Practical Theology

The Professional Doctorate in Practical Theology (DTh) is a part-time doctoral programme designed for experienced practitioners who wish to undertake advanced research rooted in their professional context.

The programme is structured in two stages. Stage 1 is the taught phase, normally completed over two years part-time, and focuses on research design, advanced questions in practical theology, and the development of a publishable article. Stage 2 is the research phase, typically lasting three to four or more years part-time, culminating in a substantial doctoral dissertation that makes an original contribution to knowledge and professional practice.

The DTh integrates academic research with professional and faith-based practice. It is designed for those working in ministry, mission, education, development, social justice movements, voluntary organisations, and wider faith-sector contexts. Students remain in professional roles while undertaking their research.

The programme supports the development of advanced evaluative, reflective, and research skills, enabling candidates to critically engage with practical theology and contribute to both scholarship and professional practice.

Research strengths within the programme include empirical, pastoral, systematic, and public theology across a range of church traditions and global contexts. While rooted primarily in Christian practical theology, the programme is open to researchers from diverse faith backgrounds where appropriate supervision is available.

Students are expected to commit approximately 15 to 20 hours per week, on average across the calendar year, to their doctoral research.