PhD, Missiology

The Doctor of Missiology is designed for experienced mission practitioners, theologians, educators, researchers and Christian leaders seeking the highest level of academic and strategic preparation in Christian mission.

The programme examines mission as a biblical, theological, historical, cultural and organisational discipline. Students critically evaluate the mission of God, the role of the Church in mission and the development of Christian witness across diverse historical and contemporary contexts.

Advanced biblical and theological study enables students to explore mission throughout Scripture and assess major theological approaches to evangelism, discipleship, church planting, social engagement and global Christian witness.

Students investigate the history of Christian mission, including indigenous mission movements, colonial and postcolonial contexts, denominational expansion, revival movements and the growth of Christianity in Africa, Asia, Latin America and other regions.

Intercultural and contextual studies prepare students to analyse culture, language, worldview, identity and religious diversity. Students learn to develop mission approaches that are theologically responsible, culturally informed and respectful of local communities.

The programme addresses global mission strategy, church planting, leadership development, mission mobilisation, diaspora ministry, urban mission, digital mission and mission among underserved communities. Students evaluate organisational systems, funding models, partnerships, governance and the long-term sustainability of mission initiatives.

Considerable emphasis is placed on mission ethics, safeguarding, accountability, power, cultural sensitivity and responsible partnership. Students examine historical and contemporary failures in mission practice and develop approaches that affirm human dignity, local leadership and mutual accountability.

Advanced research courses develop competence in qualitative, quantitative, mixed-method, theological, ethnographic and practice-based research. Students learn to formulate original research questions, conduct fieldwork, analyse evidence and communicate findings to academic and professional audiences.

The programme also prepares students to teach missiology, design advanced mission curricula, supervise research and contribute to scholarly publication. Students develop the capacity to translate research into strategy, policy, training and organisational practice.

The 60-credit doctoral thesis is the central research component of the programme. Each student undertakes a substantial original investigation into an approved topic in mission theology, intercultural studies, global Christianity, church planting, mission strategy, evangelism, diaspora ministry or related missiological practice.

Graduates are prepared for senior mission leadership, strategic consultancy, university and seminary teaching, research, policy development and advanced scholarly work.