Arts & Humanities

PhD in Biblical and Theological Studies

The Doctor of Philosophy in Biblical and Theological Studies is an advanced research programme designed for scholars who wish to make an original contribution to biblical interpretation, systematic theology, and the history of Christian thought. The programme is offered by the Adventist University of Africa, with related doctoral pathways in theology available at other Kenyan institutions.

Students develop expertise in biblical hermeneutics, exegesis, theological methodology, and the historical and cultural contexts of Scripture. They engage with original languages, theological texts, and contemporary research issues in Old Testament, New Testament, systematic theology, and practical theology. The programme trains scholars to produce independent research that is academically rigorous and relevant to church and society in Africa.

Kenya has a vibrant theological education sector, with churches, seminaries, universities, and non-governmental organisations requiring highly trained theologians and biblical scholars. The programme supports the development of Christian leadership, academic theologians, and religious educators who can teach, research, and engage in interfaith and public theological discourse.

The programme is research-based, combining advanced coursework with thesis preparation. Students work under supervisors, participate in seminars, and present their research at conferences. The AUA programme runs through face-to-face and online cohorts, allowing theological practitioners from across the region to participate while maintaining their ministry and academic responsibilities.

Graduates pursue careers as university lecturers, theological researchers, seminary professors, denominational leaders, biblical scholars, and religious educators. They are employed by universities, Bible colleges, churches, faith-based organisations, and research institutions in Kenya and beyond.

This programme is ideal for holders of a Master's degree in theology, biblical studies, or a related religious field who are committed to advanced scholarship and leadership in theological education. Candidates should have strong academic research skills and a clear sense of how their work will contribute to the church and academy.

Duration: 4 years
Public, up to: Ksh 244,800
Private, up to: Ksh 292,500
Job market: Moderate

The programme

What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time, Part-time
Attachment: 0 months
Average class: 10 students
Award: PhD

What you study

10 subjects

Biblical Hermeneutics
Old Testament Exegesis
New Testament Exegesis
Systematic Theology
Historical Theology
Practical Theology
Theological Research Methods
Biblical Languages and Textual Criticism
African Theology and Contextualisation
Thesis Research

Modules

10 in the programme

Advanced Biblical Hermeneutics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Theories and methods of interpreting Scripture in historical, literary, and contemporary contexts
Old Testament Exegesis
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Close reading of Hebrew Bible texts using original languages and critical methodologies
New Testament Exegesis
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Close reading of New Testament texts using Greek and critical methodologies, covering theoretical foundations, practical methodologies, and contemporary research developments relevant to doctoral.
Systematic Theology
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Study of Christian doctrines and their internal coherence, sources, and contemporary relevance
Historical Theology
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Development of Christian thought across historical periods and traditions, covering theological principles, hermeneutical methods, and their application in religious scholarship.
Practical Theology and Ministry
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Theological reflection on pastoral practice, worship, preaching, and Christian education
Theological Research Methods
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Research design, academic writing, and methodological frameworks for theological scholarship
African Theology and Contextualisation
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Critical engagement with African contexts, cultures, and theological voices, covering theological principles, hermeneutical methods, and their application in religious scholarship.
Thesis Proposal Development
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Development and defence of a doctoral research proposal in biblical or theological studies
Thesis Research and Writing
Year 4Semester 16 creditsCore
Independent doctoral research culminating in a defended thesis and published contribution

Specialisations

Pastoral Counseling
Specialization in Pastoral Counseling, preparing graduates for careers such as pastor-clergy.
New Testament Studies
Specialization in New Testament Studies, preparing graduates for careers such as theologian-academic.
Biblical Hermeneutics
Specialization in Biblical Hermeneutics, preparing graduates for careers such as comparative-religion-scholar.
Old Testament Studies
Specialization in Old Testament Studies, preparing graduates for careers such as theologian-academic.
Church History
Specialization in Church History, preparing graduates for careers such as university-lecturer.
Systematic Theology
Specialization in Systematic Theology, preparing graduates for careers such as university-lecturer.
Practical Theology
Specialization in Practical Theology, preparing graduates for careers such as religious-educator-theology-teacher.
African Theology
Specialization in African Theology, preparing graduates for careers such as theologian-academic.

