Graduate Program

The Theological University of Apeldoorn is committed to high-quality academic research and outstanding education in the Reformed tradition. For over a century, the university has contributed to the formation of theologians with an emphasis on careful exegesis of Biblical texts, thorough knowledge of the history of Reformed traditions and relevant constructive and practical theological pathways for today. The university aims at building a strong academic community for the future of the Reformed tradition.

The Graduate Program of the Theological University of Apeldoorn is a focused three-year part-time PhD training, small-scaled and high-level. It is designed as a compact on-site training of eight to ten consecutive days per year, combined with supervision on a regular basis, either in person or through digital means. The Graduate Program is a cooperation of the TUA with Driestar Christian University

Thus, the Graduate Program is not only accessible and apt for residential students, but also for international students and for those who pursue a PhD next to their day jobs.

Setup

The setup of the yearly coursework within the Graduate Program is as follows:

• In the first year, the coursework is centered on methodology (general and specific for the discipline), the formulation of a research question and research methods;
• The second year offers training in academic writing skills and English language training;
• In the third year, the practicalities of the defense of a PhD thesis are discussed;
• In the fourth year, the candidate presents his/her own dilemma’s to be discussed.

Meanwhile, supervision takes place through regular interaction between supervisor and the PhD student.

Requirements

To enroll in the Graduate Program, prospective students must:

• have earned a Master's degree, preferably in theology;
• be able to spend at least 10 hours per week on their PhD;
• submit an application before June 1st of the calendar year in which they wish to start the Program (starting end of August). (Guidelines for the application are found below);
• take an interview (possibly via Skype) in July.

Supervisors

PhD students will be supervised by committed and inspiring professors in the fields of:

• Biblical Studies (Prof. Eric Peels);
• Systematic Theology (Prof. Arnold Huijgen);
• Church History (Prof. Herman Selderhuis);
• Practical Theology (Prof. Maarten Kater);
• Education (Prof. Bram de Muynck);
• Early Christian Exegesis (Prof. Marten van Willigen).

Click here for more information about the research groups.

Enrollment/application

Please send us:

• Letter of motivation, including: research program in which you wish to enroll; provisional idea of research (including relevance)
• CV
• Title and assessment of Master thesis
• Letter(s) of recommendation (by an academic referee)
• Pre-proposal

Please note that the deadline for applications is June 1st. For further inquiries, please send an e-mail to graduateprogram@tua.nl.

PhD fee

The costs for the promotion process are as follows:

• € 465 a year (fee 2021/2022)
  (Within 5 years? Restitution of 25% of the total payed PhD fee)
• Legal tuition fee in year of promotion (€ 2.168 for 2021/2022)
• Costs for participation in the Graduate Week: to be determined

Download the flyer.