Doctor of Philosophy Program
In conjunction with the University of Wales Lampeter
Overview of program
To provide advanced study in the field of theology, a PhD program based at the University of Wales Lampeter is offered through VST. This research-structured PhD program allows a student to prepare for a teaching career in theology or to enhance congregational, social, pastoral, or educational ministries. The UW Lampeter Theology and Religious Studies Department has an international reputation for excellence in research and research supervision in a broad range of areas. The UW Lampeter PhD program is offered in areas for which VST and UW Lampeter faculty can support doctoral research. These areas currently include Biblical Studies, Homiletics, History, and Theology. programs may also be possible in Education, Ethics, and Spirituality. In all cases, prospective students must consult with the Coordinator of Doctoral programs at VST for information about a possible program.
The PhD is a research-based doctorate in which a student works with faculty advisors both at VST and Lampeter. A specified number of years of directed research [depending on full or part-time status] culminate in the production of a dissertation that constitutes an original contribution to learning. A student will be registered as a student of the University of Wales Lampeter. However, all of the directed research will be done in Canada. A student can be resident in Vancouver, or can accomplish the program as a distance education degree by making at least one or more yearly research visits with the faculty supervisor.
Length of program and Course of Study
The degree of PhD is awarded purely for research, the completion of a dissertation, and the oral defense of the dissertation. There are no courses associated with the degree, although a student may, in consultation with their advisor and the Advanced Degree Director, audit certain VST courses useful for their research. The requirement for the UW Lampeter PhD is a dissertation of 80,000 to 100,000 words. The dissertation must be judged to constitute an original contribution to learning and to give evidence of systematic study and of the ability to relate the results of such study to the general body of knowledge in the subject. Full-time students register and pay tuition fees for a period of two years, with continuance fees thereafter. Part-time students must register and pay tuition fees for four years, with continuance fees thereafter. The dissertation may not be submitted until six months before the end of the period of fee-paying registration and must be submitted before a fixed time limit, as indicated in the chart below. The only time the student will be required to go the University of Wales Lampeter will be for the oral examination of the completed thesis. The travel costs of the examination trip are the student’s responsibility.
Scheme of Study:
Must submit dissertation not later than the number of calendar years shown below from the official beginning of period of study.
2 years full-time: 2 years fee paying + 2 years ‘writing up’ = 4 years
4 years part-time: 4 years part-time fee paying + 3 years ‘writing up’ = 7 years
Admissions
As a research degree, the PhD requires for admission a thorough background in theological study, research, and method, an in-depth knowledge of one area of theological study, and all requisite languages. Normally, this background is obtained by the student holding two prior degrees in theology [an MDiv and a ThM, for example]. A student without the necessary background will be admitted to the Masters of Theology [ThM] program at VST and upon successful completion of that program, may apply to the PhD program.
The following is required for admission to the Doctor of Philosophy program:
- Two Masters level degrees in theological study (MDiv, MATS ThM, etc)
- Evidence of ability to do advanced level research and writing (a thesis or major research paper as a part of one of the Masters degrees)
- Normally, reading knowledge of at least one modern language appropriate to the proposed field of study in addition to English; competency in biblical languages (for biblical work)
- Academic references attesting to superior ability in theological study and research
- An interview with the VST Coordinator of Doctoral programs and consultation with VST Advanced Degree faculty appropriate to the proposed field of study
- VST will recommend for admission to the PhD program at UW Lampeter only those applicants whose areas of research interest can be supported by VST Advanced Degree faculty approved for doctoral supervision
For information about the Theology and Religious Studies Department at the University of Wales Lampeter, consult www.lamp.ac.uk/trs/
For further information contact:
The Rev. Dr. Patricia Dutcher-Walls
Associate Dean
Associate Professor of Hebrew Bible
Coordinator of Doctoral Programs
Vancouver School of Theology
6000 Iona Drive
Vancouver, BC V6T 1L4
Tel: 604-822-9804
patdw@vst.edu