Doctor of Philosophy in Practical Theology at Stellenbosch University

Programme overview

The Doctor of Philosophy in Practical Theology is a research-intensive doctoral programme on the Stellenbosch campus. Students undertake an independent, supervised research project culminating in a dissertation that makes an original and significant contribution to the field.

Faculty: Theology | Department: Practical Theology and Missiology | Duration: Three years (at least two years' enrolment before the final examination) | Intake: Applications for 2027 open 1 Apr 2026 and close 30 Nov 2026 (South African and international). | Location: Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa

What you will study

The degree is by dissertation. Candidates report on their research at least once at a postgraduate seminar, submit the dissertation through Turnitin and defend it orally before a panel of examiners and discipline group representatives.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Admission via one of: the MTh (thesis option) of Stellenbosch with a final mark of at least 60%; the MTh (structured option) with at least 60% and at least 70% in the research assignment, plus any required supplementary work; the MDiv of Stellenbosch with at least 70% and at least 70% in the research assignment, plus any supplementary work set by the discipline group; the MPhil (Religion and Culture) of Stellenbosch with at least 60%, plus supplementary work; or equivalent competence accepted by Senate. Applicants from other universities need a full research master's or a master's with a significant research component. A research proposal must be approved by the Faculty's Research Committee before registration. Pre-1985 MTh enrolments must pass a preliminary examination. A departmental form is submitted with the application.

The application fee is R100 for South African citizens, permanent residents and refugee, asylum seeker and diplomatic status holders, and R400 for international applicants. Stellenbosch Business School applicants pay R1050 for the MBA and R850 for other SBS programmes. Some applicants are exempt; application fees are non-refundable.

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