Practical Theology Doctorate

Entry requirements

We usually require a good 2:1 degree in a relevant discipline.

We're looking for candidates who show the potential for doctoral level study in their applications and can reflect on their own practice.

We welcome applications from:

• Public sector professionals in health, education and social services
• Active members of caring professions such as psychotherapy, counselling, nursing, social work, community development
• Those involved in religious ministry in parish, congregational, or chaplaincy settings
• People working in charities, non-governmental organisations, in the cultural industries, or in the arts
• Those involved in industry or business wishing to deepen their understanding of the ethical and theological dimensions of their practice
• We also look for an appropriate level of professional or voluntary experience in the area to be researched, often with a continuing role in that sector.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Work with other professionals, practitioners and faith-based leaders from different backgrounds on a practical research degree related to your work. Examine how your guiding beliefs and values impact your professional, voluntary or ministerial practice.

The Practical Theology Doctorate offers a structured approach to research. You'll build on your professional experience and combine this with academic research. Conduct evidence-based doctoral research to enhance and enrich your day-to-day work.

Course highlights

The modern study of Practical Theology began in the 1960s right here at the University of Birmingham. Applicants from a wide variety of professions, including social work, charity leadership, education, ministry or counselling benefit from our wide-ranging expertise.

• Join a varied research community, working with faith leaders and practitioners from many backgrounds.
• Take part in seminars, workshops and a summer school. Meet national and international scholars.
• Undertake part-time study alongside other commitments. The structured format of this course supports you to return to academia and gives you the tools for independent research.
• Combine theory and practice to gain evidence-based insights for your work.

Course delivery

The programme is specifically designed for part-time students. You'll be expected to attend study days, plus a summer school residential for two days in July. The study days take place over one day, usually from 10:00-17:00, in October, December, February, April and June.

• Bimonthly study days where you'll attend workshops and seminars from external national and international speakers. You’ll also connect with other Practical Theology Doctorate researchers for peer-to-peer learning and to critically discuss theology.
• Annual summer school residentials for two days in July.
• You’ll undertake research under the expert guidance of a primary supervisor, co-supervisor and mentor. Your supervisory team will meet with you at regular intervals throughout your programme to offer guidance on how best to approach, implement and report on your research.
• You’re expected to take full responsibility for your work, developing your own timetable for your research project so you can successfully complete it on time.

Information for international students

If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.

For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:

• TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
• Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
• LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill

Fees and funding

The College of Arts and Law is a vibrant community of students and academics, dedicated to ensuring that excellence is rewarded, and that fears about finance do not constrain current or prospective students. For this reason, in addition to University funding schemes, we offer our own College-specific funding initiatives.