The Faculty of Theology provides doctoral education that prepares doctoral candidates for versatile duties in academic research settings and for demanding expert duties in different sectors of society.
Doctoral graduates from the Faculty of Theology are specialists in their field, capable of working independently, adopting a critical approach, producing new research information, applying their research results and communicating them within and outside the academic community.
Holders of a doctoral degree also know how to network internationally, as well as design and implement projects related to the fields of theology and religion.
A doctoral study right is always applied to from a specific doctoral programme, but the degrees are awarded by the faculties. When applying to a doctoral programme, the applicant chooses a target degree and home faculty based on their academic background and the discipline of the planned doctoral thesis.
A doctoral degree in the field of theology can be completed in the Doctoral Programme in Theology and Religious Studies, as well as in four doctoral programmes coordinated by other faculties (the responsible faculty for each programme is indicated in brackets):
All of the above programmes are part of the University of Helsinki Doctoral School.
It's best to discuss the choice of doctoral programme in advance with the supervisor. Most of the doctoral students at the Faculty of Theology choose the Doctoral Programme in Theology and Religous Studies.
The target degrees that can be completed at the Faculty of Theology are Doctor of Theology and Doctor of Philosophy. Applicants aiming for the Doctor of Theology degree must hold either a Master of Theology degree completed in a Finnish University or a comparable foreign Master’s degree in the field of Theology. Applicants aiming for the Doctor of Philosophy degree can apply with a relevant second-cycle degree other than a Master of Theology or an equivalent degree from a university outside Finland.
More information on applying for a doctoral study right is available in the University's general instructions for doctoral applicants as well as on each doctoral programme's website, where you can find more detailed information on the application process and selection criteria in that particular programme.
The University allocates resources to doctoral programmes for a number of salaried doctoral student positions, but most of the students in the programmes receive funding from other sources or pursue their degree while working elsewhere.
Doctoral Student Services
Faculty of Arts and Faculty of Theology
Email: teol-tohtorikoulutus@helsinki.fi