Characteristics of the Program

The doctoral study program Catholic Theology focuses on scientific research and independent creative work in theology. The aim of this study is to improve knowledge, research and development in this academic field and in related areas, to reflect the current challenges of the contemporary world and the newly posed questions in the perspective of dialogue with people of various cultures and value orientation.

 

The Specialization Biblical Theology specifically focuses on deeper insight into Christian revelation based on the biblical books of the Old and New Testaments and other things related to this message; this includes a systematic explanation of the truths of Christian revelation, considering new questions related to them and presenting them to people living in different cultures.

 

Specialization Systematic Theology and Christian Philosophy specifically focuses on the systematic reflection of Christian revelation, its sources and applications in various areas of theology and practice (fundamental theology, dogmatic theology, moral theology, liturgical theology, patrology and Christian philosophy).

 

Specialization Practical Theology specifically focuses on scientific research and independent creative work in the areas of pastoral theology, canon law, church history, catechetics, spiritual theology, ecumenical theology, interreligious dialogue and the study of the Christian East. 

Graduate Profile and job possibilities

The graduate’s knowledge, skills and competences are determined by the qualification framework for doctoral study of Catholic theology as defined by Pope Francis’ Apostolic Constitution Veritatis gaudium (2018) and are subject to review by the Agency for the Evaluation and Promotion of Quality in Ecclesiastical Universities and Faculties (AVEPRO), Rome.

 

The graduate demonstrates his/her abilities and knowledge in the field of theology in three indicators:

1. an understanding of the system of specializations and the research problems at the crossroads of several branches of Catholic theology;
2. the ability to develop and evaluate the concepts, theories and methods of the individual specializations with regard to their own delimitation and their inclusion in the wider field of Catholic theology;
3. the ability to acquire new professional knowledge for their own creative activities in the given specialization and to influence the conditions and contexts of the education of others in the given specialization with an impact on the whole field of Catholic theology in at least one foreign language.

 

As a result, the graduate is able to propose theoretical concepts of research and applications in the given specialization with regard to the requirement of formulating theological synthesis. Thanks to the canonical character of study (qualification framework according to Veritatis gaudium and evaluation AVEPRO) the graduate can find employment in academic, research, administrative or pastoral positions within the whole Catholic Church (usually without the necessity of nostrification). It also gains the ability to participate in basic and applied research in all types of academic institutions and universities in theology and related fields, teach in secondary schools, work in charitative institutions, liturgical commissions, in catechetical formation, in state administration bodies and in non-profit organizations. Graduates can also work in the academic sphere and teach at universities in the Czech Republic and abroad.

Creating study plans

The studies take place according to the Individual study plan (ISP) under the supervision of the supervisor. The ISP is established in cooperation between the student and the supervisor over the entire period of the studies for the particular academic years. ISP has to be approved by the academic board. Changes to the ISP have to be approved by the supervisor and the academic board.

Study Plan

• Study Plan

Study duties

The student is obliged:

1. to obtain 240 credits according to the Individual Study Plan prepared in cooperation with the supervisor and approved by the Subject Area Board,

2. to pass a commissional exam from a foreign language (English, German, French, ev. Italian) or to prove in a different way his/her language skills (obligatory course Foreign Language),

3. to pass a study stay or an internship at a foreign institution (at least one month) or to take part in an international research project whose results are published or presented abroad, or to participate in other form of international cooperation (obligatory course Study Stay Abroad),

4. to prepare 8 topics as a preparation to the state doctoral exam (their topics must not overlap with a theme of dissertation),

5. to prepare and defend a licenciate thesis,

6. to pass a state doctoral exam,

7. to prepare independently a dissertation thesis of at least 120 pages, proving student’s abilities of scientific investigation and presenation of scientific results; a dissertation thesis must contain original and published results or results accepted to publication (along with the Application for a defence of dissertation, or at the latest befor the before the defence, student is obliged to submit published parts of the dissertation or confirmation about the acceptance for publishing),

8. to pass a prediscusion of dissertation (obligatory course Prediscussion of a PhD Thesis),

9. to defend a dissertation.

Requirements for creative work

Obligatory course Academic Writing. The aim of the course is to amplify student’s knowledge and skills in scientific methodology in theology. To pass the course, student is obliged to write and submit a review in a scientific journal. The course must be passed in the first year of the study.

 

Obligatory course Participation in Research Activities. To pass the course, student is obliged to fulfil at least once each of undermentioned obligations: (1) to publish an article in a scientific journal or a chapter in a monograph or a contribution in scientific proceedings; (2) to submit a grant proposal; (3) to present a paper at a conference with international participation. The student fulfils these tasks continuously from the beginning of his/her study, the teacher evaluates the results in the fourth year of study.

Requirements of internships

Obligatory course Study Stay Abroad. To pass the course, student is obliged to pass a study stay or an internship at a foreign institution (at least one month); or (in individual cases) to take part in an international research project whose results are published or presented abroad, or to participate in other form of international cooperation.

Further study requirements

Elective course Participation in Academic Activities. Student takes part in academic activities, e.g. participates in teaching, in pedagogical and research work of the department, in foreing cooperation of the department. The course is usually elected by full-times students.