A Doctorate of Philosophy is the highest level of degree that a student can achieve, demonstrating academic excellence through independent, creative thought and the ability to interact with modern scholarship.
To earn a PhD, students must write a 80,000 word thesis on a topic defined by their research proposal under the guidance of a relevant faculty member. PhD students undertake research on their own topics, working closely with their supervisors to write their thesis. Staff at Union College have a long history of supervising successfully PhD theses in a wide range of theological areas.
If you are interested in doctoral research please make initial informal contact with the faculty member responsible for your proposed area of work.
Programme Distinctives:
- The PhD is an advanced research programme. From the outset, the student focuses on working towards the completion of the dissertation.
- The only coursework required will be project specific in order for students to enhance necessary skills, for example, in languages. Students need to be well-prepared from previous study and be able to demonstrate appropriate competence in special skills, such as languages.
- From the beginning of their programme students typically focus on a particular area of study. The college offers specialist supervision in Biblical studies, languages, history, historical theology, systematic theology, ethics, and practical theology. Cross-disciplinary work is strongly encouraged.
- In line with guidance from the UK Quality Code for Higher Education the PhD is a ‘unique’ qualification requiring original research from students and ‘the creation of new knowledge or originality in the application of knowledge