Doctoral Programme for Obtaining the Grade of “PhD”
This programme is aimed at anyone who wishes to pursue a doctorate at the Faculty of Theology but has not completed a traditional degree in Theology. Unlike the doctoral programme leading to the degree of “Dr. theol.”, it does not require knowledge of the so-called classical languages, nor does it require candidates to belong to a specific denomination or religion. It is offered in both German and English.
PhD programme and doctoral examination
The PhD programme enables students to develop a research project in one of the subject areas covered by the Faculty of Theology, to carry it out in a methodologically rigorous manner as part of a dissertation, and to situate the insights gained within the current research context. The dissertation may be written in one of the following subject areas:
• Old Testament
• New Testament
• Church History
• Ecumenism/Orthodoxy
• Systematic Theology
• Practical Theology
• Intercultural Theology
• Religious Studies
• Jewish Studies
Whilst writing their dissertations, the doctoral students receive a wide range of support. They are accompanied by a supervisory committee and complete modules designed to enhance their academic skills and facilitate exchange with other doctoral candidates. In particular, they attend at least three doctoral colloquia in order to present their research findings and gain new insights:
| o | Doctoral colloquium I: Research methodology and the conception and planning of a subject-specific research project (P.Theo.051) |
| o | Doctoral colloquium II: Research report, presentation and development of a subject-specific research process (P.Theo.052) |
| o | Doctoral colloquium III: Research report, presentation, evaluation and integration of the latest subject-specific research (P.Theo.053) |
In addition, they acquire supplementary qualifications in university teaching methodology, philology, research management or theology by taking at least one of the following compulsory-elective modules:
| o | University didactics: Design and delivery of a course (P.Theo.061) |
| o | Exploration of relevant philological disciplines (P.Theo.062) |
| o | Academic organisation (P.Theo.063) |
| o | Theological studies (P.Theo.064) |
The PhD programme culminates in the doctoral examination, which consists of the dissertation and an oral examination (defence).
Career paths
A PhD from the Faculty of Theology qualifies graduates for leadership roles across a wide range of academic, ecclesiastical, religious, social and cultural institutions worldwide: research and teaching at universities and other higher education institutions, teaching at further education colleges and in adult education, and roles in foundations, student support organisations, the media, publishing houses, libraries, museums and non-governmental organisations.
Application
You can find information about applying here.
Funding
The general rule is that financial matters fall within the remit of the doctoral students themselves. Some of them are employed as research fellows at the Faculty of Theology. Others successfully applied to institutions that award scholarships. It goes without saying that self-financing is possible, too.