Evangelische Theologische Faculteit (ETF)

Programme Detail: PhD Program

Language of this entry English (UK, International)
Name of Programme / Training Resource PhD Program
Type of Training Programme with multiple subsidiary courses
Reference Number ETF4
Description The PhD program of ETF brings together in a unique way the following qualities: International research community All PhD students, regardless of their affiliation (external, internal, with or without fellowship, full-time, part-time), become part of our international research community consisting of a diverse corps of residential and non-residential scholars. This makes the program distinctly intercultural and international. The program is distinctively intercultural and international, which is combined with strong interpersonal involvement. Supervision from the outset The doctoral program is divided into two phases. In the examination phase, the student is supervised in formulating a good research proposal and an article, with a view to an (initial) publication. If needed, deficiencies in view of the student’s specialization are eliminated. In the dissertation phase the student writes a dissertation under the guidance of a supervisor. The program culminates in the public defense of the dissertation. Doctoral Colloquium The Doctoral Colloquium, when all professors and PhD students meet, is the annual highlight of the program. It is held during the first full week of September. Students give presentations on their research and receive personal feedback. In addition to PhD defenses, research stimulating activities are organized. Relevance ETF aims to combine academic excellence with relevance for contemporary church and society. This is demonstrated both in the selection of the research projects and in the involvement of our researchers in the global Evangelical movement. A growing number of PhD dissertations from ETF are published in renowned academic series.
Keywords theology religious studies academic relevant international bible evangelical religion education church pastoral ministries research old testament new testament systematic theology historical theology practical theology religious studies missiology europe
Languages Programme Available in Dutch; English (UK, International)
Other Languages
Country and region where programme is available Belgium / Vlaams Brabant
Area of Ministry and Focus Bible Teaching and Training / General Bible; Bible Teaching and Training / Old Testament; Bible Teaching and Training / New Testament; Bible Teaching and Training / Interpretation and Study Methods; Bible Teaching and Training / Theology; Bible Teaching and Training / Ethics; Bible Teaching and Training / Discipling and Training Others; Bible Teaching and Training / Preaching and Communication Skills; Bible Teaching and Training / Biblical Languages; Bible Teaching and Training / Church History
Residential/Non Residential Mixed
Full-time or Part-time Part-time
Level Doctorate
Cost Range US$100,000 or more
Actual Cost Vraag het ons
Bursaries/scholarships available
Actual Length 3-4 years
Average hours of study per week 0
Methods of instruction The doctoral program of ETF consists of two components: an examination phase and a dissertation phase. Examination Phase The examination phase aims to prepare the student for the actual writing of the dissertation by preparing a research proposal and writing a scholarly article on the topic under consideration. To this end, a personal trajectory that may include reading assignments and/or (language) courses is established for the doctoral student in consultation with the supervisor and with the doctoral committee. A doctoral examination marks the transition to the dissertation phase. This exam has the form of an engaged discussion of the student’s research proposal and publishable article with a committee of professors from various departments. Dissertation Phase At the beginning of the dissertation phase, the graduate student is assigned one or more supervisors and possibly co-supervisor(s). During the dissertation phase, the student writes a doctoral dissertation under their supervision measuring up to the highest academic standards. The dissertation can be written in Dutch, English, German or French. The dissertation demonstrates the student’s ability to conduct independent research and to make an original scholarly contribution. The student should conduct his research and write and defense his dissertation within the time span of three (full-time) to six (part-time) years. During the whole program, the student accounts for his/he work twice a year through progress reports. An extensive evaluation takes place at the end of the second year of the dissertation phase. The public defense of the dissertation is conducted in English in front of a jury of internal and external experts. Participation in the annual doctoral colloquium at ETF in Leuven is an essential part of the PhD program. During this week, each doctoral student gives a progress report by means of a presentation of his/her research, which offers the opportunity for extensive feedback from both professors and peers within and beyond the specific field of research. The schedule also provides plenty of time for interaction between doctoral students and their supervisors and workshops are organized for the refinement of research qualities. Most promotions take place during this doctoral week. The ETF is a member of the Netherlands School of Advanced Studies in Theology and Religious Studies (NOSTER). NOSTER draws together research in the field of theology and religious studies within the Dutch speaking area. Under conditions, doctoral students can become junior members of this research school through ETF.
Percentage of time spent in formal learning (e.g. lectures, structured reading, work-books, etc.)
Percentage of time spent on non-formal skill-based learning (e.g. learning on the job and supervised practice, etc.)
Percentage of time spent in informal unstructured learning (e.g. prayer times, teamwork).
Average number of students who take the programme per year (or, if this is a new programme, the number who can be accommodated) 0
Prerequisite Programmes
Other Prerequisites
Qualifications gained
Qualifications this programme is part of PhD Degree in Theology and Religious Studies
Programme Accredited by
Other Accrediting Bodies NVAO