Doctor of Philosophy in Interreligious Studies

Campus
Main Campus
Level
PhD
Method
Lecture
School
ISAR

The PhD in Interreligious Studies is driven by a growing need to prepare, at the highest level, Christian practitioners, teachers, and researchers for public and private institutions of higher learning and research about world religions and interreligious relations.

After successfully completing the training through the programme, they will also be able in turn to help regional or local religious practitioners and institutional teachers of religions with theories and practices from current knowledge and research in world religions and interreligious affairs. It is also expected that they will provide guidelines for critical issues and conflicts between different faith-based communities. Thus, they would be able to make a difference through the interface of their professional knowledge and skills with a Christian world and life view.

  • Program Learning Outcomes
  • High level scholarship on world religions and interreligious affairs from a mature and balanced Christian perspective
  • Ability to increase knowledge of world religions (including Christianity and Africa Traditional Religions) with a phenomenological standpoint and ethnographic skills
  • Ability to provide information and guidance for Christian practitioners and teachers pertaining to world religions and interreligious issues
  • Skills to promote peaceful relations with people of other faiths through religious dialogue and other types of collaboration
  • Christian maturity and ability to develop various effective ways to share the Christian faith among people of other religions
  • Ability to nurture other Christian leaders and scholars through academic mentorship and spiritual discipleship pertaining to the issues mentioned above
TimePlaceSemester Range
9:00am – 5:00pmPHD Seminar RoomsJan, May & Sep

Entry requirements


Hold a Masters degree from AIU or an institution recognized by the AIU Senate. Beyond the possession of a degree, the applicant must have a cumulative mean of at least a B in his/her Masters studies, and must demonstrate ability in academic research. Specific program minimum requirements will apply.


In exceptional cases, Senate, on the recommendation of any of the schools, may admit to the doctorate program, applicants who do not hold a Master’s degree, provided that such candidates, on the basis of the research, professional and academic work they have done, can demonstrate that they are well qualified to undertake doctoral work. This is so long as it is in line with the relevant regulatory bodies.

Mode of study


A seminar cycle, which lasts two academic years for a full-time student

A dissertation research and writing cycle, which normally lasts two years, and no more than five years

Modular classes for 2 weeks( April, August, Nov/Dec)

PHD Programs

These programme’s seminars are designed to equip the students to understand and deal with PhD level academic issues and debates that are related to their research concerns in relevant academia.