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South African Theological Seminary

Programme Detail: PhD Doctor of Philosophy in Theology

Language of this entry English (UK, International)
Name of Programme / Training Resource PhD Doctor of Philosophy in Theology
Type of Training Individual standalone programme
Reference Number
Description Options Our Doctoral programme is a research-based programme consisting of a dissertation. There is NO coursework in our DTh programme. The Admissions Committee holds the right to assign further reading or theological subjects should a candidate not meet the necessary requirements. Our doctoral programme offers you a choice of two fields of study, Biblical Studies or Practical Theology. You will conduct your research under the supervision of one or two experts in the chosen field of study. Our doctoral supervisors have been carefully selected to provide you with the high academic standards and the levels of service excellence for which we have become known. Dissertation On enrolment you will be required to complete RES6600 Theological Research Methodology, a course which culminates in the submission of your dissertation proposal to the Postgraduate Committee. If and when your title is accepted, under the guidance of your supervisor candidates will be required to write approximately 200-250 page dissertation, (approximately 72,000-80,000 words, 12 point font, one-and-a-half spacing). There is no coursework and no examination. All work is submitted and returned via email, except the final bound copies. The full details pertaining to the formatting of your dissertation are contained in RES6600. Your dissertation will be assessed by two independent External Examiners, as well as an Internal Examiner, your supervisor, and if it is successful, you will be awarded the Doctor of Theology degree at the next Graduation Ceremony. Should you obtain a mark of 75% or above, the degree will be awarded cum laude. The maximum duration of this programme, which is at level 8 on the National Qualifications Framework, is six years. On achieving this qualification, students will be able to: 1. Identify, understand, interpret, integrate, apply and communicate a body of new knowledge (original research) in interaction with existing knowledge (current state of research in the field of study). 2. Apply logical, theoretical, analytic, creative and systematic thinking, effectively to solve a range of problems within a focused research context. 3. Exhibit the ability to identify and address issues of ethical action and social responsibility in the field of research. 4. Apply principles of sound research practice in collecting, organizing and evaluating information in terms of a critical understanding of relevant research methodologies, techniques and technologies. 5. Be aware of, and be able to interact constructively with, multicultural and multi -faith communities, from a theological perspective. 6. Apply the insights of one or more disciplines to identify and critique issues of church and society. Entrance requirements To register for a Doctoral programme prospective students must have an appropriate Masters Degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate field, from an accredited institution. Certified (notarized) proof of the above should accompany the application form, together with a certified (notarized) copy of your ID or valid Passport. The Seminary offers a free, no obligation evaluation of your transcripts, which can either be faxed to us at +27 11 234-4445 or scanned and sent as email attachments to postgraduate@sats.edu.za. We will initiate a response to your request within two days of receipt. Pricing Research Proposal Tuition Fee (a max. of 12 months) R14000 ($2000) The candidate has a maximum 12 months to complete the research proposal, after which the applicant’s registration lapses. Thereafter, students are required to pay the annual tuition fee for each year enrolled, with a minimum payment of four consecutive years (including the proposal year). Should a fifth or subsequent year be necessary to complete the programme, the annual tuition fee will be levied. Fees are increased annually in January. Applications To access our application form you may contact the Registrar of Postgraduate Studies, Leschenne Rebuli on postgraduate@sats.edu.za or simply click on http://www.sats.edu.za/enrol.html and then on the Application Form button. We look forward to being of assistance to you.
Keywords doctorate, PhD, doctoral, doctor, theology, philosophy
Languages Programme Available in English (UK, International)
Other Languages
Country and region where programme is available International (e.g. distance learning) / All international
Area of Ministry and Focus Bible Teaching and Training / Theology
Residential/Non Residential Non Residential
Full-time or Part-time Part-time
Level Doctorate
Cost Range US$100,000 or more
Actual Cost $8000
Bursaries/scholarships available No
Actual Length 4 years
Average hours of study per week 0
Methods of instruction Dissertation On enrolment you will be required to complete RES6600 Theological Research Methodology, a course which culminates in the submission of your dissertation proposal to the Postgraduate Committee. If and when your title is accepted, under the guidance of your supervisor candidates will be required to write approximately 250-350 page dissertation, (approximately 80,000-100,000 words, 12 point font, one-and-a-half spacing). There is no coursework and no examination. All work is submitted and returned via email, except the final bound copies. The full details pertaining to the formatting of your dissertation are contained in RES6600. Your dissertation will be assessed by two independent External Examiners, as well as an Internal Examiner, your supervisor, and if it is successful, you will be awarded the Doctor of Theology degree at the next Graduation Ceremony. Should you obtain a mark of 75% or above, the degree will be awarded cum laude. The maximum duration of this programme, which is at level 8 on the National Qualifications Framework, is six years. On achieving this qualification, students will be able to: 1. Identify, understand, interpret, integrate, apply and communicate a body of new knowledge (original research) in interaction with existing knowledge (current state of research in the field of study). 2. Apply logical, theoretical, analytic, creative and systematic thinking, effectively to solve a range of problems within a focused research context. 3. Exhibit the ability to identify and address issues of ethical action and social responsibility in the field of research. 4. Apply principles of sound research practice in collecting, organizing and evaluating information in terms of a critical understanding of relevant research methodologies, techniques and technologies. 5. Be aware of, and be able to interact constructively with, multicultural and multi -faith communities, from a theological perspective. 6. Apply the insights of one or more disciplines to identify and critique issues of church and society.
Percentage of time spent in formal learning (e.g. lectures, structured reading, work-books, etc.) 0
Percentage of time spent on non-formal skill-based learning (e.g. learning on the job and supervised practice, etc.) 0
Percentage of time spent in informal unstructured learning (e.g. prayer times, teamwork). 0
Average number of students who take the programme per year (or, if this is a new programme, the number who can be accommodated) 20
Prerequisite Programmes Masters degree in relevant field
Other Prerequisites
Qualifications gained PhD Doctor of Philosophy in Theology
Qualifications this programme is part of
Programme Accredited by Other Accreditation (see below)
Other Accrediting Bodies Council on Higher Education