Branch programme/details

The purpose of doctoral studies in the field of Historical and Systematic Theology is for students to cultivate, in the usual way for advanced studies, their ability to think theologically and to deepen their knowledge of the theological tradition in its historical and systematic dimensions on an expert level. Students learn to critically analyse and reflect on the knowledge acquired and methods used in their field, and to interpret them both in their own specific contexts and in the interdisciplinary settings of contemporary scholarly knowledge. Depending on the subject of their dissertation project, their studies are focused on a specific specialised field of historical or systematic theology (for example, church history, the history of dogma, systematic theology, or dogmatics), but at the same time they retain the appropriate breadth of vision and interdisciplinary orientation that pertains to all branches of theology.

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:	01.06.2026	Until:	19.06.2026
Alternative date (of entrance exam):	22.06.2026	Until:	26.06.2026

Individual, depending on the nature of the dissertation project.

Will not be opened.

Graduates have a thorough specialist knowledge of theology, especially its historical and systematic aspects. They understand the pluralistic character of the Christian tradition and are well versed in its varied forms. They are familiar with the history of their discipline, are able to reflect on the epistemological and methodological issues relating to it, and understand its current trends.
They are capable of exact theological thinking, and of discussing even highly complex and controversial questions. They are able to analyse and provide specialist expositions of religious texts and to interpret them within the given context. They know how to draw up a well-grounded analysis of theological issues and to explain their findings comprehensibly in interdisciplinary settings. They are capable of presenting the results of their scholarly work on an international level.