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The next intake is in July 2009. The programme allows you to research and engage in in-depth study of a chosen field in divinity/theology/church life.
Application closes on 30 April 2009. Apply now and grab hold of this exceptional learning opportunity!
TCA College is the first and only Christian College in Singapore that offers a PhD Programme. This part-time, research-based degree is jointly offered by TCA College and the Bangor University, U.K.
Brief History of the Two Partnering Institutions
TCA College was founded in 1979 by Rev. Dr. Naomi Dowdy, Chancellor of the College, and has grown into a multi-disciplinary college offering certificate, diploma, degree and postgraduate programmes in Counselling, Creative Arts, Divinity and Leadership.
The Bangor University, U.K. was established in 1884 and has a long tradition of academic excellence that continues to this day. It was rated as a top university for help and support provided to students in the United Kingdom by The Times Higher Educational Supplement (June 17, 2005). As such, students stand to benefit both academically and practically during the course of study.
“We have a very favourable impression of TCA College. The new campus with its state-of -the-art facilities will prove very attractive for future students. We feel proud to be associated with this forward-looking institution and have every confidence that the partnership will prove successful and enjoyable.”
Dr Eryl W Davies,
Head of the School of Theology and Religious Studies
Overview
This is a 4-5 years part-time, research-based programme. TCA College admits students as Research Students at the first instance during the thesis proposal phase. Once the proposal is submitted and accepted by Bangor University, students enrol officially with University of Wales as a PhD Candidate. Completion of the programme leads to the award of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy by Bangor University, U.K.
Candidates pursue an independent but supervised research in an approved field of study based on which a thesis must be submitted. They will each be assigned two supervisors, one from TCA College and the other from University of Wales to guide them in their research. Candidates are required to keep in regular contact with their local supervisors whom they may consult on any matter relating to their research. They are also required to attend an Annual Doctoral Seminar held at TCA College, Singapore where they will meet representative professors from Bangor University, U.K. for progress advice.
On the completion of the research, the candidate is required to submit a thesis on his/her research for examination and attend a viva held at the Bangor University.
Area of Study
Students may embark on research in any area of theology provided this area is acceptable to the University of Wales (http://www.bangor.ac.uk/courses/postgrad/).
Duration and Fees
An applicant shall first enrol through TCA College as a Research Student. The Research Student will have to submit a thesis proposal within 6 months of enrolment at a fee of S$500. An additional 3 months and a second 3 months may be granted to the Research Student if needed at S$250 per 3 months. During the period, the supervisor will see that an adequate proposal is drafted for submission to Bangor University, U.K.
Upon acceptance of the Thesis Proposal by Bangor University, U.K., the Research Student will be accepted as a candidate of the PhD programme with the University where he/she will be expected to complete his/her research and thesis in 4 to 5 years.
The total tuition fee of £15,800 is to be paid in 4 years (£3,950 x 4yrs). If the candidate needs an extra year to complete the thesis, the fifth year will be free of charge.
Residency Requirements
- Orientation Seminar
All candidates will be required to attend an Orientation Seminar at TCA College at the start of their programme.
- Annual Doctoral Seminar
- Candidates will be required to attend a Doctoral Seminar held every year at TCA College.
- During these seminars candidates will present their research progress and interact with their supervisors.
Doctoral Research Methodology Module
A research-writing module for doctoral students will be offered at TCA College. Module fee applies accordingly. Students with prior training may apply for exemption.
Thesis
The thesis (written in English) consists of the candidate’s account of his/her own investigations. This forms a significant contribution to knowledge and affords evidence or originality by the discovery of new facts or theories and/or by the exercise of independent critical power. The length of the thesis should range from 80,000 – 100,000 words. Upon acceptance by the Bangor University, U.K. as a PhD candidate, the candidate is expected to complete the thesis in 4 to 5 years.
Examination
The candidate is required to submit a thesis on his/her research for examination and attend a viva held at the Bangor University upon completion of research. All costs incurred for this examination and viva will be borne by the candidate.
Graduation
The candidate will take part in TCA College’s Graduation Exercise. He/she may request to participate in Bangor University’s Graduation Exercise with the understanding that all costs will be borne by the candidate.
Contact Person
Bernard Koh
Director of PhD Programme
School of Divinity
Tel: + 65 6304 7652
Fax: + 65 6749 7197
Email: bernardkoh@tca.edu.sg
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