Doctoral program of Theology
The Faculties of Theology of the Universities of Basel, Bern and Zurich jointly offer a new doctoral program. Participation is open to doctoral students in theology at any of the three institutes. In the joint program various courses and seminars are offered, awarding ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) points, which are required in the PhD regulations at each Faculty. The offerings aim at deepening specialized, interdisciplinary, methodological and technical competence.
While degrees continue to be conferred by the individual Faculties, the Faculties strive for unity in graduation requirements. A committee formed from members of the three participating universities gives informal direction to and coordinates the doctoral program. The Faculties are responsible for policy implementation and for oversight of individual doctoral candidates at the respective institutes.
The doctoral program of theology includes the following elements:
- An initial interview—ideally this takes place one year before beginning the program (especially if the candidate plans to apply for outside scholarships and grants)—;
- Enrollment for the PhD program in theology at one of the participating universities (the University of Basel, the University of Bern or the University of Zurich);
- Participation in courses and seminars (including seminars related to one's field of research) and, thereby, attainment of the number of ECTS points set by the program;
- The acquisition of specific skills related to the dissertation (i.e. languages, presentation skills, academic writing);
- Further funding in the context of the doctoral program (travel grants, opportunities to initiate special events on topics and methods, etc.);
- The completion of a dissertation, mentored by at least two faculty members, that demonstrates competent independent research (dissertations may be submitted in English, German or French).
For further information: