VEIU Doctor of Theology (Th.D.) program provides candidates s with academically rigorous training informed by an understanding of theology as critical reflection on Christian practice and belief in the light of Holy Scripture.
Entering students work within theological disciplines such as Bible, church history, theology, ethics, homiletics, and Christian formation, and also at the intersection of these disciplines with fields such as political science, peacemaking and reconciliation, medicine, and the arts. The program is intentionally interdisciplinary, and students have access to the resources of both the wider university and partner.
What this course is about
The Doctor of Theology is a higher degree by research in divinity. The purpose of the Doctor of Theology is to qualify individuals who apply a substantial body of knowledge to research, investigate and develop new knowledge, in one or more areas of investigation, scholarship or professional practice.
Course learning outcomes
Graduates of the Doctor of Theology:
1. have a substantial body of knowledge at the frontier of a field of work or learning within divinity, including knowledge that constitutes an original contribution to the field
2. have a substantial knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to the field of work or learning
3. have expert cognitive, technical and creative skills to use intellectual independence to think critically, analyse and evaluate existing knowledge and ideas, undertake systematic investigation, reflect on theory and practice to generate original knowledge within divinity, and demonstrate expert understanding of theoretical knowledge and to reflect critically on that theory and its application
4. apply knowledge and skills with intellectual independence, and with responsibility and accountability, to plan and execute an ongoing program of original research, and to understand explicit and implicit ethical considerations to the formulation of a research project
5. have skills to present cogently a complex investigation of originality or original research for external examination against international standards, and to communicate research results to peers and the community.
Admission criteria
To be eligible for admission an applicant must satisfy the Regent board Committee that he or she has completed one of the following awards at the University of Divinity to the specified standard, or an equivalent award in divinity at another higher education provider recognised by the Academic Board to an equivalent standard:
a) a Masters by research with a 75% average, or where a mark is not available, examiners’ reports which indicate to the satisfaction of the SGR Committee that the candidate is adequately prepared for doctoral research; or
b) a Masters by coursework with a 75% average; or
c) a Graduate Diploma with a 75% average; or
d) a four year undergraduate degree with Honours with a 75% average.
An applicant must also satisfy the SGR Committee that he or she has completed a research essay or thesis of at least 12,000 words graded at or above 75%. The research essay or thesis may have been completed either within one of the awards listed above or as part of another program of study.
Upon admission, the applicant becomes a member of the School of Graduate Research.