Religion, Culture and Public Life
(PhD, 3 Years) - Joint Programme with the University of Padova, the University of Torino and the Catholic University of Uruguay
Duration
3 years
Qualification Awarded
Doctor of Philosophy
Level of Qualification
Doctorate Degree (3rd Cycle)
Language of Instruction
English
Mode of Study
Full-time
Minimum ECTs Credits
180
Apply Today
Theology (PhD, 3 Years)
| Duration | 3 years |
| Qualification Awarded | Doctor of Religion, Culture and Public Life (ReCuPL) |
| Level of Qualification | Doctorate Degree (3rd Cycle) |
| Language of Instruction | English |
| Mode of Study | Full-time |
| Minimum ECTS Credits | 180 |
Apply Today
Program’s purpose and objectives
The doctoral programme offers interdisciplinary research and training on religious diversity, cultural pluralism, and the inclusion of religious and secular actors in public life. It combines sociology, political science, history, law, and education to develop expertise in managing religious diversity, promoting religious freedom, and fostering cultural awareness. Students are trained in quantitative and qualitative research methods and comparative approaches, covering a wide range of religious and secular traditions globally. The programme emphasizes international collaboration, including seminars, conferences, co-supervision, and at least three months of mobility abroad. It provides policy-oriented training in multiculturalism, inclusion, and cultural/religious pluralism across various sectors, while developing students’ research, critical analysis, and dissemination skills.
Access to Further Studies
Upon graduation, students would have obtained the highest academic title possible.
Admission Requirements and Procedures
The minimum requirement for admission to the doctoral degree programme is a Master’s Degree and a Thesis Proposal. In addition to the above, applicants must also submit:
• Αn application form for admission and enrolment to the programme. The application form requests general information about the applicant, their qualifications and relevant experience.
• Α complete CV specifying all academic and professional activities.
The positions for the Joint PhD Programme will be published in the call for applications of UNIPD on the website https://www.phd-recupl.eu/. A representative from Partner University might be invited to participate in the selection process.
The selection exam will take place in Italy, at the premises of Università degli Studi di Padova (or at a different location selected by the latter). The Selection Committee will be designated by Università degli Studi di Padova in respect to the national rules. Prior to deciding his or her admission to the Joint PhD Programme, the Selection Committee will hold an individual interview with the applicant.
As a consequence of the admission procedures, each student is admitted to the joint doctoral programme in UNIPD as well as in any of the other Partner Universities.
English Language Proficiency
Students satisfy the English requirements if their first degree was taught in English. Otherwise, they would need to present a minimum TOEFL score of 550 paper-based or 213 computer-based, GCSE “O” Level with minimum “C” or IELTS with a score of 6.5.
Assessment comprises attendance of the didactic activities offered in the programme, the writing of the thesis, the presentation of the thesis as a public lecture, and the oral examination (viva).
The student must complete 180 ECTS and all programme requirements.
Intended learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, the students should be able to:
- Develop advanced skills in research design, problem-solving, and project management.
- Apply appropriate research methodologies, formulate researchable problems, and conduct and disseminate research ethically and professionally.
- Critically evaluate theories, interpret findings, and manage research validity, reliability, and potential biases.
- Gain competence in academic dissemination through thesis writing, publications, and conference presentations.
- Demonstrate social responsibility and cultural/religious sensitivity, contributing to understanding and managing religious pluralism and diversity in society.
| Course ID | Course Title | ECTS Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PHRCP-801 | Religion and Law | 6 |
| PHRCP-802 | Cultural Pluralism and Religious Freedom | 6 |
| PHRCP-803 | Methodology of PHD Research / Part 1 | 3 |
| PHRCP-804 | Methodology of PHD Research / Part 2 | 3 |
| PHRCP-805 | Defining Religion. Historical Perspective | 6 |
| PHRCP-806 | Religious Governance and Political System | 6 |
| PHRCP-807 | Thesis Writing I | 30 |
| PHRCP-808 | Thesis Writing II | 30 |
| PHRCP-809 | Thesis Writing III | 30 |
| PHRCP-810 | Thesis Writing IV | 30 |
| PHRCP-811 | Thesis Defence | 30 |
Semester 1
| Course ID | Course Title | ECTS Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PHRCP-801 | Religion and Law | 6 |
| PHRCP-802 | Cultural Pluralism and Religious Freedom | 6 |
| PHRCP-803 | Methodology of PHD Research / Part 1 | 3 |
Semester 2
| Course ID | Course Title | ECTS Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PHRCP-804 | Methodology of PHD Research / Part 2 | 3 |
| PHRCP-805 | Defining Religion. Historical Perspective | 6 |
| PHRCP-806 | Religious Governance and Political System | 6 |
Semester 3
| Course ID | Course Title | ECTS Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PHRCP-807 | Thesis Writing I | 30 |
Semester 4
| Course ID | Course Title | ECTS Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PHRCP-808 | Thesis Writing II | 30 |
Semester 5
| Course ID | Course Title | ECTS Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PHRCP-809 | Thesis Writing III | 30 |
Semester 6
Note: The above semester breakdown is an indicative one. A few of the courses are electives and can be substituted by others. Students may contact their academic advisor and consult their academic pathway found on this website under “Schools & Programmes”.
