University of Aberdeen The faculty usually like you to be on campus for at least 2 years of the three year program, but I have heard of a few cases where the student stays for one year. If there is no chance of relocating you may have to look elsewhere though.