The Doctoral programme in Religious Studies covers an interdisciplinary field of study that includes research areas such as the study of ancient languages, literature, biblical studies, patristics, philosophy, sociology, psychology, history, cultural studies, music, Canon Law, and theology. The methodologies appropriate to this diverse range of topics require research students to display a flexibility of approach and a clear focus on the research questions posed by their chosen subject. During their doctoral studies, students are encouraged to attend academic conferences and seek opportunities to publish articles relevant to their research in appropriate peer-reviewed academic journals.
During the 3-5 years of study, Doctorate in Religious Studies students hold full-time student status.
The Doctoral Programme Coordinator is Prof. Adérito Fernandes Marcos.
- Applicants who are Catholics or Christians are asked to provide a letter of recommendation from a priest, pastor, or professed religious (religious brother/sister, monk/nun). Applicants who are Catholic seminarians or lay people sponsored by a Catholic diocese must also provide a letter of recommendation from their local bishop. Members of a Catholic religious congregation (aspirants, novices, religious brothers/sisters, monks/nuns) must provide a letter of recommendation from their legitimate superior.
Students complete the curricular part of the programme during the first year, which is composed of the following 5 modules:
- Methodologies of Investigation
- Methods and Techniques for Quantitative Research
- Methods and Techniques for Qualitative Research
- Integrative Research Seminars
- Specialist Studies and Reading Programme
During the first year of study, students must also prepare a thesis proposal. The completion of all modules and University approval of the proposal is a requirement to progress to the thesis-writing stage of the programme.
Working directly under an academic supervisor, the doctoral student independently completes an original and significant research project. Students begin their thesis once their proposed work and supervisory arrangements have been approved by the University.
| Robert Lawrence Ballew 2015 |
Admissions Information >
A preliminary research plan is required to apply. Applicants may choose one of the open doctoral topics or submit their own thesis proposal as part of their application.
Study plan & description of modules
For the programme’s government approval [in Chinese and Portuguese] click here. (Please click in P2 or P3, on the top-left of the document, to access the subsequent pages.)
Please click on any specific module below to see its description.
Modules
Year 1
This module will start with an introduction to the historical foundation of the scientific method, the main philosophical currents that have shaped scientific thinking, and how modern science operates. The module will then provide an overview on the different research designs and methodologies adopted in various fields of knowledge. A final emphasis will be given to techniques of academic writing, publication, and scientific communication.
This module provides an overview of methods and techniques for quantitative research, including the concepts and practical applications of descriptive and inferential statistics, with the aim to motivate the students to build skills in data collection and analysis for their Ph.D. research. The topics covered include general concepts such as sampling strategies, evaluations of reliability and validity of data, and the connection between the research question/hypothesis definition and quantitative data analysis. Different types of statistical tests and techniques are presented and computational tools (Excel, R, and SPSS) are used in practical workshops.
This module enables students to plan and conduct qualitative research studies. The module introduces instrumentation for data collection, including interviews, observation, and reflection on practice. For qualitative studies, it considers matters of researcher bias, sampling, piloting, reliability and validity in the conduct of research, operationalizing research questions; the politics and micro-politics of research; insider and outsider research. This module also aims to enable students to analyze and interpret and present the results of different kinds of qualitative studies.
This module aims to introduce participants to key elements of doctoral research in the broad sense of an Academic framework. It focuses on providing an understanding of the research support Mechanisms at USJ and in overviews of the main research specialisation fields within the University of Saint Joseph, namely Business Administration; Education; Global Studies; Government Studies; History; Information Systems; Psychology; Religious Studies; Science. The course also provides an opportunity for the students to present and discuss their own work in a seminar environment.
This Module provides an initial experience of supervised research work where students will work with their intended supervisor in a collaborative tutorial model that resembles the practice of Thesis Supervision. During the Module the intended supervisor will guide the student trough multiple meetings (up to 15) during a full academic year The students will conduct autonomous research that should result in a preliminary literature review, research contextualisation and a thesis proposal completely finished and prepared to be submitted to the Foundation Year Final thesis proposal review and assessment instances.
This is the major part of doctoral student’s studies. Working directly under an academic supervisor, the student independently completes an original and significant research project. Students cannot start their thesis until the work proposed and supervisory arrangements have been approved by the university.
