Eine Studierende sitzt in der Universitätsbibliothek mit einem Buch an einem Tisch vor einem Bücherregal; vor ihr sind verschwommen zwei weitere Studierende zu sehen.

Doctoral Programme of Catholic Theology

Faculty of Catholic Theology

University degree

Doctor of Theology „Dr. theol.“

Start of studies

Summer term 2025

Duration of study

6 semesters

Teaching language

German

type of study programme

Full-time

About the study programme

The Doctoral Programme of Catholic Theology provides the skills needed to write a high-quality academic paper in a theological discipline. In their doctoral thesis, students will work independently on tackling new academic questions connected with faith and religion in a church, society and practical context. The courses to be attended will give them new insights into the diversity of theological subjects and their research prospects, into the methodology used in individual areas of theological research and into organising, presenting and communicating research projects and findings.

Curriculum

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Qualifications profile and career prospects

The Doctoral Programme of Catholic Theology provides the skills needed to write a high-quality academic paper in a theological discipline, which is demonstrated by the doctoral thesis as a piece of autonomous research work. It also teaches the basic skills required for an academic career in teaching and research and for senior positions in the church and society:

The skill of writing an independent academic paper that helps to expand the boundaries of theological research;
The ability to research relevant sources and documents in accordance with the methodological requirements of the corresponding discipline;
The ability to handle academic literature critically and confidently;
Skills in academic theory and teaching;
Detailed knowledge of the relevant issues and research methods in the topic selected for the doctoral thesis as well as in the elective course(s);
The ability to integrate subject-specific knowledge into the overall theological canon;
The ability to lead interdisciplinary theological debate, taking different subject-specific methods and concepts into account;
The ability to organise and run academic events in consideration of topical issues and problems;
The ability to convey academic knowledge in different educational contexts;
The ability to assume management responsibilities in the church and society that require independent theological thought and work;
The ability to formulate theological viewpoints in social and political discourse and incorporate them into an argument.

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Doctoral programmes

The doctoral programmes at the University of Graz are run as a network of persons with habilitation qualification from the same, similar or completely different subject areas, providing a high-quality, attractive additional qualifications for a limited number of doctoral students, with the aim of furthering scholarly debate and understanding. Participation is voluntary and by application.

Doctoral programmes

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Note on registration

Admission requirements for the doctoral programme at the University of Graz include a relevant degree from a recognized domestic or foreign post-secondary educational institution as well as the fulfilment of the qualitative admission requirements (exposé, letter of motivation, timetable).

Doctoral Academy

Qualifications profile and career prospects
Doctoral programmes
Note on registration

„Expanding my knowledge, exploring unanswered questions further, pushing the boundaries of my subject – this is what the doctoral programme is continuously motivating and inspiring me to do. At the University of Graz, I’m also fortunate enough to receive outstanding supervision and support as I make progress on my research project. “

Anna

Deadlines for application

The submission deadlines for admission applications vary depending on the doctoral programme.

Further information

Questions about Doctoral Programmes?

The Doctoral Academy is happy to help you!

: Personal meetings by appointment only.
: doktorat(at)uni-graz.at
: doctoral-academy.uni-graz.at
: Heinrichstraße 22/2, 8010 Graz

: +43 316 380 - 1212

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