Bth or BA and then Phd in apologetics in the UK

I would like to possibly obtain a Phd in apologetics via distance learning. Is this a possibility in the UK?

In the meantime I am looking for the right undergraduate course that would move me towards the above-stated goal.

Here are some of the parameters/considerations in my search for the right institution.

-The tuiton fees need to total under £6000 for the entire BA or Bth program.
-The more "secular" recognition the course has the better, as I would like to have as much credibility as possible with those who aren't religious,
-The college should have an evangelical outlook.
-I would like the most direct approach to achieving my outcome (so far I have determined that this would be a BA followed immediately by a British style Phd.)
-The degree should be entirely available via distance learning.
-The higher ranked the university awarding the degree, the better. see Theology & Religious Studies - Top UK University Subject Tables and Rankings 2012 - Complete University Guide
and Top UK University League Tables and Rankings 2012 - Complete University Guide
-It will probably be more advantageous for me financially to study in the United Kingdom then anywhere else as I should be able to get a significant grant towards my part-time studies that would actually make it cheaper for me to study in the UK then in South Africa for example. (see How much will university or college cost? : Directgov - Education and learning)

I found these to tables which show the seminaries/colleges that do distance learning in the United Kingdom.
Distance Learning Opportunities (Enquiry)
and UK Bibles Colleges Online

So far I thought Spurgeon's college (degree awarded by uni. of Wales) looks interesting.

More interesting for me was the curriculm at King's divinity school (degree awarded by uni. of Chester). I thought the curriculm looks interesting. I thought the reference books they recommend in their modules are interesting (I already own quite a few of them)
I did find a positive review for them here The Question of College, again « Inquiring Minds
However, the following forum threads which question the crendentials of the falculty have somewhat dampened my enthusiasm.
DegreeDiscussion.com • View topic - King's Evangelical Divinity School
and King's Evangelical Divinity School - Apostolic Friends Forum

There seem to be lots of of other possibilities.

Any comments appreciated!

 

It's great to have goals but I would encourage you to at least enroll in a Bachelors degree program before planning where you will earn your PhD. Best of luck.

 

What kiz said.

Also, the only PhD in apologetics I am aware of is in the US at Liberty. PhD of Theology & Apologetics | Liberty University Online

The best tuition rates I have found are in Africa.

I'm just finishing my MA in Apologetics through Biola, mostly by distance (my BEd is B&M). I'm not sure you will find all you are seeking ($$, programs, etc), but if you do, i would be most interested in hearing.

 

Yea, prolly don't want to get too ahead of yourself. The only PhDs in apologetics that I'm aware of are:

Liberty (as nanoose already mentioned, RA)
PhD of Theology & Apologetics | Liberty University Online

Southern Evangelical Seminary (TRACS, offers DMin in apologetics and PhD with an apologetics slant)
SES Degrees

Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (RA, ATS - not available via distance)
SBTS – Ph.D. – Apologetics and Worldview

One other potential option is Trinity College, Bristol. The advantages of this school are many: Not THAT expensive, offer research PhDs via distance, and their degrees are awarded by the University of Bristol, so you would be earning a degree from a top secular school through a Christian school:
Home - Trinity College Bristol
The main issue will be finding a faculty adviser who has research interests in the topic you want to study. I inquired about a year ago re doing an MPhil or possibly PhD there, and they basically said they would like to accept me to study through them but the only faculty member who could supervise wasn't able to take on any new students.

 

OP here again

Thanks everyone.

@Emmzee -- Thanks for your take on Trinity College Bristol which was very helpful.

To all you folks out there in the United Kingdom with some theological studies under your belt, I'd be interested in knowing what undergraduate programs you would,

1)rate most highly.
2)choose if you had to start your studies again

Thanks!

 

Hi there,
I am working on a PhD in theology in the UK at the University of Aberdeen. Most Universities have a residential requirement (whether spoken or written). If you have more specific questions I could maybe help. I am residential, and about half way through the three year program. The only programs I am aware of with more of a distance element are Trinity College Bristol and University of Wales Lampeter. From those I have spoken to, neither is a walk in the park so to speak.