PhD Research
Hearing God's Word with the Church and for the World
OUR VISION
Training Researchers for Church and Academy
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) provides the highest level of academic training for independent, creative scholarship. Following the British research-only model, students pursue original research guided by dual supervision from TAI and Union Theological College faculty. We form researchers through rigorous, theologically integrative scholarship rooted in the Great Tradition—work that emerges from humility, prayer, and the cultivation of an intellectual vocation. Join a scholarly community committed to reading Scripture with the church and for the world.
.svg)
Integrative Vision
Uniting biblical theology, dogmatics, and cultural engagement within a Great Tradition framework—training scholars to think across disciplines.
.svg)
Research Fellowship
A shared scholarly culture centered on hearing Scripture with the church—through seminars, colloquia, and peer collaboration.
.svg)
Mentored Formation
Every student is personally guided through proposal development, research supervision, and scholarly formation—fostering the virtues and disciplines of mind and soul that sustain a lifelong vocation.
.svg){kind=small}
DIRECTOR OF POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH
Dr. Kevin J. Vanhoozer
The chief purpose of theological education is to gain knowledge of God and cultivate godliness—for, as Tertullian observed, "Christians are made, not born". Biblical Christianity requires doctrinal literacy: reading the Bible in a complex world raises questions that only theology, a form of biblical reasoning, can answer. I envision our research community as an edifying blend of denominational and disciplinary Bible-reading cultures, united in excellent academic work for the edification of the church—marked by cheerful confidence in our convictions and charitable humility toward those with whom we disagree, always ready to speak and listen to the truth in love.
.svg){kind=small}
AREAS OF SUPERVISION
Scripture. Theology. Culture.
Our doctoral supervisors guide original research across three integrated pillars—each grounded in Scripture, shaped by the Great Tradition, and engaged with contemporary questions.
Scripture
Theology
Culture
AREAS OF SUPERVISION
Scripture. Theology. Culture.
Our doctoral supervisors guide original research across three integrated pillars—each grounded in Scripture, shaped by the Great Tradition, and engaged with contemporary questions.
01
Pillar One
Scripture
Explore the foundations of theological interpretation and biblical theology methodology, learning to read Scripture as Christian Scripture within the communion of the saints.
Research in this area develops the skills of attentive exegesis and the theological imagination required to move faithfully from text to doctrine, serving the church's proclamation and teaching.
- Biblical Studies
- Biblical Theology
- Theological Interpretation
02
Pillar Two
Theology
Engage with the development of Christian doctrine through history and contribute to contemporary systematic theological conversations.
Research in this area retrieves the wisdom of the Great Tradition while addressing pressing doctrinal questions—from the doctrine of God to theological anthropology—with the rigour and humility essential to faithful dogmatic reflection.
- Christian Dogmatics
- Systematic Theology
- Historical Theology
03
Pillar Three
Culture
Apply theological wisdom to the moral and cultural challenges facing the church and society.
Research in this area equips scholars to read cultural texts with discernment, engage public life with conviction, and bring the resources of the Great Tradition to bear on ethics, apologetics, and the church's missional witness in a complex world.
- Theological Ethics
- Public Theology
- Cultural Engagement
- Missional Theology
DIRECTOR OF POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH
Dr. Kevin J. Vanhoozer
The chief purpose of theological education is to gain knowledge of God and cultivate godliness—for, as Tertullian observed, "Christians are made, not born". Biblical Christianity requires doctrinal literacy: reading the Bible in a complex world raises questions that only theology, a form of biblical reasoning, can answer. I envision our research community as an edifying blend of denominational and disciplinary Bible-reading cultures, united in excellent academic work for the edification of the church—marked by cheerful confidence in our convictions and charitable humility toward those with whom we disagree, always ready to speak and listen to the truth in love.
Core Modules
No items found.
Dogmatics Concentration
No items found.
Theological Method Concentration
No items found.
Research Dissertation
No items found.
RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP SUPERVISORS
Tim Bertolet
K.J. Drake
Dennis Greeson
Ty Kieser
Greg Parker
Stephen Presley
Christy Thornton
Courtney Veasey
THE RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP
Scholars Committed to Church and Academy
Doctoral candidates join a community of scholar-supervisors united in excellent academic work for the edification of the church. Each student receives dual supervision from TAl's Research Fellowship and Union Theological College faculty.
Research Supervisors
Tim Bertolet
KJ Drake
Dennis Greeson
Ty Kieser
Greg Parker
Stephen Presley
Christy Thornton
Courtney Veasey
PhD Research
DEGREE INFORMATION
Application Information
Research Community
Doctoral students join a vibrant research community through regular colloquia, guest lectures, and reading groups—scholarship shaped by interdisciplinary engagement, spiritual formation, and service to Christ's Church.
DOWNLOAD PROGRAM GUIDE
Tuition & Fees Info
PhD tuition is based on the equivalent of UTC's annual doctoral fee rates, payable in USD through The Alexandrian Institute. 50% of the Proposal Mentorship Program tuition is credited toward first-year PhD fees upon admission.
