Professional Doctorate to PhD Advancement

OPEN CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY / DOCTORAL SCHOOL

Recognition of eligible previous doctoral learning, followed by genuinely new PhD research.

TARGET AWARD   PhD

TOTAL CREDITS   90

PRIOR LEARNING   Up to 60

NEW WORK   At least 30

Who may apply

Graduates holding relevant completed professional doctorates, potentially including DMin, DCS and DCBA, may apply for a formal assessment of prior learning. The University verifies the assessed evidence, research preparation, field alignment and the proposed new contribution. No prior doctorate brings automatic advanced standing; DMin practice credits do not automatically demonstrate the research foundation needed for a PhD.

Minimum advancement structure

Where a full 60 previous credits are approved, candidates complete at least 30 new assessed credits. The work must include a new, accepted or published peer-reviewed output and a newly written 20,000-30,000-word integrative thesis, or a conventional thesis where needed. One new paper alone is not sufficient, and previously rewarded findings cannot be resubmitted as the new contribution.

Assessed components

AD01   Advancement Research Plan and Non-Duplication Dossier (5 credits)

AD02   New Research, Peer-Reviewed Output and Substantial Doctoral Text (20 credits)

AD03   Independent Doctoral Examination (5 credits)

TOTAL   Minimum additional credits (30 credits)

Admission, duration and examination

Applicants provide their prior doctoral work and academic record, authorship and publication evidence, an equivalence map and a new research concept. Two qualified assessors evaluate the application before a written advancement agreement specifies recognised credits and remaining requirements. Fewer than 60 credits may be recognised where warranted.

For the approved minimum 30-credit stage, normal completion is 12-24 months with earliest final submission at 12 months. Independent examination applies the same PhD standard as every other research route.

Biblical foundation: Colossians 3:23-24 (CSB)

Take the next step in your calling

Explore your research direction and prepare your application.

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