Doctoral Regulations of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Lucerne for a Doctorate of Philosophy (Dr. phil.) in Theological Studies - Principle

1. The Faculty of Theology at the University of Lucerne (hereinafter referred to as the Faculty) awards the academic degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Dr. phil.) in Theological Studies based on doctoral achievements or honorarily.

2. The degree of Dr. phil. in Theological Studies recognizes an independent research accomplishment in the form of a dissertation that contributes to the advancement of science. Additional academic achievements required for the doctorate must be completed within the framework of doctoral studies and the final doctoral examination.

3. The doctorate, at the intersection of teaching and research, serves to

a. develop scientific competence, understood as the ability to conduct independent scholarly work,

b. acquire subject-related (disciplinary and interdisciplinary), methodological, and transversal knowledge and skills,

c. facilitate academic socialization and network-building with doctoral candidates and other researchers and professionals in Switzerland and internationally.

1. The Doctoral Committee decides on fundamental issues and regulations concerning the doctorate, as well as individual decisions relating to doctoral studies and the doctoral procedure, insofar as the Dean is not responsible.

2. The Doctoral Committee is composed of the doctoral members of the Faculty Assembly. The Dean shall preside over the committee.

1. Admission to the doctoral program is granted to individuals who are eligible for a doctorate at their home institution, have obtained a Master's degree with at least the overall grade "magna cum laude" or an equivalent qualification, and have received a confirmation of initial supervision for their dissertation from a faculty member of the Theological Faculty.

2. Candidates for the doctoral program are required to enter into a doctoral agreement with their supervisor. This agreement outlines the intended supervisory relationship, any additional requirements and conditions (supplementary studies), as well as the anticipated work and time schedule for the dissertation.

1. In the first two years, within the scope of the objectives of the doctoral program stated in § 1, 60 ECTS credits (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System; hereinafter referred to as "Credits," abbreviated CP) are to be acquired. The required achievements are distributed across the following three areas

a. Proof of specialization is provided by writing a thesis. This aims toward the development of scientific competence, understood as the ability to conduct independent scientific work. In this area, 30 credits are acquired, divided as follows

1. a written thesis, which may include preliminary work for the dissertation, such as a research overview that reflects the current state of research in the dissertation topic area, or a qualitative study within the framework of the research thesis (20 CP)

2. individual enhancement of skills in the doctoral subject such as language skills (10 CP)

b. The acquisition of subject-specific, methodological, and transversal knowledge and skills is facilitated by participating in subject-specific research colloquia, where one's own research work is presented and discussed, by scientific supervision of the research work by the advisor, and — in consultation with the advisor — by participation and independent contributions in teaching. The latter is particularly applicable to assistants. In this area, 20 credits are acquired, divided as follows

1. Participation in four full-day research colloquia of the doctoral subject (12 CP)

2. individual scientific supervision by the advisor (3 CP)

3. participation in teaching activities within the respective professorship or participation in research conferences (5 CP)

c. Scientific socialization and networking with doctoral candidates as well as with other researchers and professionals in Switzerland and internationally are supported through participation in subject-specific conferences and events both domestically and abroad, as well as in events at one's own university. In this area, 10 credits are acquired, divided as follows

1. (Co-)organization of a scientific conference at the professorship or within the faculty, or participation in a national or international conference and writing a conference report (10 CP)

2. The duration of the doctoral study will be extended accordingly if the 60 CP are not achieved within two years.

3. For the further doctoral studies (after the structured phase), the following evidence must be provided (without credits)

a. Completion of the dissertation,

b. Participation in subject-specific research colloquia, scientific supervision of the research work by the advisor,

c. Participation/Contribution in subject-specific or interdisciplinary conferences and events.

1. Admission to the Doctoral Procedure is granted to those who meet the following requirements

a. Completion of at least four semesters of theological doctoral studies,

b. Submission of a dissertation in triplicate and an electronic version,

c. Enrollment throughout the entire duration of the doctoral studies.

2. Those who fulfill the admission requirements submit a request for admission to the doctoral procedure to the faculty (the chairperson of the doctoral committee).

1. The dissertation is an independently written research work in the field of theology that meets scholarly standards. It must not have been published nor wholly or substantially submitted in another doctoral procedure.

2. The dissertation may be written in German, French, Italian, or English.

3. The dean, following a decision by the doctoral committee, commissions two members of the faculty to prepare a primary and secondary review. The secondary review may also be entrusted to a member of another faculty. The doctoral committee decides, upon the request of the two reviewers and potentially considering additional reviews and opinions, on the acceptance and grading of the dissertation.

