Branch programme/details

The study focuses on the formative period of early Christianity, i.e., the period from its inception, persecution by Roman authorities until its establishment as the state religion of the Roman Empire. The subjects are divided into four sections consisting of the following topics:
1) Orthodoxy and heresy in early Christianity
2) Literary genres and work with literature
3) Early Christian practice and institutions
4) Contexts of early Christianity.

The applicant is a graduate of a master's or follow-up master's degree program. Has
1) knowledge of Christianity within the scope of the prescribed required literature (see the list of required literature);
2) is fluent in Greek and / or Latin to the extent that he / she is able to translate and interpret moderately difficult Greek / Latin text;
3) masters at least one world language to such an extent that he is able to read and interpret professional texts (ability is verified by knowledge of the prescribed required literature, mostly in foreign languages);
4) submits and defends the proposal of the dissertation project prepared according to the prescribed formal structure (definition of the topic, methodological approach and procedure, definition of objectives, bibliography and schedule).

The entrance exam has three parts:
a) Exam in Greek or Latin (at the level of ability to read and translate texts)
The maximum score for this part is 20 points.
b) Examination in compulsory literature
The maximum score for this part is 35 points.
c) Defense of theses of the submitted doctoral thesis project.
The maximum score for this part is 45 points.

The maximum score of the examination is 100 points.
The minimum score of the examination is 80 points.

According to the maximum number of accepted applicants, the dean will decide on the admission of the candidate/candidates who has/have fulfilled the conditions of the admission procedure and has/have received the highest number of points in the admission exam.

Entrance examination waiver: impossible.

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:	09.06.2025
Alternative date (of entrance exam):	15.06.2025	Until:	07.07.2025

The Greek or Latin exam does not have to be taken by a candidate who has passed the Greek or Latin exam at HTF UK or a comparable exam at another workplace (a four-semester course ending with an exam).

The Hussite Theological Faculty is governed by the conditions for applicants from Ukraine, which are established in accordance with Section 8 of Act No. 67/2022 Coll., on measures in the field of education in connection with the armed conflict on the territory of Ukraine caused by the invasion of the troops of the Russian Federation and Rector's Measure No. 5/2024. The entrance exams for the academic year 2025/26 will take place as described in the information on the admission procedure.

The entrance examination cannot be waived.

Mandatory literature
1.Michael W. Holmes, The Apostolic Fathers: Greek Texts and English Translations, Grand Rapids: Baker Academic(3) 2007. ISBN: 978–0801034688.
2.Andrew B. McGowan, Ancient Christian Worship: Early Church Practices in Social, Historical, And Theological Perspective, Grand Rapids: Baker Academic 2014. ISBN: 978–0801097874.
3.Arland Hultgren, The Rise of Normative Christianity, Minneapolis: Fortress Press 1994. ISBN: 1–59244–738–4.
4.Richard Bauckham (ed.), The Gospels for All Christians: Rethinking the Gospel Audiences, Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans 1998. ISBN: 978–0802844446.
5.Michael J. Kruger, Canon Revisited: Establishing the Origins and Authority of the New Testament Books, Wheaton: Crossway 2012. ISBN: 978–1433505003.
6.Petr Pokorný, Od evangelia k evangeliím: Dějiny, teologie a působení biblického výrazu „evangelium“, Praha: Academia 2016. ISBN: 978–8020026101.

The Faculty is not running a preparation course.
Doctoral degree programs are programs without specialization.

The graduate has an in-depth understanding of early Christianity and the problems of its study. The graduate works with documents in their original language (Greek and Latin) and handles them critically. The graduate is capable of oral and written expression at such a level that he or she regularly publishes the results of his or her research. A large part of abilities and skills (method of expression, work with religious texts, critical thinking, etc.) is transferable to other areas.