Integrated PhD

The integrated PhD is a great option for students who could benefit from additional preparation for a PhD programme while enjoying continuity of study and a streamlined transition from Masters level work to a PhD. For example, students would find this option helpful if their current educational experience would not qualify them for admission to the PhD programme, or perhaps they could benefit from developing particular skills such as facilities with additional languages for their doctoral research. Candidates with either a relevant undergraduate degree or a first postgraduate degree (such as an MDiv) are welcome to apply.

This degree may also be of benefit to students who come from an academic context where taught coursework is standardly part of the PhD programme.

International students may also find that applying for an integrated four-year programme is more straight forward in terms of immigration and visa requirements than applying for a one-year Masters followed by a separate PhD.

The integrated PhD programme is split into two stages. In stage one, the first year of the degree, the student will take 180 credits of coursework, usually four 30-credit courses and a 60-credit dissertation. Stage two of the degree runs between years 2-4 and functions like a traditional British PhD programme, leading to a 100,000 word thesis.

The courses you select will be shaped by your research trajectory so that you are well prepared for the doctoral phase of the programme.

For the Integrated PhD in Divinity you can focus on any of the following specialist subject areas: Systematic Theology, Theological Ethics, Church History and Historical Theology, Practical Theology, Old Testament and Hebrew Bible, New Testament, Philosophical Theology and Religion.

In order to progress from stage one to stage two of the programme, the student must meet the following criteria:

• Attain an average of 16/22 (B) on their coursework
• Attain 17 (B+) on their dissertation
• Pass a Research Proposal Revision Exercise
• Have two letters of recommendation

Students who meet these criteria will automatically progress onto the PhD programme. If a student does not meet this higher threshold for progression to stage two of the integrated PhD but does pass the coursework and dissertation at a standard masters level, then they will be able to exit at the end of the first year with an MTh or MLitt.

The application process for the Integrated PhD is the same as for a standard PhD. Therefore, the student must apply with a coherent and feasible research proposal. You should apply for the Doctor of Philosophy programme in either Divinity or Art History and indicate clearly on your Personal Statement and Research Proposal that you wish to be considered for the Integrated PhD pathway.

Admission decisions will bear in mind that the applicants will have additional preparation, research, and revision of the research proposal during the first year of the programme. It is advisable to contact a potential research supervisor before applying to discuss your research ideas and your application to the programme.