Courses: PhD
Who is it for?
The PhD is for students who wish to do research at a doctoral level in theology and related areas.
Who awards it?
The PhD is awarded by the University of Cambridge. PhD students are members of a university college alongside membership of Ridley.
Entry requirements
Ordinands wishing to undertake the PhD need to have the approval of their DDO and Ministry Division. PhD students need to have studied theology for at least two years, normally having taken a degree in the subject and attained at least a 2:1 (i.e. equivalent to an overall A- level in North America).
Independent students who wish to undertake the PhD should note that application must be made directly to the University of Cambridge and that Ridley does not offer an ‘inside track’ in the application process; entry into the University also requires acceptance by one of the normal matriculating colleges. Living as part of the Ridley community would entail additional fees on top of the normal matriculating college and University charges for the degree.
Length of study
The full-time PhD is awarded at the end of a minimum of three years during which students are expected to be resident in Cambridge. Studies lead to a piece of original research work - a thesis - of up to 80,000 words. There is now also the option of a part-time PhD. The normal period of study for this is 5 years, of which at least 5 terms must be spent in research in Cambridge. A part-time PhD could be combined with a part-time curacy.
Who teaches it?
There are no taught courses for the PhD, though there is a series of research skills seminars in the first week, and a series of fortnightly Research Seminars which students are expected to attend. Students are assigned to their own academic supervisor, who will either be a Lecturer in the Divinity Faculty or a suitably qualified person appointed by the Faculty. Students meet with seminars on a regular, one-to-one basis - typically about once every four weeks.
Cost
See our course fees page for full details of the cost of studying for the PhD.
Details
Studies lead to a piece of original research work - a thesis - of up to 80,000 words.
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