PhD/Doctorate in Theology at Heidelberg University

In addition to the traditional Dr. theol., the Faculty of Theology offers a structured doctoral programme towards a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). It is designed for graduates of the Master of Theological Studies (in English) or the Master in 'Christentum und Kultur', and for those with degrees in neighbouring disciplines or with theology or religion MA degrees from outside Europe.

Faculty: Faculty of Theology  |  Duration: Six semesters (three years) including writing the dissertation and completing examinations  |  Intake: Applications due 15 December and 15 June for the following semester  |  Study mode: full-time  |  Location: Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg, Germany

What you will study

The programme is organised in modules of courses and exams with credit points (one credit point is about 30 hours), plus guided independent studies. It has three phases: preparation (year 1), research (year 2) and research and writing (year 3). The dissertation falls in one of four fields: Biblical Studies, History of Religions and Historical Theology, Contemporary Theology and Religions, or Diaconic Studies, and may be written in German or English. The oral exam lasts about one hour and can be replaced by a disputation.

Official programme page