The PhD in Biblical Theology at Charles University supports advanced research into biblical texts, traditions, and their theological meaning across the Old and New Testaments. The programme is designed for candidates who already have strong theological training and want to develop a dissertation using scholarly methods in biblical studies.
Programme level: PhD (doctoral research)
Typical duration: 3–4 years (varies by study plan and dissertation progress)
Credits: Doctoral studies are typically structured around study requirements and dissertation work (exact credit allocation may vary by faculty rules)
Delivery format: On-campus research programme
Language of instruction: Often Czech and/or English depending on the supervisor and study plan (confirm with the faculty)
Research scope: Old and New Testament theology, biblical traditions, textual transmission, reception history, and related historical/literary analysis
Application process: Requires prior contact with the relevant guarantor/supervisor for the dissertation topic
Start dates: Typically aligned with the academic year (confirm the next intake with the faculty)
Tuition fees: Check current fee status for your applicant category (fees can vary for international students and funding situations)
Programme Structure
Doctoral study combines supervised research with required academic training. The exact course mix can vary depending on your dissertation topic and the requirements of your department.
Core components
- Dissertation research (main component): independent research under supervision, culminating in a doctoral thesis.
- Research methods and scholarly training: training in biblical studies methods, academic writing, and research planning.
- Language and source work: advanced work with biblical and/or relevant ancient languages when required by the dissertation.
Typical academic focus areas
- Biblical Hebrew and Greek (advanced study as required by the project)
- Old Testament and New Testament interpretation
- Historical and literary approaches in biblical studies
- Theology of biblical traditions and theological themes
- Transmission, reception, and influence of biblical texts
- Contextual studies (e.g., history and archaeology of relevant periods, where appropriate)
Dissertation proposal and thesis
- Dissertation proposal: an outline including topic, field, methods, and aims (typically 2–3 pages).
- Thesis: an original scholarly contribution, produced under the guidance of an approved supervisor.
Academic requirements
Applicants should have a strong academic background in theology or a closely related discipline and be able to demonstrate advanced preparation for doctoral research in biblical studies.
- Certified copy of a completed Master’s degree (or an equivalent qualification).
- Prior theological studies should be clearly described in the application (including coursework and research experience).
- Applicants are expected to be prepared for advanced work with biblical texts; depending on the dissertation, proficiency in biblical languages (e.g., Hebrew and Greek) and/or additional relevant languages may be required.
English requirements
Proof of English proficiency is required if your programme language and prior education do not meet the university’s exemption rules.
- Duolingo English Test: minimum 105
- TOEFL iBT: minimum 85
- IELTS (Academic): minimum 6.5
Other requirements
Supervisor/guarantor contact
- Before applying, contact the appropriate guarantor for the field to discuss your dissertation topic and the language(s) you plan to study in.
- The guarantor will assess whether an appropriate supervisor is available. If possible, applicants should coordinate with the prospective supervisor.
Application documents
- Curriculum vitae with a detailed description of theological studies undertaken so far.
- Certified copy of Master’s degree.
- If possible, a recommendation from a previous academic supervisor or teacher.
- Dissertation proposal outline (typically 2–3 pages) including: topic, field, methods, and research aims.
Note: Specific deadlines and any additional faculty requirements can vary. Confirm the exact intake dates and document format with Charles University’s faculty administering the programme.
Work Permits
After completing your PhD at Charles University, you may be eligible to apply for a post-study residence/work permit in the Czech Republic, subject to meeting the relevant legal requirements at the time of application.
General eligibility (Czech Republic):
- You must have successfully completed your programme and hold the required residence status for study.
- You typically need to apply within the permitted timeframe after graduation and provide evidence of completion (e.g., diploma/successful final assessment).
- Eligibility may depend on whether you can demonstrate sufficient resources and/or a suitable plan for employment or further activities.
Duration:
- The permitted stay/work period after graduation is determined by Czech immigration rules and the type of permit you apply for.
- In some cases, the permit may be granted for a limited period that allows you to seek employment or start work.
Important: Immigration rules can change. For the most accurate guidance, check the latest information from the Czech Ministry of the Interior and Charles University’s international office, and confirm whether your specific PhD completion date affects your application window.
