Our Doctor of Philosophy in Theology is designed to raise up scholar-leaders in various fields of Christian ministry. It is a fully-accredited online programme that provides the opportunity for ground-breaking theological research.
Do I Qualify?
To be admitted to the Doctor of Philosophy in Theology, a candidate must have achieved an above-average grade in their Master’s degree. Additionally, a candidate must meet one of these admission requirements:
- An accredited Master’s degree in a theological field, with a substantial research project.
- An accredited Master’s degree in another field, with a substantial research project, accompanied by an accredited Bachelor Honours in Theology.
Submit your application to determine if you qualify to study with us.
The PhD is a research degree that culminates in an original dissertation of 80,000–100,000 words. The learning journey is divided into five phases.
Phase 1
Phase 1 begins when you enrol. It consists of two online courses: GEN4121 Theological Orientation and MRS5240 Research Concept Development. Only outstanding candidates who achieve 75% or higher will be invited to proceed.
Phase 2
Phase 2 requires you to draft and submit a formal research proposal, which you do in consultation with your appointed supervisor, a scholar specialising in your research area. The phase ends when the SATS Research Committee approves your research proposal.
Phases 3–4
Phases 3–4 are where you conduct the research and write the dissertation, under the tutelage of your appointed supervisor.
Phase 5
Phase 5 is about examination! You submit your dissertation for internal and external examination, making the required improvements. You must also submit an article based on the thesis. The PhD journey culminates in the online oral defence. This takes place after the dissertation passes both the internal and external evaluation process. The student is required to defend his or her thesis by responding to questions posed by a team of experts in the chosen fields of study.
US Students
North American students find SATS’ PhD in Theology programme relevant and affordable. By 2016 there were already ten Ph.D. graduates from the USA, with a further 32 enrolled students.
Recently our MTh and PhD programmes were submitted to two of the most frequently used and highly recommended evaluators in the USA, namely, the International Education Research Foundation, Inc. (ierf.org) and the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers’ International Education Services, and both confirmed that these degrees represent attainment of a level of education comparable to the equivalent degrees from a regionally accredited university in the United States. Our degrees are also recognised by the German website anabin.kmk.org which provides information about the evaluation of foreign qualifications, as well as by the Brazilian and Argentinian governments.
How Long Does It Take?
The minimum duration is two years, but the average completion is 3 – 6 years with a maximum of 7 years.
Students From Africa
Several potential PhD candidates from Africa have told us that the demands made upon them as Christian leaders prevent them, in their own country, from giving the attention that their PhD studies would require. They have pointed out that the only solution is to leave their country for a short time in order to devote their full attention to their research.
Pricing
Click here to see the Full Price List for all programmes
You pay at the beginning of each phase, so the tuition is spread over 3–5 years (the average time it takes to complete the programme).
The tuition fees are the total cost of the programme. There are no hidden costs, no travel costs, no accommodation costs, and no prescribed books to purchase.
For many PhD programmes, these “hidden” costs can easily double or triple the total cost of study.
Kindly note that all fees paid to SATS are non-refundable.