Practical Theology (DTh)
Roehampton Campus, United Kingdom
Practical Theology (DTh)
University of Roehampton
Theology & Religious Studies
Program Overview: DTh Practical Theology
The DTh at the University of Roehampton is a professional doctorate programme in practical theology that offers bespoke outcomes for diverse students engaged with Christian practice. The programme focuses on using research to develop theological practice, to the mutual enrichment of both academic theology and faith practice.
DTh students are part-time, integrating their study and research with a wide variety of professional and practical contexts, including voluntary organisations and faith sector work, lay work and ministry, social justice movements, and education. Students are expected to commit around 15 to 20 hours per week on average to their doctoral research.
Research strengths of those involved in the delivery of the DTh programme include empirical, pastoral, systematic, and public theology across a range of UK and global church traditions and mission contexts, including Roman Catholic, Anglican, Baptist, and Pentecostal. While the programme works largely within Christian paradigms of practical theology, it is open to researchers from a diversity of faith backgrounds.
Key Program Highlights
- Professional doctorate designed for practitioners already engaged in ministry, mission, education, or para-church work
- Two flexible entry routes: Stage 1A for bachelor's holders and Stage 1B for post-master's applicants
- Part-time structure allowing you to continue in professional roles while pursuing doctoral research
- Supported by the Susanna Wesley Foundation, a community of scholars and practitioners promoting transformative change
Curriculum & Program Structure
The DTh programme combines taught modules with independent doctoral research, culminating in a dissertation that makes an original contribution to knowledge in practical theology. The programme is structured in stages, with Stage 1 covering taught components and research preparation, leading to the doctoral research and dissertation phase.
Introduces the questions, skills, concepts, and debates needed for doctoral research in practical theology, including the special distinctives that characterise the field, current research problems, reflective processes, and critical questions.
Develops your ability to reflect technically and theologically on your practice, bringing theological sources and traditions into dialogue with lived professional experience in ecclesial and missiological contexts.
Equips you with quantitative and qualitative approaches to investigating individual and social experience and behaviour, enabling critical engagement with empirical data and advanced analytical methods.
Aims to equip students to produce an article making an original contribution to knowledge in practical theology or professional practice, suitable for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
A 15,000-word research project providing the opportunity to design and execute a study on a problem within practical theology, producing sustained academic writing with relevance for professional practice.
Research Specialisation Areas
Admission Requirements
The DTh programme offers two entry routes to accommodate candidates with different academic backgrounds. Both routes require substantial ecclesial or faith-practice experience alongside academic qualifications. Applicants will need to outline a research project at the point of application.
Academic Requirements
- Route 1A Academic RequirementA good bachelor's degree in Theology or a related subject, combined with substantial professional experience in ecclesial or faith-practice settings
- Route 1B Academic RequirementA good master's degree in Theology or a related subject, combined with substantial ecclesial or faith-practice experience
- Professional ExperienceSubstantial experience in church ministry, mission, education, development, or the para-church sector is required for both routes
- Research ProposalApplicants must outline a proposed research project at the point of application
- Non-Graduate ApplicantsNon-graduates with appropriate professional qualifications may be considered on an individual basis
English Language Requirements
- IELTSContact Uni4Edu for current score requirements
- TOEFLContact Uni4Edu for current score requirements
- OtherEquivalent English language qualifications may be accepted; contact Uni4Edu for details
Required Documents
Application Deadlines
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships & Funding
The University of Roehampton and its partner foundations offer funding opportunities to support DTh students. The Susanna Wesley Foundation, based at the university, provides a notable scholarship specifically for DTh Practical Theology candidates.
Susanna Wesley Foundation DTh Scholarship
Covers part-time tuition fees (UK level) for up to 5 yearsOffered annually to one individual studying the DTh in Practical Theology. Award holders are expected to participate in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences research community and attend the annual Susanna Wesley Foundation conference. Applications are particularly welcomed from Black and Global Majority candidates.
University of Roehampton Hardship Support
Varies based on individual circumstancesThe university provides hardship support for students experiencing financial difficulty during their studies, along with affordable student accommodation and catering options in London.
External Doctoral Funding Opportunities
Varies by funding bodyDTh students may be eligible for external funding from church denominations, charitable trusts, and other faith-based organisations. Contact Uni4Edu for guidance on identifying suitable external funding sources.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
The DTh professional doctorate is designed to enable existing professionals working in church ministry, mission, education, development, or the para-church sector to advance into senior or national positions within research-led organisations. Graduates are prepared for leadership, advisory, and consultancy roles in faith-practice and ministry at national and international levels.
Potential Career Roles
Typical Employing Organisations
Rankings & Recognition
The University of Roehampton is a modern university located on a 54-acre parkland campus in southwest London. It holds rankings from several major national and international bodies and has a proud history in higher education stretching back over 180 years through its four historic colleges.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Education | THE World Rankings by Subject | 501-600 |
| Arts & Humanities | THE World Rankings by Subject | 301-400 |
| Childhood & Youth Studies | Complete University Guide | #19 (UK) |
| Sustainability | QS Sustainability Ranking | =955 |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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