Doctorate in Ministry (DMin)

About the Course

The Doctor of Ministry (DMin) degree is a professional doctorate which provides an opportunity to engage in sustained reflection and research upon the practice of ministry. In order to complete all of the elements of this course, students need to be able to engage in independent research and reflection. At each stage in this process students are required both to engage in critical theological reflection upon their own professional practice, and to enter into dialogue with a variety of theological traditions and with insights from other disciplines. This process of reflection and dialogue contributes to students' personal and professional development as reflective practitioners, helping them to construct fresh perspectives on the tasks and opportunities facing those involved in the practice of ministry.

This programme has been developed in such a way that students are encouraged to explore various theological traditions and disciplines, to further develop a range of practical skills and to develop habits of theological reflection which integrate theory with practice. This process of reflection and dialogue contributes to students’ personal and professional development as reflective practitioners, helping them to construct fresh perspectives on the tasks and opportunities facing those involved in the practice of ministry.

Students will develop and expand their range of theological knowledge, understanding and skills in ways that will inform their practice while supported by a variety of teaching approaches, delivered in a supportive learning environment. They will have the opportunity to explore and reflect critically upon theological studies with particular regard to the richness of Christian practice and expression drawing on a variety of theological and other academic disciplines and discourses in order to reflect critically and constructively on their practice.

Curriculum Overview

Students undertake 150 credits at Level 7, comprising five 30-credit taught modules, culminating in the Postgraduate Textual Seminar (THRM005). Those not progressing to Level 8 or choosing to exit with the M.Min may instead take an additional Level 7 module.

All Level 7 modules require independent, self-directed study, with a focus on applying learning to ministry in context. Students are expected to demonstrate academic progression throughout to be eligible for Level 8 (D.Min), typically requiring a Merit average or higher (unless special permission is granted).

Progression to the D.Min requires completion of the compulsory 30-credit Dissertation Proposal module (PCLD001), delivered at Level 7 but assessed against Level 8 outcomes.

The course emphasises the student's active role in knowledge construction, both individually and within a community of practice. Learning is student-centred, with built-in choice and opportunities for peer collaboration, critical review, and professional reflection.

Delivery modes include block residentials, daytime or evening classes, online learning via a virtual environment, and individual supervision. Teaching is primarily seminar-based, drawing on preparatory reading, professional experience, scenario learning, and engagement with staff research. This interactive approach fosters autonomous learning and reflective practice.

Workshops and class discussions support familiarity with primary and secondary sources, research methodologies, and critical thinking about social, political, and academic contexts. Students will explore sensitive and complex issues within a supportive peer community, promoting transferable skills and professional development.
Between residentials, students participate in monthly online group sessions with preparatory tasks. Regular contact (at least monthly during term time) with personal tutors is also expected.

Modules

Compulsory:

Biblical Hermeneutics in a Pastoral Context (BIBM005)

Postgraduate Textual Seminar (THRM005)

Optional:

Approaching Homiletics: Between Text and Congregation (PCLM001)

Pastoral Psychology, The Soul, Light and Darkness (BPTM006)

Theology and Faith Formation (PCLM008)

Christian Service: Well Being, Stress and Burn Out (BPTM007)

Work Placement (BPTM005)

Reflective Ministerial Project (PCLM010)

Ecologies of Christian Formation (PCLM009)

Entry Requirements

A minimum of a Second-Class Honours degree in a relevant discipline awarded by a UK university, or an equivalent higher education qualification.

Applicants should also have at least three years’ experience of professional practice relevant to the programme of study. A Master’s degree in a relevant discipline from a UK University (or an equivalent qualification from outside the UK) is desirable.

Applicants who do not satisfy the above requirements may nevertheless be considered eligible for admission if they have relevant experience. Such applicants may be asked to submit a written review of contemporary issues in their field that is judged by the University to demonstrate both a critical understanding of those issues and the potential to undertake research at doctoral level.

Applicants must be able to demonstrate a high level of competence in written and spoken English.

International Entry Requirements

Possess a degree from an overseas institution that is judged by the Registrar or Nominee to be equivalent to a second class honours degree from a UK University.

For students whose first language is not English there is a language requirement of IELTS 6.0 overall with 5.5 minimum of all components. In addition to this, we also accept a wide range of International Qualifications, for more information please visit our English Language Requirements page.

For additional information about country specific entry requirements visit the your country pages. 

*Part time study is not available for Non-EU International applicants

Teaching and Research

Our Postgraduate Theology programmes are led by well-respected academics with internationally recognised research profiles in the fields of Pastoral Theology, Biblical Studies, Religious Studies, Theology, Christian Education, Asian and African Christianity and Philosophy

The Doctor of Ministry (DMin) has been designed to enable students to become competent in a range of research methodologies that can be used to reflect on the practice of ministry, within a Christian setting and an academic critical approach to the study of the ministry. We work closely with the Roman Catholic Archdiocese and with the Church of England Diocese. Several tutors within the school are active within the local community and after years in ministry and industry, use this experience to deliver an innovative and informed teaching experience

Teaching is in line with the wider University Learning and Teaching strategy and encourages learning in small groups to foster the development of academic potential and improve the working dynamic between students and members of staff.

The programme centres around the needs of the student as much as possible, so flexible delivery methods are available, including distance learning options.

UK/Channel Island Tuition Fees

Visit our Postgraduate research tuition fees page for full details

Funding

We offer a number of scholarships and loans to help fund your postgraduate studies. Visit our scholarships pages for more details.

EU/Non EU International Tuition Fees

Visit our Postgraduate research tuition fees page for full details

Students on this course may be eligible for Doctoral Loans to cover the cost of study, click here for further details.

Careers

The Doctorate in Ministry (D.Min ) is designed to prepare reflective and competent professionals for positions of leadership in Christian ministry. The skills developed during study can be applied to virtually any organisational setting, across the Roman Catholic, Anglican, Methodist and Orthodox churches both in the UK and overseas.