1. Upon acceptance of the dissertation by the Doctoral Committee, the doctoral candidate will be examined in the following subjects

a. in the subject of the dissertation,

b. in two elective subjects from different areas.

2. The following subjects are available for selection according to paragraph 1b

a. Biblical Area and Islamic Theology: Exegesis of the Old Testament, Exegesis of the New Testament, Judaic Studies, Islamic Theology,

b. Historical Area: Church History of Antiquity and Patristics, Church History of the Middle Ages and Modern Period,

c. Systematic Area: Fundamental Theology, Dogmatics, Theological Ethics,

d. Practical Area: Canon Law/State Church Law, Pastoral Theology, Religious Education/Catechetics, Liturgical Studies,

e. Philosophical Area: Systematic (Theoretical) Philosophy and History of Philosophy, Practical Philosophy.

3. The chosen subjects according to paragraph 1b must be different from the subject of the dissertation.

1. The doctoral examination is conducted by professors or private lecturers. The doctoral committee appoints the examination board, which is chaired by the dean. In case of prevention, the dean may be represented by a professor of the faculty.

2. The duration and conduct of the doctoral examination are described in the guidelines.

3. The course of the examinations is recorded in a protocol.

4. Upon the request of the candidate, the doctoral examination will be conducted publicly.

1. Examinations and written assignments are graded with marks from 6 to 1, using whole, half, or quarter grades.

2. The individual grades correspond to the following evaluations

6: very good

5: good

4: satisfactory

3: unsatisfactory

2: weak

1: very weak

1. A dissertation accepted by the Doctoral Committee enables the candidate to undertake the oral examinations.

2. A dissertation rejected by the Doctoral Committee can be revised and resubmitted within a specified deadline. If the revised version is again deemed inadequate, the dissertation is definitively rejected.

3. In the event of failure, each examination can be retaken once.

4. Doctoral candidates have the right to access their examination records.

5. Upon the successful completion of the doctoral procedure, the title "Dr. phil. in Theological Studies Designate" (abbreviated as Dr. phil. des.) may be used until the completion of the doctorate.

1. If the dissertation is not composed independently in all parts by the doctoral candidate, it will be permanently rejected. If the deception is discovered only after the completion of the doctoral process, the awarded title is to be revoked.

1. The dissertation is to be published within two years after the successful completion of the doctoral examination process. Any deviations of the published version from the submitted manuscript must be approved by the primary reviewer. The number of mandatory copies to be submitted to the faculty is determined by the Doctoral Committee.

2. Dissertations may also be published in electronic form. The file format and data carrier are to comply with the specifications of the Central and University Library of Lucerne.

1. The overall grade of the doctorate is calculated as the average of the examination grade in the doctoral subject weighted twice, the grades of the examinations in the two elective subjects weighted once, and the grade of the dissertation weighted six times.

2. A certificate is issued for the completed doctoral achievements. It is signed by the Dean.

3. After the submission of the mandatory copies of the published dissertation, the promotion to Doctor of Philosophy in theological studies occurs.

4. The faculty issues a doctoral certificate regarding the doctorate, signed by the Dean.

1. The overall grade is awarded with a grade point average of

a. 4.00-4.49 rite (sufficient),

b. 4.50-4.99 cum laude (with success),

c. 5.00-5.49 magna cum laude (with great success),

d. 5.50-6.00 summa cum laude (excellent).

1. The faculty may confer the honorary title of Doctor of Philosophy in Theological Studies to individuals who have distinguished themselves through exceptional scholarly achievements in the field of theology, significant contributions to theological science, or outstanding service in societal and ecclesiastical domains.

2. The conferment is requested by the Dean upon the recommendation of a professor of the faculty. The full faculty assembly decides whether to proceed with the proposal. Conferment occurs by a resolution of the faculty assembly's doctoral members. Both resolutions require a two-thirds majority of the present voting members.

**1. Examination fees, as well as fees for diplomas and final certificates, are governed by the School Fee Regulation.**

1. Appeals against decisions made by the examination board, the dean, the doctoral committee, and other university bodies can be filed with the competent department as an administrative complaint in accordance with the provisions of the University Act and the Administrative Procedure Act.

2. Complaints must be submitted in writing. They must contain a specific request and its justification. The appeal period is 30 days.