Branch programme/details

The purpose of doctoral studies in the field of Biblical Theology is for students to cultivate, in the usual way for advanced studies, their ability to think theologically and to deepen their knowledge in the relevant biblical theology disciplines on an expert level.
The field covers all aspects of specialist study of the Bible, such as theological, literary, and historical factors. Studies focus on either the Old Testament or the New Testament field. They include the examination of biblical texts in their relevance for religious and cultural traditions. Depending on the specific dissertation project, studies may deal with textual, linguistic, literary, literary-historical, historiographical, religious, or cultural issues. Normally, they must also raise questions about the theological profile or overall testimony of Scripture in relation to relevant theological questions, and also deal with issues of understanding, communication, and interpretation. The working field of biblical studies also includes the related specialist disciplines – for example, the philology of the ancient and classical languages, the literature of the ancient Near East and the principal cultures of Antiquity, the phenomenology of religions and the study of the religions of antiquity, the archaeology and historiography of the relevant regions – and also a reflection on methodologies in the biblical field, hermeneutical issues, and the history of biblical research and its current trends. Studies are linked to an appropriate degree with other theological fields, and, like other branches of theology, have an interdisciplinary dimension.

The entrance examination is oral and takes place in one round.

Components, content and assessment of the entrance examination:

1. Expert debate on the submitted dissertation project. The content and methodological quality of the project, its innovative potential and the applicant's ability to interpret and defend the research plan are evaluated. Part of the debate takes place in a foreign language (English, German or French, language to be chosen by the candidate). If required by the nature of the project, knowledge of relevant ancient and world languages (e.g. Latin, Greek, Hebrew, English, German, French) is also tested. The addmissions board awards 0-60 points.

2. An oral examination that assesses knowledge and understanding of the subject at the level of the final examinations of the Master's degree. The applicant will submit a list of at least five titles of relevant literature studied. The addmissions board awards 0-40 points.

Minimum number of points required for acceptance: 75.

Conditions for acceptance
An applicant may be admitted to study if he or she has obtained a total of at least 75 points in the entrance examination and at the same time, according to the number of points obtained, fits into the set representing the maximum number of admissions in a given year, fixed in advance (see the requirements for the admissions procedure for the individual subject areas). This condition is fulfilled by all those applicants who gain the same number of points as the applicant who finished in the last place on the list that qualifies for acceptance. The maximum number of admissions is determined separately for full-time and part-time study.

Admission to Doctoral studies is conditioned by successful completion of a Master's study programme.

Verification method:	entrance exam
Confirmation date (of entrance exam) from:	02.06.2025	Until:	20.06.2025
Alternative date (of entrance exam):	25.06.2025	Until:	27.06.2025

Individual, depending on the nature of the dissertation project.

Will not be opened.

Graduates have a thorough knowledge of theology. Their expert knowledge, skills, and competence relate in particular to the historical and literary study of the biblical texts and their contexts. Depending on the subject of their dissertation project, they specialise either in Old Testament or New Testament research. They are proficient in the relevant ancient languages and in exegetic methodology. They are familiar with the history of their discipline, reflect on the methodological issues relating to it, and understand current trends in research.
They are capable of exact theological thinking, and of discussing even highly complex and controversial questions in their field. They are able to deal with original texts and explain their findings comprehensibly in interdisciplinary settings. They are capable of presenting their results on an international level.