A day as a student

A typical day involves reading primary theological and biblical texts, working with original languages, writing and revising research chapters, and meeting with supervisors. Students also attend seminars, prepare conference presentations, and may participate in teaching or ministry activities alongside their research.

The trade offs

In its favour

Supports advanced theological scholarship and leadership in Kenyan and African contexts
Offers flexible research pathways in biblical studies, systematic theology, and practical theology
Graduates contribute to education, interfaith dialogue, and faith-based development work
Several Kenyan private universities offer related doctoral programmes

Against it

Tuition at private institutions can be high, especially for USD-denominated programmes
Academic positions in theology are limited and highly competitive
Research degrees require long-term commitment and independent motivation
No public university in Kenya is confirmed to offer this exact programme title

What it costs

Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.

What it costs, and where

Against 188 arts & humanities courses

Public224k to 245k

224k at University of Nairobi245k at Kenyatta University

Private248k to 293k

248k at St. Paul's University293k at Adventist University of Africa

Annual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.

The fine print

KU 244.8K, UoN 224K. St. Paul's 247.6K (spu.ac.ke). AUA ~292.5K (aua.ac.ke).

Students may access HELB postgraduate loans, DAAD scholarships, NRF research grants, and institutional scholarships at AUA. Denominational and church-based bursaries may also support candidates in theological training.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 80,000
DAAD Scholarship
Scholarship
NRF Research Grant
Grant
AUA Internal Scholarships
Scholarship

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 80,000Kenyan
Kenyan postgraduate students enrolled in recognised universities
DAAD Scholarship
ScholarshipKenyan
African graduates meeting academic criteria for doctoral study
NRF Research Grant
GrantKenyan
Researchers at Kenyan institutions conducting research relevant to national development

Getting in

The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C+
Alternative entry: Relevant diploma or equivalent qualification

Master's Degree
Master of Arts or Master of Divinity in theology, biblical studies, or a related field from a recognised university
Minimum GPA
Cumulative GPA of 3.33 on a 4-point scale or equivalent, or 3.00-3.32 with probation
Research capability
Evidence of research ability through thesis, publications, or academic work

How you are assessed

4 components

Research Papers and Seminars
Coursework40% of the mark
Comprehensive Examinations
Coursework30% of the mark
Oral Viva Voce
Coursework100% of the mark
Thesis
Coursework100% of the mark

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). AUA is a private chartered institution. Graduates entering ministry or teaching roles may seek denominational or ecclesiastical endorsement.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Mandatory accreditation for all university programmes in Kenya

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

5 roles

Theological Researcher
Moderate demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 150,000
Conducts research on biblical, theological, and religious studies topics for institutions and publishers
Seminary Professor
Moderate demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 160,000
Trains pastors and church leaders in biblical and theological disciplines
Religious Educator
Moderate demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 120,000
Develops and teaches religious education curricula in schools, colleges, and church programmes
Chaplain
Moderate demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 140,000
Provides spiritual care, teaching, and pastoral support in universities, hospitals, and institutions
University Lecturer (Theology)
High demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 180,000
Teaches and researches theology and biblical studies in universities and theological colleges

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as university lecturers, theological researchers, seminary professors, biblical scholars, and religious educators in universities, Bible colleges, churches, and faith-based organisations.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

A PhD in biblical and theological studies only leads to pulpit ministry
Graduates work in universities, seminaries, research institutions, publishing, and non-profit organisations, not only in church pulpits.
Theological research is not relevant to development work
Theological scholarship informs ethics, education, peacebuilding, and community development in faith-based and public institutions.
Biblical studies and theology are the same discipline
Biblical studies focuses on the interpretation of Scripture and original languages, while theology integrates historical, systematic, and practical reflection on Christian faith.
This degree is only available outside Africa
Kenyan and regional institutions such as AUA, SPU, and AIU offer doctoral programmes in biblical and theological studies.