Practical Theology Doctorate (DPT)

Program Overview

The Practical Theology Doctorate (DPT) is a part-time postgraduate research degree designed for professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of the ethical and theological dimensions of their practice. The program emphasizes the dynamic relationship between theory and practice through structured research papers and independent research. Assessment includes a portfolio of work, including a literature review, publishable article, research proposal, and 50,000-word thesis. Graduates are equipped with transferable skills and career advancement opportunities in various industries, including public service, education, and consulting.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Practical Theology Doctorate (DPT) is a postgraduate research degree designed for individuals actively involved in professional or substantial voluntary work. It provides an opportunity to examine the implications of action guiding beliefs, values, and ideologies ('theologies') for their practices, and vice versa. The program is suitable for a wide range of practitioners, including:

• Public sector professionals in health, education, and social services
• Active members of caring professions such as psychotherapy, counselling, nursing, social work, and community development
• Those involved in religious ministry in parish, congregational, or chaplaincy settings
• People working in charities, non-governmental organisations, in the cultural industries, or in the arts
• Those involved in industry or business wishing to deepen their understanding of the ethical and theological dimensions of their practice
The DPT emphasizes a dynamic relationship between theory and practice, generating evidence- or practice-based research that informs and enhances understanding and options for action in a particular professional/institutional context.

Outline:

The DPT is a staged and part-time program, making it suitable for mid-career professionals seeking professional and academic development. It consists of two stages:

Stage 1: Structured Research Papers

• Practical theology: context, practice, and performance: This module introduces the discipline of practical theology and requires students to produce critical reviews of key thinkers and ideas, helping them to situate their particular area of enquiry in relation to themes, traditions, and practices.
• Presentation and publication of research: This module supports students in developing their research skills and producing a publishable article responsive to current landscapes of thinking and practice.
The topic is driven by the student's research interests and professional context.
• Establishing advanced research practice in practical theology: This module prepares students for the longer-term thesis-based project by requiring them to produce a detailed research proposal and a reflective piece, refining their perspective on practical theology in light of their thinking and experience throughout Stage 1.

Stage 2: Independent Research

• Students are fully launched into their independent doctoral research work, working regularly through supervision and continuing to contribute to the Practical Theology Doctorate research community through the seminar series.

Assessment:

Assessment is by a portfolio of work including:

• A literature review
• A publishable article
• A research proposal
• A final 50,000-word thesis

Teaching:

• The program is designed particularly for part-time students.
• Students are supported throughout by regular supervision, seminars, and workshops with peer and academic engagement.
• There is a summer school drawing together professional doctoral students in practical theology from other universities offering this program.
• Students attend compulsory day schools and a residential event to further support their studies.
• The day schools usually run for one day between 10am-5pm in October, December, February, April, and June.
• The residential usually takes place in July for two days.

Careers:

• The DPT supports a deepening and strengthening of professional and leadership skills.
• The University of Birmingham is the top choice for the UK's major employers searching for graduate recruits.
• Theology graduates develop a broad range of transferable skills, including research methods, information management, writing, critical and analytical ability, and argumentation.
• Postgraduates in theology and religion go on to a wide variety of industries, including public service, education, law, consulting, and other competitive graduate schemes.
• Some pursue further study and doctoral research, including the Midland4Cities funded scheme.
• Employers that graduates have gone on to work for include Birmingham Council, Frontline, and the NHS.

Other:

• The modern study of Practical Theology in the UK started in Birmingham in the 1960s and has spread out to many centres from here, as well as having a long tradition in this institution.
The city is recognised as one of the most multicultural cities in Europe, with representation from most religious traditions.

Part-time annual tuition fee 2024: UK: £2,393 The above fees quoted are for one year only; tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.

• For UK postgraduate research students the University fee level is set at Research Council rates and as such is subject to change.
The final fee will be announced by Research Councils UK in spring 2024. Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.