Professional Doctorate in Ministry DMin
Program start date | Application deadline |
2023-09-19 | - |
2024-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
The Professional Doctorate in Ministry (DMin) program combines theological reflection and ministerial practice, leading to a doctoral-level qualification. It fosters the integration of academic and ministerial knowledge, supports student development as autonomous researchers, and equips them to undertake original research in a specialized field of inquiry. The program is part-time, lasting 4-7 years, and includes core and optional modules, as well as a doctoral thesis.
Program Outline
Professional Doctorate in Ministry (DMin)
Degree Overview:
Overview:
- The DMin program is a unique opportunity to combine theological reflection and ministerial practice leading to a doctoral-level qualification.
Objectives:
- Foster the integration of academic and ministerial knowledge and values.
- Support student development as autonomous, ethical, and self-reflective researchers.
- Equip students to undertake original research at the doctoral level.
Description:
- The program consists of two parts.
- Part 1: Students study 7 modules totaling 180 credits, focusing on developing research, writing, and academic scholarship skills.
- Part 2: Students focus on their doctoral thesis, making a significant and original contribution to a specialized field of inquiry.
Outline:
Program Content:
- Theology
- Ethics
- Social Issues
- Research Methods
- Theological Reflection
- Dissertation
Structure:
- Part-time program
- 4-7 years duration
Course Schedule:
- Modules taught over a two-year period for Part 1.
- Individualized study schedule for Part 2 Thesis.
Individual Modules:
Core Modules:
- Pastoral Theology of Ministry: Scripture and Ministry
- Ethical and Social Issues of Ministry
- Research Skills and Methods
- Engaging with Research: Research, Practice, and the Political
- Yourself as Researcher: Personal Identities and Values
- Engaging in Theological Reflection
- Research Proposal
Optional Modules:
- Spiritual Direction, Psychology and Spiritual Formation
- Systematic Theology and Contemporary Themes
- Theologies of Liberation and Political Theology
Assessment:
Assessment Methods:
- Essays
- Presentations
- Research Report
- Dissertation
Assessment Criteria:
- Depth of research
- Clarity of writing
- Critical analysis
- Originality of contribution
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Tutorials
- Independent Study
- Online Learning
Faculty:
- Dr. Peter Tyler (Professor - Pastoral Theology and Spirituality)
- Other experienced and qualified faculty members
Unique Approaches:
- Individualized supervision for thesis development
- Opportunity to engage with a community of scholars and practitioners
Careers:
Potential Career Paths:
- Clergy
- Ordained Ministers
- Lay Ministers
- Religious Educators
- Chaplains
- Non-profit Organization Leaders
Career Opportunities:
- Senior leadership roles in various ministries
- Teaching and lecturing positions in higher education
- Work with Christian and other charities and agencies
- Cross-cultural ministries and NGOs
Other:
- The program is open to students of all Christian traditions.
- Prior learning can be accredited towards the program.
- Students are encouraged to actively connect their studies to their ministries.
- The program emphasizes critical self-reflection and cross-cultural sensitivity.
Home Fees:
£3,450
International Fees:
N/A
St Mary's University Twickenham London
Overview:
St Mary's University Twickenham London is a university located in London, known for its strong student experience and high teaching quality. It consistently ranks highly in national university guides for student experience, teaching quality, and location.
Student Life and Campus Experience:
St Mary's University is celebrated for its student experience. The university offers a vibrant campus life and opportunities to enhance career prospects.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Top Teaching Quality:
Ranked in the top 5 for teaching quality in the UK (The Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2024).Exceptional Student Experience:
Ranked in the top 10 for student experience in the UK (The Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2024).Safe Location:
Ranked among the safest universities in England and Wales (Complete University Guide, 2023).High Employability:
98% of graduates are in employment, vocation, or further study within 15 months of graduation (HESA, 2023).Other:
St Mary's University is currently accepting applications through Clearing.
Entry Requirements:
UK and EU Applicants with a UK Qualification:
- An Upper Second Class Honours Degree (2:1) or equivalent.
- Other qualifications may be considered alongside an interview.
- Exceptionally, relevant experience and study may be accepted, subject to approval from the Academic Registrar based on the Programme Director's advice.
International Applicants (outside the UK/EU):
- The entry requirements are the same as for UK/EU applicants with a UK qualification (as stated above).
- In addition, international applicants may be required to provide evidence of English language proficiency.
Prior Learning Accreditation:
- Students may have prior learning accredited based on evidence of prior learning. This could include:
- Written independent work
- Formal or informal testimony from others
- Publications
- Teaching materials
- Evidence of relevant knowledge and reading
- The relevance, status, and currency of the prior learning will be considered by the Academic Registrar on the advice of the Programme Director.
- The maximum number of credits that can be awarded for prior learning is:
- PGCert: 30 credits
- PGDip: 60 credits
- Masters: 90 credits
- DMin: 120 credits
Ministerial Practice:
- Ideally, potential students should be engaged in, have been engaged in, or be about to engage in ministerial practice.