Branch programme/details

The purpose of doctoral studies in the field of Philosophy of Religion is for students to cultivate, in the usual way for advanced studies, their ability to examine, using philosophical tools and approaches, religious phenomena and issues relating to the religious dimension of human culture, including theological thought and its traditions. Students learn to reflect critically on these approaches and their results and to interpret them both in their specific context and within the framework of current academic knowledge. In direct connection with its multidisciplinary nature, this study programme develops the skills necessary for analysing complex issues, and students learn to combine various specialist perspectives and discourses in evaluating specific findings and testing hypotheses, while at the same time ensuring that the methods used are appropriate, the thinking is precise, and complex or controversial problems are expressed clearly. The study programme not only leads to the acquisition of expert knowledge and skills, but also develops the ability to understand views, concepts, teachings and theories that are non-traditional or differ from one’s own, cultivates argumentative approaches to critical debate, and refines the ability to evaluate oneself and to formulate one’s own opinion or position.

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 knowledge of the theoretical bases of critical thinking particularly with respect to the Christian philosophical tradition and the theological context of philosophy, are well informed about the details of the history of philosophy and philosophical study of religion, and are familiar with current trends in scholarly research. They are linguistically equipped for research work with sources. They are proficient in the methodology of specialist work, and are familiar with the rules for critical analysis and interpretation.
They are capable of presenting the results of their academic work in the context of a discussion among specialists.
They are qualified to carry out research work independently and to be active in their field in an academic teaching capacity.