LICENTIATE AND DOCTORAL THESIS DEFENCE

Licentiate examination

The licentiate examination is a state examination in the field of Catholic theology, which is held at the end of the first comprehensive part of the doctoral studies. A full-time doctoral student registers for the subjects of the licentiate examination no later than 18 months in the 3-year course of study and 24 months in the 4-year course of study after the beginning of his/her studies; an external doctoral student registers for the subjects of the licentiate examination no later than 24 months in the 4-year course of study and 30 months in the 5-year course of study after the beginning of his/her studies. Approval to take the licentiate examination is subject to the completion of at least 65 credits.

The licentiate examination consists of two parts - a part in which the doctoral student has to demonstrate theoretical knowledge in the specified subjects of the licentiate examination according to the focus of the licentiate thesis, and a second part consisting of the defence of the licentiate thesis. The defence of the licentiate thesis takes place in the form of a scientific debate between the doctoral student, the opponent, the members of the examination committee and other participants in the defence on the knowledge acquired and the contribution of the licentiate thesis. During the defence of the thesis, the reasonableness and plausibility of the conclusions and proposals contained in the thesis is also examined.

Dissertation examination and doctoral thesis defence

A doctoral student in the field of Catholic theology submits an application for the dissertation examination at the end of the doctoral studies together with an application for the defence of the doctoral thesis. The approval for the dissertation examination is conditional upon the acquisition of credits in the prescribed composition of educational, scientific and pedagogical activities according to the doctoral student's individual study plan, including the completion or recognition of the first comprehensive part of the doctoral studies (licentiate), at least 140 credits in a 3-year full-time or 4-year external course of study (also a 5-year course of study accredited in 2009).

The dissertation examination consists of a part in which the doctoral candidate has to demonstrate theoretical knowledge in the field of Catholic theology according to the focus of the doctoral thesis.

Successful completion of the dissertation examination is a prerequisite for being allowed to defend the doctoral thesis.

The doctoral thesis defence takes place in the form of a scientific debate between the doctoral candidate, the opponents, the members of the examination committee and the other participants in the defence on the knowledge acquired and the contribution of the doctoral thesis. During the doctoral thesis defence, the reasonableness and plausibility of the conclusions and proposals contained in the doctoral thesis are also examined.

The doctoral studies are completed by the successful defence of the doctoral thesis. The defence of the doctoral thesis shall demonstrate the ability and readiness for independent scientific and creative activity in the field of research or development or for independent theoretical and creative artistic activity.