The School of Theology is pleased to announce the Master's postgraduate research grant, with specific reference to research that bridges theological reflection with mental health issues, broadly conceived. The postgraduate research grants will be offered in the January 2025 term with specific reference to promising Masters postgraduate research students in the School of Theology.

The School will offer research grants to strictly cover the dissertation fees for two promising students. The grants will be paid in two portions, in January 2025 and then again in May 2025, upon successful defense of the proposal and promising trajectory of completing the research by October 2025.

The research focuses on mental health resilience, as part of a project conducted by Dr. Kevin Muriithi Ndereba, which could be approached from any of the theological disciplines. The co-supervisor will be in the student’s specialization area. Interested students will be required to creatively work in light of the following topics/trajectories:

1. Integrating Youth Mental Health Resilience in Pastoral Care
2. Examining Ubuntu Ecclesiology for Enhancing Mental Health Resilience
3. Identity, Labels and Resistance: Methods for Reading Mental Health Resilience in Mark 5
4. Psalms and Communal Rituals for Mental Health Resilience

Eligibility /Selection Criteria

Only Masters Postgraduate students who have completed coursework and are in the dissertation phase can apply.

Requirement of student

Successful recipients of the research grants will be expected to follow the following trajectory:

1. Submit their thesis proposals by 30 March 2025
2. Successfully defend their proposals by 30 May 2025
3. Submit their final dissertation by 31 Aug 2025

The above timelines are subject to the department, school, and university academic procedures that will be communicated by the postgraduate office and the concerned academic department.

In addition, students will be required to:

1. Meet with their supervisors monthly
2. Share a monthly report to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
3. Present their research in at least one postgraduate students' research clinic
4. Share their research in one academic conference with the help of their supervisor
5. Participate in administrative tasks in the mental health project that is providing the grants

Application

To be considered for the above, students should apply by:

1. Writing a 1,000 (max) statement why you should be considered for the grant
2. Completing the postgraduate research concept form
3. Talking with potential supervisors, and proposing them through the supervisor nomination form
4. Sending your official provisional transcript attached to the application
5. 2-page CV illustrating current and previous leadership, ministry, and academic experience/achievements

The deadline for application is 22 November 2024.

Confirmation

The School will communicate to the successful applicants by 15 December 2024. Successful candidates are expected to begin their research on 6th January 2025.

Contact details

For more information on the research grant, kindly contact Dr. Kevin Muriithi Ndereba on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. A reading list/bibliography on mental health and theology is available upon request.

Relevant Documents

Download Call for MTh Research Grants Application Use your SPU email to access the call

Download the Postgraduate Research Concept Form

APPLY

Apply through this LINK: https://forms.gle/AUf4RG88KFb6Xivd6 

Deadline: 22 Nov 2024