Education

This programme consists of the successful completion, submission and defence of the dissertation. Doctoral students must have completed their Doctoral Programme in Theology before beginning this phase of the doctoral process.

Prior to the public defence of the dissertation and with a view to providing evidence of the capacity to engage in independent theological research, doctoral candidates are obliged, in the context of the Doctoral Programme, to publish separate sections of their research work in the form of at least one international scholarly articles.

The evaluation and the public defence of the dissertation consist of the following steps:
1. Submission of the doctoral dissertation
2. Composition of the Reading Committee
3. Report by the Reading Committee
4. Evaluation by the Reading Committee
5. Appointment of the Jury and preparation of the public defence
6. The public defence

Detailed information can be consulted in the doctoral regulations.

The promotion to Doctor of Theology takes place at the end of the public defence of the dissertation. The newly promoted Doctor is then also presented with the ecclesial diploma of Sacrae Theologiae Doctor (if the requirements for this canonical degree have been met).

Promotions of the current academic year are announced during the Faculty's solemn proclamations and promotions, which follow the second and third ordinary examination periods.

Profile

Candidates for the degree of Doctor in Theology are expected to have broadened and deepened their knowledge in the area of theological scholarly research during the Doctoral Programme in Theology. They have proven their ability to successfully complete and present their dissertation within a reasonable period of time. The dissertation should constitute a personal contribution to theological research.

For specific admission requirements, click on the desired programme in the 'Choose your courses of study' section.

Contact

Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies
Research Secretariat
Sint-Michielsstraat 4 box 3100
3000 LEUVEN, Belgium (first floor, room 01.17)
tel. + 32 16 32 38 73

Useful information for doctoral students of the Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies

Educational quality of the study programme

Educational quality at study programme level

Educational quality at university level

• Consult the documents on educational quality available at university level.

• More information on the educational quality at KU Leuven
• More information on the available documents