Missiology PhD

Cliff College

Cliff College's PhD Missiology programme is a professional doctorate, meaning it has been designed primarily for practitioners in mission or ministry who wish to enhance their effectiveness by doctoral-level reflection on their practice. It is also designed to facilitate research by those who, while not in employment related to mission, have substantial ongoing experience of mission or ministry.

The professional doctorate includes a taught, or directed, study element. This will include the teaching of research methods and components related to broadening or deepening the student’s understanding of the disciplines in which they are researching, or providing them with appropriate transferrable skills.

The PhD Missiology combines in-depth, high-level research and study with a supportive and encouraging research community of staff and students.

Programme Structure

Years 1-3: attend two five-day teaching blocks each year; produce a portfolio (35-40,000 words) including a literature review, methodology and publishable article, and a research project proposal.

Years 4–6: work with a supervisor to produce a 40-45,000 word thesis (or a practical outcome accompanied by a 20-45,000 word thesis) and attend three day conferences per year.

The PhD Missiology is taken part time over six years and is suitable for UK-based and overseas students. Our current research projects include:

• a comparative study of the effects of moral orientation on conversion

• transference of leadership in international Christian organizations

• house churches in post-communist countries

• reconstructing a theology of incarnational mission for Haiti – a self-made black independent nation emerging from perpetual aid dependency: a Methodist perspective.

• developing new ways for churches to become more welcoming and hospitable towards groups of people with disabilities (particularly learning disabilities and mental health) by linking more effectively with professional associations.