Masters or PhD in Practical Theology – focus on Organisational Studies / Praxis

This page is currently undergoing revision, but let me leave you with a few remarks for the time being.

MODE OF ENGAGEMENT
At present there are a community of postgraduate students involved in the programme across different universities. We meet four times per year and there is a strong online component to what we do for communicating in the group, exchanging academic articles and more. Distance learning is possible although you will have to consult with me in this regard.

TYPE OF LEARNING
As degrees focusing on research there are no formal examinations to be written. You will become an expert in your chosen field of inquiry by way of research. Usually there are bursaries available in the form of postgraduate bursaries although most universities want students to have enrolled first before applying for a bursary (local PhD level bursaries are first in line).

WHO CAN APPLY
Generally, at minimum, only honours degrees will be acknowledged (leading into a masters only after which PhD level studies become possible). You will have to contact me if you do not come from a theological background in which case the degrees are not offered from theology but instead broadly, management leadership. There is also however a possibility to enter the theological domain through programmes such as an MPhil degree. Already coming from a theological background? Then at present only North West University is open for application and intake and only for a limited number of successful applicants. See the NWU institutional resource page to the right. Note that the most up to date information can be located on the NWU website.

FOCUS POINTS
The degrees has four weight points (focus points), or three if not situated in theology. Students do not have to subscribe to all four.

1) A focus on Practical theology; 2) focus on interaction modalities such as professional facilitation, coaching, and executive counseling; 3) organisational studies; 4) and emphasis on epistemology (roughly translated to ‘how we learn about or know things’). Naturally the programme is interested in the overlap between some of the above mentioned (such as spirituality in the workplace, values in organisations, narrative/stories in coaching and so on.

Regards
Dr. Elmo Pienaar