The PhD degree programme at the Graduate School of Theology and the Study of Religion consists of the following elements:

• Completion of an independent research project under supervision
  A principal supervisor and possibly a co-supervisor is appointed for each PhD student. The principal supervisor/co-supervisor is overall responsible for the PhD student’s degree programme. The Graduate School places great emphasis on ensuring clarity from the outset as regards mutual expectations and division of responsibilities. All supervisors have attended a training course in supervision.
  
  
• Course part
  During the PhD programme, the PhD student must complete course components that correspond to approx. 30 ECTS points. A relevant course programme for the individual PhD student is decided by the PhD student and the principal supervisor in collaboration. Please see the Graduate School’s course programme.
  
  
• Acquisition of experience in teaching activities or other forms of communicating knowledge.
  All PhD students are expected to obtain experience in teaching or knowledge communication. For PhD students enrolled on the 3-year programme (5+3), there will usually be at least two courses of two hours each per week. In addition there will be other types of communication of knowledge, e.g. assistance in carrying out editorial work or organising scholarly conferences. PhD students enrolled on the 4-year dual MA/PhD programme (4+4) may be required to conduct teaching, typically as assistant teachers at part A and one course of two hours per week at part B. In addition there will be other types of communication of knowledge, e.g. assistance in carrying out editorial work or organising scholarly conferences.

• Participation in active research environments, including periods of study at other research institutions, mainly abroad.
  The Graduate School excpects its PhD students to include a study period abroad of shorter or longer duration as an integral part of their degree programme. The study period abroad is decided between the principal supervisor and the PhD student.
  
  
• Preparation of a dissertation based on the PhD project.
  The PhD degree programme ends with the submission of a PhD dissertation, which is assessed by an assessment committee. The dissertation serves as documentation of the author's ability to apply relevant scientific methods and to carry out a scholarly project on a level corresponding to international PhD standards within the specific field.

The Faculty’s physical framework and IT facilities are excellent, and among the research resources available is a well-equipped library. The Graduate School places weight on an active study environment with participation from all enrolled PhD students. Each PhD student is attached to a department and all of the Faculty’s main research areas, seminars, centres and fora are available to the PhD students as part of the Faculty’s scholarly environment.

For a more detailed presentation of the Faculty, its departments, main research areas and seminars, centres and fora, please consult the Faculty’s web site.