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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.

Duration
4 years
Next intake January 2027
Public tuition
Ksh 244,800
Ksh 979,200 total
Private tuition
Ksh 292,500
Ksh 1,170,000 total
Job market
Moderate
Market demand for graduates

The short answer

What it costs
Up to Ksh 244,800 a year at a public institution, Ksh 979,200 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 292,500 a year at a private one.The detail
Who can get in
A KCSE mean grade of C+ or above, plus 3 subject grades. There is another way in without it.The detail
How long, and when
Takes 4 years, full-time, part-time, with 0 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 2 institutions.The detail
Where it leads
8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Applied Ethicist, at 20 out of 100.The detail

The programme

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

Overview

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.

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 favourAgainst it
Supports advanced theological scholarship and leadership in Kenyan and African contextsTuition at private institutions can be high, especially for USD-denominated programmes
Offers flexible research pathways in biblical studies, systematic theology, and practical theologyAcademic positions in theology are limited and highly competitive
Graduates contribute to education, interfaith dialogue, and faith-based development workResearch degrees require long-term commitment and independent motivation
Several Kenyan private universities offer related doctoral programmesNo 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

Scholarships you could apply for

2 usable where it is taught
Save one and be reminded before it closes

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade
C+minimum entry
Alternative entry

Relevant diploma or equivalent qualification

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

When it next starts

Taught at 2 institutions
January 20272 institutions

Including Adventist University of Africa, Africa International University.

May 20271 institution

Including Adventist University of Africa.

September 20272 institutions

Including Adventist University of Africa, Africa International University.

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

  • Commission for University Education (CUE)

    Academic accreditationRequired

    Mandatory accreditation for all university programmes in Kenya

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.

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

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.

Further reading

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