This innovative professional doctorate programme was first launched in 2006 and was the first of its kind in theological studies anywhere in the UK. It was launched at the University of Chester in 2009. It is designed to appeal to those interested in relating theological, ethical and spiritual insights and methods to their own professional or voluntary practice.
It is part of a national consortium of higher education Institutions including Anglia Ruskin, Birmingham and Manchester, and is affiliated to the British and Irish Association of Practical Theology. It is particularly designed to be taken on a part-time basis, but can be taken full-time. Participants are encouraged to use their professional, voluntary or ministerial practice as the foundation of a structured process of research in practical theology.
The Researching Professional
At the heart of professional doctorates is a dynamic relationship between theory and practice. All doctoral research represents a contribution to knowledge and understanding within a particular academic discipline. The professional doctorate also generates evidence-based or practice-based research capable of informing and enhancing the self-understanding of a particular professional or institutional context.
The D.Prof programme uses techniques of what is known as enquiry-based learning. As a researcher, you are also be encouraged to keep a learning journal, designed to encourage you to reflect on how your research and learning is influencing your professional practice and how your professional practice and context continues to shape your research as it passes through the various stages of the research portfolio.
The University‘s Christian Foundation (est. 1839 by the Church of England) plays a prominent role in the development of the Institution. The University offers a range of professional doctorates in education and business as well as practical theology. From its foundation it has valued work-related study and is committed to supporting students undertaking such research in their professional contexts.
The TRS department at Chester has a longstanding commitment to expertise in vocational study, academic practical theology and partnerships expressing the integration of the academy and faith communities. A combination of further professorial appointments and current expertise in practical theology in Christian and Muslim contexts places Chester at the forefront of academic practical theology. The Department possesses a strong team of researchers and doctoral supervisors in contemporary Christian theology (from a spectrum of denominations: Catholic, Anglican, Methodist, Baptist) and publishes research which is ‘recognised internationally excellent' in terms of originality, significance and rigour (2008 RAE).
The Department currently supervises thirty D.Prof. students in Practical Theology as well as a body of other doctoral students, mostly part-time, and runs a schedule of research seminars as part of the support for them. We have a dedicated administrative team for our part-time students. We are housed in a large Victorian house in its own grounds, just across the road from the main Campus facilities. Residential teaching is usually held at St Deiniol's Library at Hawarden.
This is a research degree. All the components are pursued as supervised independent study, supported by regular meetings with a nominated supervisor. In addition, participants attend three residential 48-hour seminars per year, which provide structured elements of research training.
Normally, candidates undertake one or two modules per year, completing stage 1 in 2-3 years part-time, and the dissertation (stage 2) in a further 2-3 years.
Award of the doctoral degree will be via submission of a research portfolio with structured assignments and deadlines.
- Literature Review
- Publishable Article
- Research Proposal
- Self-evaluating of Learning Journal
- Thesis (40,000 - 50,000 words)
In addition to regular supervisions with your tutor, participants undertake three residential workshops (3) per year with a peer group. Sessions will include work on key debates in Practical Theology, doctoral master classes, training in research methods and study skills, practical exercises in enquiry-based learning and presentations of work in progress.
The programme also features a national summer school each July drawing together students from other D.Prof programmes validated by the consortium.
This is a practice-based research degree aimed at professional candidates across a range of contexts, institutions and faith traditions. It is designed to take explicit account of the work or practice-based setting of participating students, working;
- in public sector professions such as health care, education, social services
- in the caring professions, such as psychotherapy and counselling, social work and community development
- as ministers of religion, in parish, congregational or chaplaincy settings
- as leaders of faith communities
- for charities, non-governmental organisations or in cultural industries or the arts
- in industry or business wishing to deepen their understanding of the ethical and theological dimensions of their professional or voluntary practice
It is expected that applicants will at least have a ‘good' first degree i.e. a 2.1 or 1st and if students have a 2.2 degree, this is acceptable provided they have completed a Master's degree to a satisfactory standard. Previous degrees should be in areas relevant to your research area.
Applicants that do not meet those requirements are considered on a case by case basis.
Students applying for overseas or Europe should seek the guidance of the Graduate School or consult the official Handbook on IBIS for further guidance on English language qualification requirements, overseas qualification equivalency etc.
Extra Information:
For further registration information, find out more.
For information on fees click here. In addition to this, students usually pay some expenses of the residentials: for example the current fee for students 2011/2012 at Gladstone's is £140.00 inclusive of accommodation and all meals.
Students living at a distance from the University are offered a free postal service from the University Library being then responsible for the return of the book).
Books can be ordered and renewed through the intranet. A range of academic journals and other theological resources are made available electronically.
