DOCTOR S DEGREE IN THEOLOGY FACULTY REGULATIONS FOR THE DOCTORAL EXAMINATION WITH DISSERTATION. Valid as of

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1 KATHOLIEKE UNIVERSITEIT LEUVEN Faculty of Theology DOCTOR S DEGREE IN THEOLOGY FACULTY REGULATIONS FOR THE DOCTORAL EXAMINATION WITH DISSERTATION Valid as of With approval of the Doctoral Committee and the Faculty Bureau approved by the Faculty Council on March 24, 2006 and by the Group Council on May 11, 2006 (art 4.4. adapted by the Faculty Council on February 29, 2008)

2 Part I General Regulations Art. 1 Admission to the Doctoral Programme 1. Admission to the Doctoral Programme in Theology as described in part II of the present regulations is open to applicants who hold the Master of Advanced Studies in Theology and Religion granted by the Faculty of Theology of the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven. Prior to May 25 (August 22) of the year in which they want to be admitted to the Doctoral Programme, candidates are required to submit a concise description of the doctoral project, signed by the promoter, to the Faculty secretariat. During the first and second weeks of June/September the members of the tenured academic personnel of the Research Units are to determine whether the proposed projects exhibit sufficient correspondence with the main research concerns. Particular attention is also to be given to the capacity of the doctorandus/a to study the primary literature required for his/her research in its original language. The coordinator then submits a report of the Research Unit s findings to the Faculty s Doctoral Committee which is established according to article 9.2 of the Regulations. The Doctoral Committee looks at the findings of the Research Units and determines finally if the submitted doctoral descriptions meet with the requirements.the Secretary of the Doctoral Committee retains a copy of the proposed project, signed by the Research Unit s coordinator, the promoter (and, if necessary, co-promoter) and the doctoral candidate, which is preserved in the candidate s file. Moreover the Committee assesses whether candidates for the Doctoral Programme are in compliance with the following two conditions: * They have obtained the Master of Advanced Studies in Theology and Religion at least cum laude. * They have attained a level of 75% for the Research Paper, or for a comparable project presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree examination. The Committee meets to discuss applications within two days of the conclusion of the deliberations following the second and third regular examination periods. The Committee asks the promoter and the correctors of the Research Paper for their recommendations. The Chair of the Doctoral Committee informs candidates in writing of the Committee s decision and the grounds upon which it was made. 2. Candidates who have obtained a secondal cycle diploma in Theology from another Belgian or a non-belgian university may also be admitted to the Doctoral Programme providing they meet the conditions for admission outlined in article 1. Applications are assessed by the Faculty s Doctoral Committee which is constituted according to article 9.2 of the Regulations. The Committee evaluates the content of the various programme items which make up the second-cycle degree obtained by the applicants. Should it become evident that the said programme is not equivalent to that required for the Master of Advanced Studies in Theology and Religion offered by the Faculty of Theology of the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, the candidates in question will not be offered direct access to the Doctoral Programme. The candidates applications are then submitted to the Faculty s Admissions Committee for further assessment. 3. Candidates who are not admitted to the Doctoral Programme and who have obtained the Master of Advanced Studies in Theology and Religion at least cum laude have the possibility to apply again for admission three years later under the condition that he/she has published two articles in IT-journals of which at least one IT1 or IT2 journal (ranking of the Faculty). This condition could be replaced by the publication of a monograph, approved by a reading committee. Art. 2 Doctoral Programme

