Code: 0221VD100004
Standard length of study: 4 years
Language of instruction: Czech
Possibility of waiving the entrance exam: No
Application type: Paper, Online
Date of entrance exam: 2. 6. 2023
Alternative date of entrance exam: 23. 6. 2023
Doctoral study programme Catholic Theology (P0221D100004). It is focused on scientific research and independent creative activity in the field of theology. The standard period of study is four years. The main subject of study is questions of God's being and action, as well as questions of human and social life considered from the perspective of divine revelation, Christian tradition and the values involved. The aim of the study is to prepare students for independent scholarly research in their field and specialization. Within the meaning of Article 6(3)(a) of Act No. 3/2002 Coll. on Freedom of Religion and the Status of Churches and Religious Societies, this study also enables the preparation of students for highly specialised ministries in the Catholic Church.
The field of Catholic Theology is further subdivided into specialisations, according to the more detailed focus, in which the faculty implements the doctoral programme.
Conditions of the admission procedure for the doctoral study programme Catholic Theology
The application form, other documents (see annexes to the application form) and a certificate of personal integrity (meaning a "written testimony of the practice of religious life" describing the way in which he/she exercises his/her freedom of religion) must be submitted by the deadline; in relation to this written testimony, the admission examination then examines, among other things, whether the applicant has acquired, in the manner of exercising his or her freedom of religion, the knowledge and skills necessary for the study of theology to an adequate and necessary degree (required by the Statute of the Faculty of Theology of the Charles University, Art. A brief written testimony (max. 1 A4) is to be written by the candidate himself and signed by an official representative of the Church: the Ordinary or Major Religious Superior for candidates for the priesthood and consecrated persons, in other cases a priest who knows the candidate personally, or the Faculty Chaplain ( ), or another priest teaching at the Faculty.
The candidate is a graduate of a Master of Divinity degree program in Catholic Theology, or a Master of Arts degree program in an equivalent field.
Along with the application, the applicant must also submit an application for a concentration within the field; in the academic year 2022/2023, the Catholic Faculty of Theology offers the following concentrations:
| a. |
Biblical Sciences |
| b. |
Fundamental theology and dogmatic theology |
| c. |
Theological ethics and spiritual theology |
| d. |
Patristics and the history of dogma |
Students of the FULL TIME form of study are obliged to participate in all conferences, colloquia, seminars, invited lectures of guests from the field and similar events organized by the faculty. A report on attendance at these events is part of the doctoral student's annual evaluation. The academic experience may further include the doctoral student's participation in teaching.
(Fulfilling the obligation: each year of study)
The entrance exam takes the form of an oral interview.
The maximum number of points achievable is 100 (+ a bonus of up to 30 points if a specific training institute is mentioned and the supervisor agrees to supervise the planned doctoral project). The following are assessed:
- an oral examination in theological knowledge at the level corresponding to the state final examination in the Master's degree in Catholic Theology, in the sections: scripture and biblical theology; fundamental and dogmatic theology; moral theology (max. 40 points)
- dissertation project proposal (max. 40 points) - the evaluation includes accuracy of formulation, knowledge of the literature on the subject, innovative approach
- previous publication and educational activity in the field (max. 10 points) - the evaluation includes in particular professional publications (articles, monographs), participation in conferences, foreign internship at a university or other professional institution
- an oral examination in one world language (mainly theological vocabulary is assessed); if the candidate has submitted an official certificate of successful completion of the examination in a world language at level B2 or above, the full number of points will be awarded by the committee without further consideration (maximum 10 points)
Applicants who meet the admission requirements and reach the minimum score threshold, which will be determined after the evaluation of the admission interviews, depending on the capacity of the faculty and the number of applicants who participated in the interviews, will be admitted to the study.
Education in the doctoral program "Catholic Theology" provides intellectual and legal prerequisites for teaching at theological faculties, church and public secondary schools, for professional work in specialized church workplaces (seminaries, religious houses, church management offices, pastoral and counseling specialized centers), in editorial offices, publishing houses and press agencies, in humanitarian and non-profit organizations.
