Doctor of Theology: Focal Area in Church History and Church Polity at Stellenbosch University

Programme overview

Research-intensive doctoral programme in which the candidate carries out an independent, supervised research project and submits a dissertation making an original and significant contribution to the field. Offered on the Stellenbosch campus.

Faculty: Theology | Department: Systematic Theology and Ecclesiology | Duration: Three years | Location: Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa

What you will study

Dissertation-only programme. Candidates must be enrolled for at least two years before the final examination, report on their research at a postgraduate seminar and defend the dissertation orally before a panel of examiners and academic representatives.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applicants must hold one of the following: an MTh (thesis option) from Stellenbosch with a final mark of at least 60%; an MTh (structured option) from Stellenbosch with at least 60% overall and at least 70% in the research assignment; an MDiv from Stellenbosch with at least 70% overall and at least 70% in the research assignment; an MPhil (Religion and Culture) from Stellenbosch with at least 60%; or another level of competence that Senate considers adequate. Applicants from other universities need a full research master's degree or a master's degree with a significant research component. Pre-1985 MTh holders must pass a preliminary examination (at least 50% in each paper). A departmental form (Dept-PhD Church History and Church Policy) accompanies the application, and registration follows approval of the research proposal by the Faculty's Research Committee. Applicants are advised to contact the department about a supervisor before applying.

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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