Auckland Park Theo Sem: GAAP?

Sorry, for the multiple posts, but...one of the profs at NW is right up my alley! Thank you for the link, Garp. Definitely exciting!

 

Contact them. I did a couple of times (couple of years apart each time). They did not require you to come there and the fees were affordable (but things change). As I recall with the SA process (I could be wrong), the reason a face to face is not required is the process. You work closely with your faculty promoter (another reason it is imperative he/she will work with you and share interests). This person guides you in your dissertation process and will NOT approve it until it is ready since it goes to outside academic reviewers who must also approve. You can imagine that the faculty person is not about to put his stamp on your dissertation when outside academics will review it UNLESS it meets standards. Bill Grover may post here about the process as he actually went through it and the University of Zululand and is now faculty at SATS (resides here in the US). His input would be far move valuable than mine.

FWIW, it took Bill about three years to complete the doctorate. He is very detail oriented. As I say, he could provide more input about the process and what it was like. As I think could Haggai or someone (cannot read tag line in this format) who has a doctorate from SA.

Let us know what you choose. It is a good route to take in terms of reputation and cost. Anyone...trying to break into tenured academia will have problems since as I understand there are plenty of theology doctorates (not impossible just tough). Do you want to pursue one for personal interest and use?

 

I think you will be happy with either school.

How much work, time to complete? There are some older posts about that from a number of different contributors.

In general.... you can expect an absolute minimum of three years, full-time.

The research doc is not like a DMin, though there are similarities.

The thesis [US/UK - dissertation; RSA - Thesis] is very rigorous, and of international quality.

You must first satisfy your promoter, then the [outside] examiners -- and don't expect the process to be easy, because it won't be.

 

I'm leaning heavily toward Auckland, against communication/user-friendly hesitations. The Pentecostal affinity and North-West connection is enticing. Again, thank you. I will keep everyone posted! (Btw, why doesn't this format show our signatures?)

 

Yes, please not only let us know your decision but also the fees involved and any other info that may be of use to someone else searching and comparing.

 

I definitely will keep everyone posted. Hopefully, I'll get an email tomorrow.

 

Auckland contacted me, giving full acceptance. Official enrollment begins 'near the end of the year'. So I await the fees. I'm moving forward with my promoter (seminary principal and distinguished prof). I'm excited, and will keep u posted. Checking with my past school to see if I can sit in on summer courses in Greek to refresh!

 

Greetings, DrJ.

Just wondering if you saw this guy at UNISA:

Researcher: Prof. J P J Theron
Email: [email protected]
Fields of interest:
Charismatic movement and Pentecostal Churches; the church's ministry of healing; deliverance from evil spirits; Church growth, Christian leadership, Satanism

Unisa Online - Staff members

Roscoe

 

Well, well, well. I'm familiar with his name. I did not look into him. One of my profs at pts studied at unisa. Shouldve checked it out. Thanks Roscoe.

 

I don't like being the voice of pessimism...

Having completed my MTh with Unisa, I would [strongly] recommend you stick with your plan to work with ATS.

It varies according to the promoter, but working with Unisa can be most difficult [to be kind].

 

Thanks Haggai12. My prof at pts (Pentecostal theological sem) said the same.

 

Quick update.

I have decided to attend summer Greek courses at PTS (Pentecostal Theological Seminary) to refresh and prepare for PhD studies (its been 16 years since I've done anything significant with Greek). I called and talked with the two lead Profs at CPT (Centre for Pentecostal Theology-a doctoral and post-doctoral research library and facility-they also publish Pentecostal journals etc)-they have granted my request to utilize the facilities and lean on them as dialogue partners (not supervisors) on my research. I emailed Auckland Park yesterday, they responded this morning with all fees, documentation, research guidelines etc. Very informative and helpful. Fees are Rand 10,200 first year and 5700 following years. Once I finish my Greek I will jump in.

 

Great tuition rate, very solid credential. My heartburn with them is poor customer service. I have e-mailed them at their contact e-mail from two different e-mail addresses and never got a response. I even filled out their on line application and have not gotten a response. At this rate it may be quicker to send them a regular letter. Maybe your posting here caused them an avalanche of applications....LOL

 

Garp, I had the same problem with Auckland. I also made phone calls. It was very disappointing. My research topic had a connection with the Apostolic Faith Mission, and I thought Auckland would be more than interested to work with me. I hope things go well with Dr.J.

Roscoe