University of Helsinki

Postgraduate studies for international students

The primary postgraduate degree in the Faculty of Theology is the Doctor of Theology (DTh) degree. The Faculty of Theology also offers the degrees of Licentiate of Theology (LicTh) and Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil). Optimally, the doctoral degree can be completed in four years of full-time study.

The Doctor of Philosophy degree is meant for students whose Master’s degree was not completed in theology, but who wish to write their doctoral dissertation in theology. Prospective doctoral students must, however, possess an adequate knowledge of the theology discipline in which they wish to write the dissertation.

Postgraduate students become profoundly familiar with their research field and its social significance. The students also acquire, within that field, the ability to apply scientific research methods critically and independently and to contribute to scientific knowledge.

The Doctor of Theology and Doctor of Philosophy degree programmes consist of the dissertation and 60 credits of studies: major subject studies and other studies (minor subject).

The Licentiate of Theology degree programme consists of 60 credits of studies (major subject studies and other studies) and the Licentiate thesis.

The major subject must be chosen from among the following 12 options: Old Testament Studies, New Testament Studies, General Church History, Finnish and Scandinavian Church History, Dogmatics, Ecumenics, Theological Ethics and Social Ethics, Philosophy of Religion, Comparative Religion, Practical Theology, Church and Social Studies, and Religious Education.

The minor subject studies are to be completed in subject or subjects ther than the major subject. The minor subject studies must support the writing of the doctoral thesis.

Postgraduate applicants can be accepted only if a suitable supervisor can be found among the professors of the Faculty.