PHD PROPOSAL MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
Your First Step to Doctoral Research
The PhD Proposal Mentorship Program is the required first step for all doctoral applicants. Over four to six months, students engage in monthly online seminars and one-on-one mentorship with TAl faculty, cultivating the habits of attentive reading, theological rigour, and spiritual maturity essential to Christian scholarship. The program culminates in a refined research proposal ready for submission to the TAl Research Board. Successful candidates are referred to Union Theological College for full admission.
Students seeking to prepare for PhD work at other institutions may complete the PhD Proposal Mentorship Program to refine their research proposal and experience formation and preparation for scholarship in our research community.
Seminars overview
Admissions Criteria
Duration
- 4-6 months
- Monthly seminars + mentorship
Cost
- $6,000
- 50% credited to PhD tuition
Entry Points
- 2026 cohorts begin March and September
- Fully online
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
Union Theological College, Belfast
The Alexandrian Institute's doctoral program operates in formal partnership with Union Theological College, Belfast, a Royal Charter institution founded in 1853. UTC confers the Doctor of Philosophy degree and holds Educational Oversight from the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA).
This partnership ensures rigorous British academic standards while TAI provides the distinctive vision, supervision, and research community.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Begin Your Doctoral Journey
Here are the application process.
- one
Apply to the PhD Proposal Mentorship Program
Submit your application with transcripts, writing sample, and statement of research interest.
- two
Complete the PhD Proposal Mentorship Program
Engage in monthly seminars and mentorship, developing your research methodology and proposal.
- three
Apply to the PhD Program
Present your refined proposal to the TAI. Research Board for review and referral to UTC for admission to the PhD Program.
- four
Begin Doctoral Research
Upon acceptance, begin supervised research as a member of the TAI Research Fellowship.
Ready to take the first step?
Application Requirements
- Research Interest Form
TAI_PhD_Program_Research_Interest_Form.docx - CV
- Academic Transcripts
- Letter of Intent
- Writing Sample
- English Language Competency (if applicable)
- Two Academic References
- Copy of a photo ID confirming identity
PHD PROPOSAL MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
Your First Step to Doctoral Research
The PhD Proposal Mentorship Program is the required first step for all doctoral applicants. Over four to six months, students engage in monthly online seminars and one-on-one mentorship with TAI faculty, cultivating the habits of attentive reading, theological rigour, and spiritual maturity essential to Christian scholarship. The program culminates in a refined research proposal ready for submission to the TAI Research Board. Successful candidates are referred to Union Theological College for full admission.
Seminars include; The Nature and Task of Christian Scholarship, Theological Integration with the Great Tradition, Crafting a Research Question, Reading Communities Between Academy and Church, Building a Bibliography, and The Compelling Research Proposal.
Students seeking to prepare for PhD work at other institutions may complete the PhD Proposal Mentorship Program to refine their research proposal and experience formation and preparation for scholarship in our research community.
Duration: 4-6 Months (Monthly seminars and mentorship)
Cost: $6,000 (50% credited to PhD tuition)
Entry points: 2026 cohorts being March and September (fully online)
Application Process
Begin Your Doctoral Journey
- Step 1
Apply to the PhD Proposal Mentorship Program
Submit your application with transcripts, writing sample, and statement of research interest. Download Research Interest Form.
- Step 2
Complete the PhD Proposal Mentorship Program
Engage in monthly seminars and mentorship, developing your research methodology and proposal.
- Step 3
Apply to the PhD Program
Present your refined proposal to the TAI Research Board for review and referral to UTC for admission to the PhD Program.
- Step 4
Begin Doctoral Research
Upon acceptance, begin supervised research as a member of the TAI Research Fellowship.
Required Documents:
- Research proposal (2,000 words)
- Curriculum vitae and academic transcripts
- Letter of intent (300-400 words)
- Academic writing sample (2,000 words)
- Two academic references
- English language certification (if applicable)
- Photo ID
JOIN INAUGURAL
Join the Inaugural Cohort
Be among the first students to experience this groundbreaking program in theological ethics. As a founding member of our MTh community, you'll help shape the future of Christian ethical scholarship while receiving unparalleled attention from world-class faculty.
Here are reasons to join
our cohorts.
- one
Pioneer a New Standard
Partner with us to build a premier theological ethics program. Your engagement will define its future, and you'll benefit from small cohorts and close faculty mentorship.
- two
Intensive Faculty Engagement
Get unprecedented access to top scholars in theological ethics. Our founding class receives personalized mentorship and collaborative research that larger programs simply can't match.
- three
Shape Tomorrow's Conversations
Join a select community committed to advancing Christian ethical thought. Graduate in the first cohort trained to engage today's most pressing moral challenges with theological wisdom.
- four
Limited Spaces Available
We're accepting a carefully selected founding class to ensure the highest quality educational experience. Applications are now open for 2025-2026 academic year.
testimonial
Transforming Lives Across the Globe
Students from six continents have discovered how rigorous theological education can deepen their faith, strengthen their ministry, and equip them to serve the global church.
Webinar
Take the Next Step in your PhD Journey
Join our monthly webinar to explore the TAI doctoral pathway—meet our supervisors, learn about the PhD Pre-Program, and ask your questions.
Next Webinar: February 5, 10:00am Central
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
