Revd. Dr. Susie Collingridge DProf (Practical Theology).
Associate Vicar, Portsmouth Diocese, Church of England.
I began the DProf programme when I was looking to build on my years in full-time parish work, leading forward into a new phase of life and ministry. I was attracted by the practice-led approach to research. The intellectual challenge was appealing, combined with researching from within a cohort of peers and addressing research needs that might have an impact on real lives. Having been away from serious study for a long time, regular residentials and teaching input from the excellent staff team were especially valuable in building academic skills and confidence from the start.
Researching Ministry Patterns of Clergy Married to Clergy (CMC) built on 20 years of my own experience, by qualitative research through time-line structured interviews with CMC. The whole process (part-time) ultimately took a little over 8 years, including some time out for personal and family needs.
The DProf experience itself was rich and stimulating. It was hard work and very enjoyable. The process enabled me to develop my academic ability and sharpen my intellectual skills, giving me options of how to move forward professionally and/or in the Academy, as well as to share the fruits of my research project to impact practice. There is much more still to do in disseminating my results, but that is the next part of the project.