Doctoral Programmes

PhD in Historical and Systematic Theology

PhD in Practical, Ecumenical Theology and Theological Ethics

General information

To study a PhD programme at the Protestant Theological Faculty of Charles University is a good choice. The expertise of renowned scholars in their respective fields is multiplied by the individual approach to students. Four doctoral programmes offer students the opportunity to become experts in one of the research areas under the guidance of scholars from Charles University. Study in Prague takes place in an environment of strong international cooperation.

Course of study

The backbone of the studies is the dissertation, a research project on which the doctoral student works under the guidance of his or her supervisor. Upon the end of the studies, the student publicly presents and defends the finished project.

In addition to writing the dissertation, the aim of the doctoral studies is to broaden and deepen the student's knowledge in his or her field of study and to master the techniques of academic work. During the four years of study, the student attends doctoral seminars and other events recommended by his or her supervisor, passes partial examinations (one exam in a second European language other than the mother tongue and three exams in relevant theological disciplines) and the state doctoral examination in the field of the dissertation. The study also includes internship abroad, research and review of relevant literature, participation in academic conferences and publication of articles in professional journals.

Standard length of the study is four years,

carried out as full-time or combined (part-time) study.

The maximum duration of the study is eight years.

Having fulfilled the obligations mentined above and having defended the dissertation, the student receives a PhD degree from Charles University.

The four doctoral programmes

Name of the programme	Guarantor	email
Biblical Theology	Prof.ThDr. Martin Prudký
Historical and Systematic Theology	Prof. Martin Wernisch, Dr.
Practical and Ecumenical Theology, and Theological Ethics	Prof. Ivana Noble, Ph.D.
Philosophy of Religion	Prof. Lenka Karfíková, Dr. theol.

Prerequisities and conditions

The four PhD programmes are open to anyone with 1) a master's degree in theology or a related field, 2) a preliminary dissertation idea agreed upon with a potential supervisor before sending the application, and 3) the ability to successfully complete the project, as shown in the entrance examination.

Tuition fees for students studying in English are 500 € per academic year. General information on tuition fees and scholarship opportunities at the Charles University is available here.

Application procedure

The applicant, with a preliminary dissertation proposal or at least a topic of interest, should contact one of the potential supervisors listed on the websites of the four doctoral programmes. Alternatively, the applicant may contact the guarantor of one of the programmes and request a recommendation for a suitable supervisor. The supervisor's agreement to supervise the application's dissertation is a mandatory part of the application.

Full details of the application procedure are HERE.

The application must include the following attachments:

a brief curriculum vitae of the applicant, focusing primarily on previous education and professional experience (2,000-5,000 characters)
a certified copy of the Master's degree diploma, including a transcript of courses completed (or a statement that these will be submitted by September 30, 2025)
a detailed dissertation proposal (4,000-10,000 characters)
consent of the intended supervisor to supervise the dissertation (the form for the supervisor to complete and sign, which is then provided to the applicant is HERE)
receipt of payment of the application fee (for the payment, please use the generated code as the variable symbol)

On-line APPLICATION HERE

Save the date(s)

The PhD student who have been admitted in June-July 2024 start their studies in October 2024.

Applications for the next academic year (2025/26) are open from November 1, 2024 to April 30, 2025. The entrance examination will take place in June 2025.

Due to the forthcoming amendment to the Higher Education Act, full-time doctoral studies supported by a regular scholarship are now available only to a limited number of the best applicants. Students who are not admitted to full-time studies but meet the requirements for part-time studies may request a transfer to part-time studies within the same admission process.