Ph.D. By Thesis

OPEN CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY / DOCTORAL SCHOOL

Original research presented and defended through a substantial doctoral thesis.

AWARD   PhD

CREDITS   90

FULL-TIME   36-48 months

PART-TIME   48-72 months

Research route

This route serves candidates seeking to investigate a focused, original problem through sustained supervised research. Study may be undertaken in Christian Studies or Christian Business Theology, subject to appropriate expertise. The work may use biblical, theological, historical, conceptual, documentary, secondary-data or suitably approved empirical methods.

Requirements and credit structure

Candidates submit a 4,000-7,000-word proposal, a substantive research-development dossier and a thesis normally 50,000-80,000 words in the relevant humanities and social-science fields. The scholarly-output requirement is normally one accepted or published peer-reviewed work; a specific two-external-reviewer manuscript alternative may be approved. Mere journal submission is insufficient.

Assessed components

TH01   Research Proposal and Confirmation of Candidature (15 credits)

TH02   Research Development and Scholarly Output Dossier (20 credits)

TH03   Doctoral Thesis (50 credits)

TH04   Independent Doctoral Examination (5 credits)

TOTAL   Total (90 credits)

Admission and examination

Applicants normally hold a relevant master's degree or approved equivalent, demonstrate research readiness and provide a 1,000-2,000-word concept plus a substantial writing sample. A DCS is not a prerequisite. The thesis is independently examined, followed by an oral viva or approved accessible examination with personalised questions.

Normal durations are 36-48 months full-time or 48-72 months part-time; earliest normal final submissions are at 24 and 36 months respectively. Every award requires a demonstrable original contribution to knowledge.

Biblical foundation: 2 Timothy 2:15 (CSB)

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