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The Professional Doctorate in Ministry (DMin) is a unique opportunity to combine theological reflection and ministerial practice leading to a doctoral level qualification.
- Bespoke tutoring from St Mary’s world-leading theological faculty
- An opportunity to combine study and practice at a higher educational level
Why study Professional Doctorate in Ministry?
We live in rapidly changing times. Accordingly, the Theology Faculty at St Mary’s has decided to initiate a new Doctorate in Ministry in order to help ministers to respond to the challenges of modern ministry whilst also contributing to the growing academic resources available.
In this respect the course has two main elements: first, the opportunity for theological, philosophical and ethical reflection on the nature of ministry and, secondly, the provision of a skill-set for practitioners to contribute to academic knowledge of ministry by developing their own original doctoral-level research thesis.
Thus, the programme may appeal to a range of ministerial needs such as:
- A refresher course, sabbatical or part of continuing ministerial development
- An opportunity to engage with the latest theological perspectives on ministry
- Personal growth and development
- An opportunity to take stock of current ministry
- An ability to acquire deeper ministerial skills
- A chance to meet other ministers facing similar challenges
- An opportunity to make a significant contribution to academic reflection on ministry
Why St Mary's?
We're widely recognised as an international leader in theological education. As a Catholic foundation begun in 1850 we take our theological roots seriously and strive to represent the best of the Catholic tradition in our approaches. However, with roots deep in that tradition we also have wider ecumenical branches and currently welcome students from all denominations and none.
From 2019 we have also welcomed the Pontifical College of Mater Ecclesia to the campus enabling us to further fulfil our original mission to bring theological education to those in ministry and training for the ministry.
As well as a beautiful campus in West London we also have up-to-date online facilities to enable online learning for those who need it. Our strongest asset remains are dedicated and skilled teaching staff, however the extensive library also boasts considerable resources for students including the recently acquired Franciscan Study Collection and the Centre for Marian Studies Collection.
The DMin is also offered at our Edinburgh Campus at the Gillis Centre. Supervision and teaching on the DMin through St Mary’s Edinburgh Campus will principally be online. Select in-person supervision may be arranged in Edinburgh as well as opportunities to visit the Twickenham campus.
For more information please submit an enquiry to the course lead.
Aims of the course
The primary aims of the course are twofold: fostering the integration of academic and ministerial knowledge and values; and supporting student development as autonomous, ethical and self-reflective researchers with the foundations successfully to conceptualize, design and implement a rigorous and original schema of research leading to the generation of new knowledge, applications or understanding in a ministerial field.
Accordingly, the aims of the course can be summarised as follows to:
- attract students of a variety of ages and academic backgrounds to develop and expand their range of theological skills and knowledge.
- provide students with a range of learning experiences that are supported by a variety of teaching approaches and delivered in a supportive learning environment.
- offer to students the opportunity to explore and reflect critically upon theological studies with a particular regard to the richness of Christian ministry.
- develop an informed awareness of the dynamic nature of the Christian ministerial tradition and a developed facility in the theological task of subjecting this tradition to a process of testing and renewal.
- draw on a variety of academic disciplines and discourses to enable students to reflect critically on Christian ministry.
- foster in students an ability to relate areas of ministry to broader areas of human understanding and life.
- use the research interests of staff to inform and enhance the students’ learning experience.
- promote the development of key transferable skills that will assist students in their career options.
- equip students to undertake original research at doctoral level.
Course lead
Prof Peter Tyler
Professor - Pastoral Theology and Spirituality