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Doctor of Philosophy in Theology

SATS is the only evangelical institution in South Africa with an accredited Ph.D. degree. Our Doctoral programme is a research-based programme consisting of a dissertation. There is NO coursework in our Ph.D. programme. The Admissions Committee reserves the right to assign further reading or additional theological subjects, should it be deemed necessary.

Our doctoral programme offers a choice between two fields of study, Biblical Studies or Practical Theology. You will conduct your research under the supervision of one or two experts in the chosen field(s) of study. Our doctoral supervisors have been carefully selected to provide you with the high academic standards and the levels of service excellence for which we have become known.

Dissertation

On enrolment you will be required to complete RES6600 Theological Research Methodology, a course which culminates in the submission of your dissertation proposal to the Postgraduate Committee. The first phase of the Ph.D. consists of preliminary research culminating in the submission of your research proposal. You have a maximum of 12 months to submit your research proposal, failing which your registration for the Ph.D. will lapse.

If and when your dissertation proposal is accepted, under the guidance of your supervisor you will be required to write a dissertation consisting of 80,000 to 100,000 words, (12 point font, one-and-a-half spacing). There no examination.

All work is submitted and returned via email, except for the final bound copies. Full details pertaining to the formatting of your dissertation are contained in RES6600. Your dissertation will be assessed by two independent External Examiners, as well as an Internal Examiner, your supervisor, and if it is successful, you will be awarded the Doctor of Philosophy degree at the next Graduation Ceremony. Should you obtain a mark of 75% or above, the degree will be awarded cum laude. The maximum duration of this programme, which is at level 10 on the Higher Education Qualifications Framework, is six years.

Entrance Requirements

To register for the Doctor of Philosophy programme prospective students must have a relevant Masters Degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate field, from an accredited
institution. Certified (notarized) proof of the above should accompany the application form, together with a certified (notarized) copy of your ID or valid Passport.

The Seminary offers a free, no obligation evaluation of your transcripts, which can either be faxed to us at +27 11 234 4445 or scanned and sent as email
attachments to postgraduate@sats.edu.za.

Applications

To access our application form you may contact the Registrar of Postgraduate Studies, Leschenne Rebuli on postgraduate@sats.edu.za or simply click on Apply Online. and then on the Application Form button. We look forward to being of assistance to you.

Pricing

Research Proposal Tuition Fee (a max. of 12 months) R16 000 ($2 400)

The candidate has a maximum 12 months to complete the research proposal, after which the applicant’s registration lapses.

Thereafter, students are required to pay the annual tuition fee of R16 000 ($2 400) for each year enrolled, with a minimum payment of four consecutive years (including the proposal year). Should a fifth or subsequent year be necessary to complete the programme, the annual tuition fee will be levied.

Fees are increased annually in January.

See Doctor of Philosophy Supervisors