Catholic Theology (Diploma)

The diploma programme in Catholic Theology offers a theological education as well as an academic preparation for future employment. It specifically addresses people who want to obtain priesthood and other professions in the service of the Church (e.g. academic pastoral assistants). The degree programme also prepares students for future employment as theological professionals in ecclesiastical and non-ecclesiastical institutions, and in academic teaching and research. Thus, the degree programme in Catholic Theology prepares students for professions, tasks and activities that require and strive for a broad and well-founded examination of the Christian revelation, the development of Christian faith and ecclesiastical life in the horizon of the mental, social, cultural and religious frameworks in past and present.

Students have to provide evidence of knowledge in Latin and Greek before they complete their first stage of the degree programme.

Study programme

The diploma programme in Catholic Theology is divided into two stages. The first stage consists of an Introductory and Orientation Period (STEOP) and subsequent basic and advanced courses in the core subjects of Catholic theology (biblical studies, biblical Hebrew, Christian philosophy, church history, etc.) and ends with the first diploma examination.

The second stage consists of advanced courses and aims at improving students’ knowledge. To successfully complete the diploma programme, students have to write a diploma thesis. Following the positive assessment of the diploma thesis, students have to pass a second diploma examination.