Mattersey Hall

Mattersey Hall offers a range of research degrees, in association with the School of Theology & Religious Studies at Bangor University.

Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Both MPhil (Master of Philosophy) and PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) research degrees are examined entirely by dissertation and oral examination (or ‘viva’) - there is no taught component. The MPhil dissertation runs to approximately 60,000 words and is awarded to candidates who have critically investigated a topic (in the process demonstrating their understanding of appropriate research methodologies) and undertaken a systematic analysis of data, resulting in a contribution to knowledge in their general field of scholarship. PhD candidates must have undertaken research resulting in an independent and original contribution to knowledge, normally of 80-100,000 words and of publishable quality. In both cases the thesis must be a work of substance which offers a genuine contribution to global knowledge.
 
Registration for the MPhil is normally for 2 or 3 years part time or 1 or 2 years full time, and for the PhD it is 4 or 5 years part time or 3 years full time. We are able to offer research supervision, sometimes in combination with staff from Bangor University, in the following areas:

Biblical Studies
Pentecostal History and Theology
Leadership and Ministry Studies
Missions
Music and Worship

For example, studies on healing, the exercise of spiritual gifts, theologies of baptism or communion, church growth, leadership, church administration and structure, children’s work, youth work, musical ministry, preaching, prayer, denominational or missionary society history and Pentecostal/charismatic biography are all feasible research topics.

The library at Mattersey Hall contains a rich variety of Pentecostal and charismatic publications. In addition the Donald Gee Research Centre located at the college gives access to a unique range of valuable archival documentation spanning the twentieth century; it is particularly strong on the early years of Pentecostalism in the UK.

Potential research students should normally have a good undergraduate degree and have completed a master’s degree (normally in a subject that relates directly to their research topic) which includes a substantial dissertation. Variation in these requirements may be possible where the student has already demonstrated research competence in other ways (e.g., by publication). As a first step you should contact the Graduate School to discuss these matters informally. We will then help you work out a research proposal for formal submission. As part of the application process we will ask you to attend at least one of our doctoral seminars, which are held twice annually.

Please note that we have massive demand for a limited number of places on our research degree programme and we therefore have to limit ourselves to accepting only the very best applicants. Current information on the MPhil and PhD programme is available for download here (pdf).