Doctor of Theology (D.Th.)
The pinnacle of theological scholarship at NESIBIC — a doctoral programme for those called to advance the frontiers of biblical knowledge and equip the next generation of ministers.
The Pinnacle of Theological Scholarship
The Doctor of Theology (D.Th.) is NESIBIC's highest academic qualification — a research-intensive doctoral programme that demands the highest levels of scholarly engagement, original research, and theological synthesis. This degree is for seasoned ministers, educators, and scholars who are called to make an original and lasting contribution to theological knowledge.
The D.Th. programme spans between three and five years depending on the research scope, and is structured around coursework seminars (Years 1–2) and an extended original research dissertation (Years 2–5). Candidates work under the supervision of senior faculty and are expected to engage the broader international theological academy.
Programme Structure
Year 1 — Foundations of Doctoral Research
Intensive coursework seminars in advanced theological methodology, research design, doctoral-level biblical languages, and the theology of the candidate's chosen specialisation. Candidate submits and defends research proposal at end of Year 1.
Year 2 — Specialisation & Literature Review
Specialisation seminars in the candidate's field. Comprehensive review of existing literature, engagement with international theological scholarship, and development of the dissertation's theoretical framework. Progress seminars each trimester.
Years 3–5 — Original Research & Dissertation
Full-time original research under faculty supervision. Annual progress reviews and mid-point presentation. Completion and submission of the D.Th. dissertation (70,000–100,000 words). Final oral examination (viva voce) before external and internal examiners.
Year 1 — Doctoral Seminars
| Code | Seminar Title | Dept | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| BTS1001 | Doctoral Seminar — Advanced Hermeneutics | BTS | 4 |
| CEL1001 | Doctoral Research Design & Methodology | CEL | 4 |
| BTS1002 | Advanced Biblical Languages — Hebrew & Greek | BTS | 4 |
| MML1001 | Theology of Ministry — Doctoral Perspectives | MML | 3 |
| Seminar Total | 15 | ||
| Code | Seminar Title | Dept | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| BTS1003 | Advanced Systematic Theology — Selected Topics | BTS | 4 |
| CEL1002 | Scholarly Writing & Academic Publication | CEL | 4 |
| BTS1004 | Seminar — Global Theologies in Context | BTS | 4 |
| CEL1003 | Research Proposal Preparation | CEL | 3 |
| Seminar Total | 15 | ||
| Code | Seminar Title | Dept | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| BTS1005 | Specialisation Seminar I (Candidate's Field) | BTS | 6 |
| CEL1004 | Research Proposal Defence | CEL | 6 |
| MML1002 | Doctoral Colloquium I | MML | 3 |
| Seminar Total | 15 | ||
Research Specialisation Areas
Biblical Studies
Old Testament, New Testament, Biblical Languages, Exegesis
Systematic Theology
Doctrinal theology, Reformed, Pentecostal, African perspectives
Church History
African Christianity, Global Church History, Historical Theology
Pastoral Theology
Preaching, Counselling, Church Leadership, Ministerial Formation
Missiology
Cross-cultural mission, World evangelisation, Church planting
Christian Education
Theological education, Curriculum design, Seminary leadership
Department Key
Called to the Frontier of Theological Knowledge.
The Doctor of Theology is not the end of the journey — it is the beginning of a lifetime of scholarship, service, and shaping the next generation of Spirit-filled believers.