PhD

Doctoral Study with Union

Undertake theological research to strengthen the church

  • Undertake extensive theological research with the supervision of leading evangelical scholars

  • Participate in constructive, scholarly discussion with the Union Research community

  • For those with a strong academic background, normally holding a master's level qualification in theology; however, exceptions to this can be entertained.

  • Complete in 2-4 years full-time, or 4-8 years part-time

PhD overview

Under the supervision of leading evangelical scholars, students undertake detailed study that will offer an original contribution to the scholarly community, while also seeking to serve the needs of today’s church. 

Complete the programme where you are

The PhD programme can be completed wherever you are in the world. Students will usually engage with their supervisors via our virtual learning facilities, but are also welcome to come to our Ministry Centre at any time to use the library and to meet in person with peers and faculty.

Be formed as scholars and pastor-theologians 

UST is committed to helping form theologian scholars and pastor-theologians. We have six research teams in place and invite students to develop research proposals which fit with our research specialisms:

  • Theology (Systematic and Historical)

  • Biblical Studies (New Testament and Old Testament, including Biblical Theology)

  • Mission and Religions

  • Church History

  • Pastoral Theology and Spiritual Formation

  • Welsh Church History

Benefit from supervision with leading evangelical scholars

Students benefit from supervision and mentoring by highly-regarded Senior Fellows including Professor Michael Reeves, Professor Robert Letham, Dr Donald Fairbairn, Dr Kevin Vanhoozer and Dr Corneliu Simut.

Meet the supervisors

Watch PhD supervisor Dr Donald Fairbairn explore the true object of Christian faith.

Who is it for?

Union School of Theology welcomes applications to our PhD programme particularly in the fields of Theology (Systematic and Historical), Biblical Studies (New Testament and Old Testament, including Biblical Theology), Mission and Religions, Church History, Pastoral Theology and Spiritual Formation and Welsh Church History.

If you are considering the PhD programme, you will need a strong academic background, normally a master's level qualification in theology; however, exceptions to this can be entertained (e.g. a strong bachelor’s degree from the UK or Europe). Students also need to have a proposed research subject which is within the areas of interest of our supervisors, and which will fuel the church’s mission.

Ready to apply?

Prospective students should, in the first instance, contact the Dean of Studies to discuss their proposal idea and proposed plan of studies, and will be advised about formally applying on the basis of these discussions.

Your proposal should be between 1000 - 2000 words plus bibliography. It can be referenced using either the Harvard or Chicago standard referencing system. 

Your proposal should contain:

  • A clear title – indicating your focus. It should be as clear as possible as early as possible. (You can change it later.)

  • A clear research question. The standard on which a British PhD dissertation is judged is that it make "an original contribution to knowledge (1)”. In order to do this, the research question must address a clearly-stated problem or an apparent gap in the research to date on the subject. At proposal phase, it is not necessary for you to know how you will answer the question or resolve the problem, but you should demonstrate a clear idea of what the question is and explain your approach. 

  • A clear indication of how your proposal fits into the current state of the art in the field (theories, models, texts, etc.), demonstrating a clear rationale for the project and its scope. Providing detail on this point helps to substantiate the viability of your research question.

  • A coherent methodological approach demonstrating appropriate fit to answering the research question, covering both approach and data

  • A proposed plan of the project (including chapter headings, with brief information)

  • Reference to ethical issues, if relevant.

  • An indicative bibliography of around 50 titles, most of which should be scholarly studies

  (1) https://www.qaa.ac.uk/docs/qaa/quality-code/doctoral-degree-characteristics-statement-2020.pdf

If you have questions about the programme, application timeline or application process, please email deanofstudies@ust.ac.uk

Further information

  • Find out more about Union School of Theology’s Policies and Procedures. Read more >

  • Find out about our fees and explore funding options. Find out more >

  • We’re here to support you throughout your time with us and beyond, whether that’s in your studies or your personal life. Read more >