PhD program

ETF currently has about forty doctoral students from 12 different countries working on a doctoral dissertation.

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.

Detailed information about the doctoral program and the regulations for obtaining a doctorate can be found in the PhD Handbook.