Here’s some stuff that I pulled together specifically about the Durham New Testament PhD and getting a theology PhD in the UK.
Where should you go: US or UK? Here are a few posts where I and others have explored this issue: UK or US?, UK or US? redivivus, Mark Goodacre’s thought’s, and an SBL forum discussion that has US only, UK only, and started US and finished UK.
So why Durham? I talk through the path I took to get to Durham.
Getting Accepted: Acceptance rates are much higher in the UK, but they present new issues. Here are a couple of posts I’ve done about it: PhD Acceptance Rates and MA vs PhD Acceptance.
Colleges at Durham: Why St. John’s? I give a brief overview of the college system and why I chose St. John’s.
Initial Thoughts on PhD Life in Durham: After a few weeks here, I give my initial perspectives.
Durham Tradtion: The Theology Department at Durham has quite a history. I give some info about who also hung around this place.
Durham has instituted a review process to help formalise regular feedback for students and staff. I will post as notes as I go through: 6 Month Review, 12 Month/Upgrade.
Writing Style: A brief discussion of required styles and British v. American English.
See also the PhD pointers page… that has stuff like how to craft a thesis proposal, choosing where to go, etc.
Saturday, 28 April 2007 at 3:43 pm
One of the downsides about Durham, so I have heard, is that research students are neither assigned an office or a desk, where he/she may leave study materials throughout the day and even overnight. How do students manage to access all of their resources, and thus complete their work on time, if they are having to constantly pack and unpack all of their books, computers, etc every time they go to and from the library? The lack of a permanent office seems like it would waste lots of valuable time, slow the student down, and even inadvertently force him/her to spend most his/her time studying from home. What are your thoughts on the subject? How do research students manage to overcome this obstacle?
Saturday, 28 April 2007 at 8:37 pm
I would say you’ve hit the weaker point about Durham’s program. However, I can’t say that it’s affected many people’s study habits. The Palace Green (PG) library, which doesn’t have any theology holdings, does have a post-grad only study room with lockers. So it’s just across from the theology department, and a decent place to study–wifi and study carrells (though not assigned)–and there is a large computer center in the next room. I have a locker there, and spend probably 50%-75% of my study time there. However, most people seem to study at home. The pack-up deal will be an issue anywhere here, b/c the main library is a 20 min walk from PG, and there may be study space there, but I don’t know anybody that does regular study there.
I think you find your pattern and work with it. The current set-up is not ideal, but I wouldn’t say that I’ve been slowed down by it. The people that I know that work from home actually enjoy it b/c it cuts out commuting, you have time for lunch meals with your spouse, etc. I actually like having different study venues b/c it mixes things up so it doesn’t get as boring doing the same thing every day. But it would also be nice to have offices.
Anyhow, everybody seems to have different study habits, so it may be a non-issue for some, and maybe more of one for others.
Tuesday, 1 January 2008 at 11:53 pm
As an update to the questions John posted about study space and library, there have been discussions within the department and with administration up the line to improve both. So things are moving in the right direction. Here’s the update as of late January 2008 on Durham PhD Study Space.
Thursday, 28 February 2008 at 9:24 am
Hi Ben,
Thank you for your blog, its very helpful for me as I’m considering PhD studies in Britain. I currently teach in Croatia and am thinking about pursuing a part time PhD at Durham. Although not ideal from a study perspective, it would make life much easier on my family and our finances if we didn’t need to relocate. I’ve noticed they list fees for part time but a friend told me they discourage it. Does Durham still offer this option for international students? Do you know if there are any supervisors in NT particularly open for that kind of arrangement?
Thursday, 28 February 2008 at 11:01 pm
Hey Greg, I’m not sure why your friend would discourage it. When I saw the list last year, about a quarter of PhD students were part-timers. I know Stuckenbruck and Barclay both have PT students, in particular, and I wouldn’t be surprised if more do, so I wouldn’t hesitate to apply. Hope that helps.
Ben