Recommended literature, sample questions - download the list
Admission to Doctoral studies is conditioned by successful completion of a Master's study programme.
Code: 0221VD100004
Standard length of study: 4 years
Language of instruction: Czech
Possibility of waiving the entrance exam: No
Application type: Paper, Online
Date of entrance exam: 2. 6. 2023
Alternative date of entrance exam: 23. 6. 2023
The doctoral study programme "Catholic Theology" (0221VD100004) is focused on scientific research and independent creative activity in the field of theology. The standard period of study is four years. The main subject of study is the questions of God's being and action, as well as various issues of human and social life considered from the perspective of divine revelation, Christian tradition and the values involved. The study aims to prepare students for independent scholarly research in their field and specialization. Within the meaning of Article 6(3)(a) of Act No. 3/2002 Coll. on Freedom of Religion and the Status of Churches and Religious Societies, this study also enables students to prepare for highly specialised ministries in the Catholic Church.
The field of "Catholic Theology" is further subdivided into specialisations, according to the more detailed focus, in which the faculty carries out the doctoral programme.
Conditions of the admission procedure for the doctoral study programme Catholic Theology
The application form, other documents (see annexes to the application form) and a certificate of personal integrity (meaning a "written testimony of the practice of religious life" describing the way in which he/she exercises his/her freedom of religion) must be submitted by the deadline; in relation to this written testimony, the admission examination then examines, among other things, whether the applicant has acquired, in the manner of exercising his or her freedom of religion, the knowledge and skills necessary for the study of theology to an adequate and necessary degree (required by the Statute of the Faculty of Theology of the Charles University, Art. A brief written testimony (max. 1 A4) is to be written by the candidate himself and signed by an official representative of the Church: the Ordinary or Major Religious Superior for candidates for the priesthood and consecrated persons, in other cases a priest who knows the candidate personally, or the Faculty Chaplain ( ), or another priest teaching at the Faculty.
The candidate is a graduate of a Master of Divinity degree program in Catholic Theology, or a Master of Arts degree program in an equivalent field.
Along with the application, the applicant must also submit an application for a concentration within the field; in the academic year 2022/2023, the Catholic Faculty of Theology offers the following concentrations:
| a. |
Biblical Sciences |
| b. |
Fundamental theology and dogmatic theology |
| c. |
Theological ethics and spiritual theology |
| d. |
Patristics and the history of dogma |
The entrance exam takes the form of an oral interview.
The maximum number of points achievable is 100 (+ a bonus of up to 30 points if a specific training institute is mentioned and the supervisor agrees to supervise the planned doctoral project). The following are assessed:
- an oral examination in theological knowledge at the level corresponding to the state final examination in the Master's degree in Catholic Theology, in the sections: scripture and biblical theology; fundamental and dogmatic theology; moral theology (max. 40 points)
- dissertation project proposal (max. 40 points) - the evaluation includes accuracy of formulation, knowledge of the literature on the subject, innovative approach
- previous publication and educational activity in the field (max. 10 points) - the evaluation includes in particular professional publications (articles, monographs), participation in conferences, foreign internship at a university or other professional institution
- an oral examination in one world language (mainly theological vocabulary is assessed); if the candidate has submitted an official certificate of successful completion of the examination in a world language at level B2 or above, the full number of points will be awarded by the committee without further consideration (maximum 10 points)
Applicants who meet the admission requirements and reach the minimum score threshold, which will be determined after the evaluation of the admission interviews, depending on the capacity of the faculty and the number of applicants who participated in the interviews, will be admitted to the study.
Education in the doctoral program "Catholic Theology" provides intellectual and legal prerequisites for teaching at theological faculties, church and public secondary schools, for professional work in specialized church workplaces (seminaries, religious houses, church management offices, pastoral and counselling specialized centres.
Recommended literature, sample questions - download the list
Admission to Doctoral studies is conditioned by successful completion of a Master's study programme.
