The Professional Doctorate in Practical Theology: Developing the Researching Professional in Practical Theology in Higher Education

Abstract

This article discusses some of the factors leading to the launch of a new professional doctorate in practical theology at Anglia Ruskin and Manchester universities, under the sponsorship of the British and Irish Association of Practical Theology. Whilst the professional doctorate has been widely adopted in many parts of Higher Education in the UK, the new Doctor of Practical Theology (PrD) is the first of its kind in theological studies. Yet in many respects, the needs of prospective candidates and the nature of practical theology as a subject-discipline render the professional doctorate an ideal medium for the part-time, practice-based, "researching professional." We consider some of the underlying rationale concerning the professional doctorate's claim to be an original "contribution to knowledge" and the scope it offers to facilitate advanced theological reflection on practice. The article concludes by offering some critical reflections on the prospects of such a programme for the future.

The Openseminary Methodology: Practical Theology as Personal, Local and Transformative

“…As an article in this current special issue highlights, the DMin can play an important role in this, with its emphasis on practice (Blythe 2021). Although linking the DMin to practical theology can certainly be justified, awards specifically related to practical theology as a discipline are increasing too, although being still rather recent (Bennett and Graham 2008).…”

“…This cycle is then repeated. See Ballard and Pritchard (2006, p. 82) and Bennett and Graham (2008), locating its genesis in the young christian workers movment. 7 See (De Kock 2014, p. 96).…”