Program Overview

Theology (Doctorate) Program

The Theology doctoral degree course programme is designed for individuals who wish to further qualify after completing an academic university degree in Theology or a closely-related subject. This program enables students to develop a theological research project and work on a dissertation in a methodologically controlled manner.

Program Details

• Degree programme title: Theology (Doctorate)
• Final degree: Dr. theol. (D.Th.)
• Standard period of study: Six semesters
• Starting semester: Winter and summer semester
• Admission: Limited admission (application to the Faculty)
• Application deadline: March 15 (for the summer semester) and September 15 (for the winter semester)
• Language of the programme: German

Degree Programme Description

Writing a dissertation at the Faculty of Theology is typically done within a doctoral degree programme in Theology. In addition to writing a dissertation and the final oral dissertation examination (Rigorosum) or dissertation defence (Disputation), the Examination and Study Regulations require credits from four modules that serve to expand the candidate's academic skills and foster exchange among doctoral candidates. These modules include:

• Lecturing before the doctoral colloquium
• Acquiring additional qualifications in the humanities, teaching in higher education, or academic organisation

Prerequisites for Acceptance

The prerequisites for acceptance into the doctoral degree programme specifically include:

• An academic university degree in theology or a closely related discipline
• Sufficient knowledge of German, Latin, Greek, and Hebrew
• Membership in a Protestant church
• Confirmation of supervision by a member of the Faculty of Theology who is an authorised examiner Additional prerequisites, rules concerning exceptions, and the required application documents are stipulated in the "Regulation governing the determination of particularly high qualifications".