Students gain doctorates

4 November 2009

Four students have recently gained their Bristol University research degrees (three Doctorates and one Master of Philosophy) through Trinity. We congratulate them on their achievement.

Thomas Gudbergsen gained his MPhil on the Old Testament creation stories: 'Genesis 1 and 2, are there two different creation stories contradicting each other? What is the relationship between the first two chapters of the Hebrew Bible?'

Brian Howell gained his PhD on 'In the Eyes of God: understanding the language of divine perception'

Craig Arnold Smith gained his PhD on the criteria for distinguishing deliberate chiasm New Testament literature from accidental and false chiasm

Chang Kyu Kim (in the photo) gained his PhD on the German Reformation theologian Balthasar Hubmaier and his doctrine of salvation. Chang Kyu and his wife Sora (who is also a Trinity graduate) are going to Tanzania to teach theology. Chang Kyu writes: ‘The reason that I have studied theology for a PhD at Trinity is to serve and help to those in need of theological training. I am going to work as a tutor at Msalato Theological College in Tanzania, where I used to teach.'

Trinity has 62 students working full time or part time for postgraduate research degrees (MSt, MLitt or PhD). Professor John Nolland, Academic Dean and New Testament tutor, has recently taken on the role of Director of Research, looking at ways of encouraging and supporting our research students and of chanelling research undertaken at Trinity into areas that are likely to make a significant difference to the mission of the church.