Vanguard University of Southern California

OXFORD

Research Proposal

  1. Areas of research should be broadly related in some way to Christian faith and/or faith traditions. Current studies include following areas: biblical studies, theology, ethics, history, relief and development, culture, anthropology, sociology, counseling, economics, management and leadership, and communication.
  2. A faculty mentor from Vanguard University will work with the student to design an educational plan to prepare sufficiently a thesis proposal. Students may be encouraged to audit existing courses, seminars and participate in a “read-around” in selected academic fields for at least six months before a research proposal is prepared.
  3. A developed proposal (5-10 pages) which describes the research problem or question to be investigated, a justification for the research, a brief discussion of the epistemological issues involved in answering the question, and a presentation of the methodology to be adopted.
  4. A substantial bibliography (4-5 pages) partially referenced in the proposal, locating the research in its field(s), and demonstrating awareness of the key secondary sources in the area of the research. Further guidance on the content, format, and presentation of the portfolio are available from OCMS.
  5. At least one research seminar is presented to the faculty and students approximately midway through the Vanguard enrollment. Based on this seminar and the faculty mentor’s evaluation, a progress report will be submitted to OCMS.
  6. The research proposal once completed will be presented to OCMS for submission to the university. Upon approval by the university, the student will begin research and writing the chapters of the thesis.

Thesis Process

  1. Generally the scholar will have two supervisors approved by OCMS. After the student has given notice by  submitting the thesis to OCMS, the formal process is set in motion for the appointment of examiners. The usual pattern is for the internal examiner to be in the student’s academic department other than the student’s supervisor. The external examiner must be from another university.
  2. The oral examination or viva is normally held privately with at least two examiners, one internal examiner appointed by OCMS, and an external examiner. Results of the examination are one of the following:

    • The degree will be awarded immediately, subject to certain corrections and minor amendments, which usually have to be finished within one month.
    • The degree will be recommended provided weaknesses are addressed in the thesis, usually within 6 months; therefore, the candidate must resubmit it.
    • There are serious weaknesses that must be addressed in the thesis; therefore, the candidate must resubmit the thesis and have a new viva within one year.
    • The examiners consider the candidate’s thesis work has not reached the standard required of a doctorate and they do not see any clear way of how it can be brought up to the required standards. However, the work has achieved the lower standard required of an M.Phil., which may be awarded.
    • The examiners may decide that the candidate has not satisfied the requirements; therefore, the student will not be permitted to resubmit.

The Ph.D./M.Phil. depends on the successful defense of the thesis.