Practical Theology (DTh)

Overview

The DTh is a professional doctorate programme in practical theology. This programme offers a variety of bespoke outcomes to diverse students engaged with Christian practice including strategic leadership training to senior level ministry personnel; the deeper integration of theological learning to contexts of practice; the honing of missiological and ecclesiological understandings as lived out in real-life situations. The programme focuses on using research to develop theological practice, to the mutual enrichment of both academic theology and faith practice.

There are two entry points for this programme. Stage 1A is for those with a good undergraduate degree and professional experience, who will initially take a selection of preparatory taught modules at master’s level. Stage 1B is for post-master’s applicants and is an accelerated form of the course.

Regardless of entry point this programme will help those already engaged in Christian Ministry and Service – diversely understood - to develop the advanced research, evaluative and reflective skills necessary to further their professional and career profile and contribute form their practice to wider theological discourse. Students will prepare for more senior level, national or international roles, as leaders, advisers or consultants in faith-practice and ministry. As a practitioner of Practical Theology, this course will encourage you to reflect technically and theologically on your practice, and on the application of scholarship and research to a range of faith, ecclesial and missiological contexts.

Career Options

The DTh professional doctorate is intended to enable existing professionals working in church ministry, mission, education, development, or the para-church sector to move into senior or national positions within visionary research-led organisations.

You should usually hold a second-class honours degree (certain programmes may require a 2:1) from a recognised British or overseas university. Advice on recognition can be obtained from the Admissions Office. Non-graduates with appropriate professional qualifications will be considered on an individual basis by Programme Conveners; contact details can be found on the individual programme page. Applicants will be expected to apply and register for the full master's award. Those with a third-class honours degree are encouraged to complete an application as we will consider an applicant's wider circumstances in making a decision on an application.