PhD specialising in Church History and Church Polity

Programme Code

06265022


Closing Dates

  • SA – 30/11/2025
  • Non-SA – 30/11/2025

Admission Requirements

General Admission Regulations:

Refer to the UP Institutional Admissions Policy as well as the General Academic Regulations and Student Rules (Go to https://www.up.ac.za/yearbooks/home and click on General Rules and Regulations, then on General Academic Regulations and Student Rules)

  1.  All applications must be accompanied by the following documents: 
    1. Certified full academic transcripts from undergraduate to current level; 
    2. Certified copy of ID or passport; 
    3. A research concept note (not applicable to honours or coursework master's degrees): A description of the proposed research field indicating a research topic and the broad scope of the proposed study, not exceeding 500 words.
  2.  All applicants with international qualifications must submit the following documents, subject to provision number 9: 
    1. A SAQA evaluation of the completed qualification or a comprehensive Foreign Qualification Report
    2. *TOEFL or IELTS or Pearson Test of English or Oxford Test of English test results (if applicable) 
    3. Certified copy of passport.
  3. All postgraduate applications are subject to departmental admissions processes. 
  4. Admissions is based on the content of and performance in the prior degree, bridging arrangements (where required), academic merit and prior work experience (if applicable). 
  5. Admission to all qualifications is subject to supervisory capacity and/or research projects in the field of specialisation in a department, therefore the relevant department has the right to limit the number of students per year. 
  6. Complying with the minimum admissions requirements, does not automatically guarantee admission to the degree. 
  7. Proposed research studies for masters and doctoral applicants should align with the research focus of the relevant department. 
  8. If a qualifying candidate has expressed an interest in a field of study that the relevant department cannot  accommodate, the applicant may be considered for an alternative project. 
  9. All postgraduate applicants must be proficient in English as English is the official language of tuition, communication and correspondence at the University of Pretoria. Candidates who cannot provide evidence that previous studies were completed in English, must submit TOEFL or IELTS or Pearson Test of English or Oxford Test of English test results with their application. 
  10. All applicants must be computer literate.
  11. All students need to have access to an internet enabled device, as well as consistent email and internet access.
  12. Allowance will be made for the diversity profile of students in accordance with the University strategy. 

Minimum admissions requirements:

  1. Relevant master's degree
  2. An average of at least 65% for the research component at master's level
  3. Students who obtained 63% to 64% may be considered fo PhD Preparatory studies

Note:

  1.  An admissions examination may be required
  2. The MDiv qualification or a qualification not directly correlated to Theology may be considered for admission to a preparatory year

Selection Process

Preference will be given to candidates who completed the previous degree in the minimum time


Minimum duration of study

2 years, full-time


Faculty Notes

The Faculty of Theology and Religion is one of the leading theological institutions in South Africa and in Africa at large. It is known for its quality research, relevant teaching and learning programmes, and community engagement, especially through its Centres.

The University of Pretoria has the oldest fully-fledged Faculty of Theology and Religion in South Africa, and our Faculty is rated first in Africa and 14th in the world in terms of research impact. This is proof of the high standard at which theology is practised at the University of Pretoria and the fact that academic excellence is a non-negotiable trait of the Faculty.


Enquiries about the programme

Click Here
How to apply

Copyright © University of Pretoria 2025. All rights reserved.

FAQ's Email Us Virtual Campus Share Cookie Preferences