The Licentiate in Dogmatic Theology is a second-cycle academic program that aims to achieve a comprehensive, profound, and systematic knowledge of Dogmatic Theology. It offers advanced training in dogmatic theology, with an approach that integrates the rigor of tradition with contemporary theological research and reflection. The program is inspired by the famous expression of Bernard of Chartres, gigantium humeris insidentes (“standing on the shoulders of giants”), emphasizing the importance of building theological knowledge on the foundations of the great tradition of the Church, with an openness to the New Evangelization.

Educational Objectives

The Licentiate in Dogmatic Theology aims to provide students with an in-depth, critical, and systematic knowledge of Catholic doctrine, with particular attention to its historical development, its speculative articulation, and its relevance to contemporary theology. The program integrates the rigor of tradition with current academic research, training theologians capable of expounding the Christian faith in a clear, grounded, and dialogical manner.

Through courses, seminars, and personalized research activities, students develop advanced methodological skills for theological analysis and synthesis. Particular emphasis is placed on Trinitarian Theology, Christology, Ecclesiology, and the in-depth study of the fundamental dogmas of faith. The program prepares graduates to work in academic research, theological teaching, and ecumenical dialogue, contributing to the renewal of theological thought and the mission of the Church in contemporary society.

The final dissertation represents a central element of the program, allowing students to specialize in a specific research area, applying the acquired skills to theological reflection and the transmission of faith.

Structure

The two-year program is divided into several areas of in-depth study: 1. Foundations of Theology and Fundamental Theology, 2. Trinitarian Theology and Christology, 3. Creation and Theological Anthropology, 4. Ecclesiology and Ecumenism, 5. Liturgical and Sacramental Theology.¹

The curriculum includes a total of 120 ECTS, divided between core courses, characterizing courses, seminars, integrative activities, the licentiate dissertation, and final exams. Students can choose specific seminars to deepen their area of interest, with a high degree of personalization of the educational path.

Admission Requirements

Access to the Licentiate requires a Bachelor of Theology or the completion of a six-year philosophical-theological program at a Major Seminary or an approved Higher Institute.

Sufficient knowledge of the Italian language and the ability to read academic texts in at least two modern languages (English, French, Spanish, German, or Portuguese) is required. Furthermore, for the comprehension of patristic, medieval, and liturgical texts, it is necessary to demonstrate a basic competence in Latin and Biblical Greek.

Final Exams

The final exam consists of a three-hour written test, which focuses on the fundamental themes of the specialization, and a 30-minute oral test on one’s area of in-depth study.

The Licentiate dissertation, written under the guidance of a professor, is a central element of the evaluation and must be submitted in paper and digital format according to the established deadlines.

The list of topics concerning the final oral exam of the Licentiate in Dogmatic Theology is available at this link.

Application Procedure

• Fill out the contact form by clicking on the button below.
• Prepare the required documents, including:
  • Required qualifications;
  • Letter of presentation from the Bishop (if applicable);
  • Passport photo, copy of passport, and curriculum vitae.
• Upload the documentation in the online admission form.
• Await confirmation and follow the instructions to complete the registration.
• N.B: For non-EU students a student Visa is needed. More details here.

For more information write to info.teologia@upra.org