After a lot of searching around, I decided to enroll in a PhD in Church and Dogma History through North-West University in South Africa (Potchefstroom Campus). I opted for this because I like the idea of having an intermediary. I tried working straight through Pretoria but the professor there would sometimes respond and many times not. GST gives me an office and advocate. I also liked the idea of having two promoters for my degree - one through the UK and the other in SA. This is ideal, for me, since my dissertation is focusing on 17th Century English Puritan Funeral Preaching. I know, super exciting stuff right? Anyway, I may pop in from time to time to update my status...and to ask how you all scheduled your time and arranged your work. But I also know that this is all part of the PhD experience and that it's time for me to research and write. Thanks for all the interaction through the years! Cheers!
Congratulations! Would love to read updates. A well respected theological faculty. Founded in the mid 1800s if I recall. Was the cost of going through GST much higher?
Thanks everyone! I'm excited though also a bit intimidated when it comes to finding the time to pursue this project. I have a head-start as I completed my ThM with a final project, examining the Puritan use of the Catholic Ars Moriendi (Art of Dying Well). This is what led me to my current topic of study. As for the cost, I don't know what NWU would cost directly. But the GST program does cost a bit more...but I'm alright with that. I think they list the PhD as 5000 pounds. Broken up into 48 payments, that's not too bad.
I'm curious who has been appointed as your promoter from Potchefstroom. I had opportunity to become acquainted with a handful of the faculty from there while attending a 5-day academic conference on the University of Pretoria and UNISA campuses this summer. There are some really warm, dear folks in the theology faculty at North-West University.
Nope. Isn't he based in the US? All of the North-west faculty I met were based on the two main campuses in South Africa.
Yes, he lives in Oregon, but travels to SA periodically. Dan completed his PhD via GST/NWU, and now serves as a PhD supervisor at GST/NWU and South African Theological Seminary.
My tutor through GST will be Dr. Stuart Rochester and the promoter through NWU will be Prof Rikus Fick. I have communicated with both via email and things are rolling. Right now I am in the first stages of research and writing up my proposal/first chapter. My work has begun to take up a bit more work but I am still hopeful that I can find balance and some time for pursuing the PhD. Thanks all!