I’m sometimes asked by clergy for advice on doing further academic study part-time. Here are the twelve questions that I suggest they ask themselves. Similar questions would apply to those in other walks of life who are considering part-time study.

1. Have you discussed this with people in the parish and diocese?
2. What is the cost of the further degree and how are you going to fund it? — You should include books, travel, library fees, etc.
3. Have you weighed up the advantages and disadvantages of the different kinds of degree: MA, MPhil, PhD, DMin, etc.?
4. What institution are you planning on doing this with? — You will need to consider issues like travel time, whether you can have supervision remotely, and whether the institution specialises in the areas you are interested in.
5. Who will be your supervisor? — This is probably more important than the institution itself. A good supervisor who “gets” what you’re doing is worth his/her weight in gold.
6. How will studying work practically? — You should consider issues like library access, the space you have to work in at home, and whether you work best in small bursts or long stretches.
7. What is the topic/theme? Why choose that particular topic? — Don’t forget that you will be immersed in this subject for many years, so it is something you must love. In academic life, there’s almost nothing worth than spending years looking into something that bores you to death.
8. How will this study it enhance your ministry?
9. How will it contribute to the mission and ministry of the Church?
10. What is the overall time commitment? — It’s a good idea to think both in terms of duration (in years) and hours per week. Remember that changing roles could have a major impact on the time available.
11. How will you fit the time commitment of the further study around other responsibilities? — There may be things that you will need to say “no” to. Have you thought these through and agreed them with all involved.
12. Are you genuinely likely to complete this study? — To put it bluntly, are you “bright enough” to do this?