3 Candidates who have been accepted for the Doctor s Degree in Theology are required to register each year, without exception, for the Doctoral Programme established by the Faculty of Theology. The requirements for the Doctoral Programme are outlined in part II of the Regulations. Art. 3 Membership of a Research Unit 1. Candidates who have been admitted to the Doctoral Programme become full members of the Research Unit in which they intend to undertake their research project (Biblical Studies, Systematic Theology, Theological ethics, History of Church and Theology, Pastoral Theology or the Interdisciplinary Centre for World Religions, Interreligious Dialogue and Religious Studies). 2. As members of a Research Unit, doctoral candidates take part in the meetings to which they are invited. In the course of the Doctoral Programme, candidates are required to give a presentation/lecture on at least two occasions to the members of the Research Unit and its invited guests outlining the status of their doctoral research. Art. 4 Guidance in Preparation of the Doctoral Dissertation 1. The doctoral dissertation is prepared under the guidance of a promoter (and, if necessary, a co-promoter). A tenured member of the academic personnel belonging to one of the Research Units of the Faculty of Theology is to be selected for this function. Members of the tenured academic personnel of the K.U.Leuven with teaching responsibilities in the Faculty may also serve as promoter for dissertations in Theology. On the advice of the Research Unit, the Faculty Bureau can appoint a member of the tenured or extraordinary academic personnel of the K.U.Leuven without teaching responsibilities in the Faculty as well, as members of the academic personnel of other Belgian or non-belgian universities, as promoter of a dissertation, provided an agreement has been reached with the K.U.Leuven in this regard. In such cases, a member of the tenured academic personnel of the relevant Research Unit acts as co-promoter for the respective doctoral research project. If requested by the promoter and pending the advice of the Research Unit, the Faculty Bureau can appoint members of the above mentioned personnel groups as co-promoter. 2. The student s promoter plays a key role during the whole of the Doctoral Programme. The promoter is responsible for the creation of the material and intellectual climate which is necessary for the furtherance of the student s research. The promoter stimulates, supervises, and evaluates the student during the whole of the doctoral process, and his/her final evaluation of the doctorate is of capital importance (translated from Profiel van de goede promotor ; doctoreren/profiel.htm) 3. The Faculty Council has established a numerus clausus with regard to the number of doctoral dissertations which may be directed by a single promoter simultaneously. As a rule, this number should not exceed six dissertations. A promoter wishing to direct more than six dissertations at the same time must submit a request to this effect to the Research Unit concerned which will then advise the Faculty Bureau. 4. Candidates for the Doctor s Degree in Theology are required to consult with their promoter(s) (co-promoter(s)) at least twice per semester to discuss the progress of their research. Prior to May 31 each year, the candidate is to submit a signed progress report to the chair of the Doctoral Committee (max. two pages, on standard form). The progress report of the first, third and later years will be sent to the promoter (and, where appropriate, co-promoter) who will be invited to evaluate the progress of the doctoral research project and to sign it. Two years after starting a doctorate or before the application for or extension of a scholarship or mandate an officially organized discussion concerning the research progress is to be arranged between the members of the supervisory committee (promoter(s), co-promoter(s) and at least two members 3

4 of the tenured staff of the Research Unit) and the doctoral student. In order to organize this discussion, the progress reports are to be placed at the disposal of the coordinators of the Research Units concerned. The members of the tenured academic staff of the Research Units discuss the progress of each doctoral student during the second and the third week of June and report their findings to the Chair of the Doctoral Committee. Should the promoter, the relevant Research Unit or the Doctoral Committee find that the candidate has made insufficient progress in his/her research project, the Doctoral Committee, established according to article 9.2 of the Regulations, is to hold an interim evaluation of the relevant doctoral project. The Chair of the Doctoral Committee invites the promoter (and, if necessary, co-promoter) and the tenured academic staff of the relevant Research Unit to take part in the discussion. After consulting the student concerned, and upon the recommendation of the Doctoral Committee, the Faculty Board can refuse to renew its permission to register for the Doctoral Programme. The Doctoral Committee can also conclude that the progress report is missing. In such instances, the doctoral student is granted a two-week extension to remedy the situation. After two weeks, the Chair of the Doctoral Committee verifies if the students concerned have rectified the situation. A onemonth discontinued payment of their study allowance as of October 1, is the consequence for students who have failed to do so. All financial instances concerned will be notified. Art. 5 Language of the Dissertation Candidates for the degree of Doctor in Theology who are registered in the Doctoral Programme of the Faculty of Theology are free to write their dissertation in English, French or German. On the advice of the Doctoral Committee, the Faculty Bureau can give permission for the dissertation to be written in a language other than the above. Dissertations written in a language other than English must be accompanied by a detailed summary in English which is to be included in the form of an appendix to the dissertation. Art. 6 Evaluation and Public Defense of the Dissertation 1. The academic degree of Doctor in Theology is granted after the public defense of the dissertation. Candidates who fulfill the following requirements are granted permission to defend: * They have been holders of the academic degree of Master of Advanced Studies in Theology and Religion for at least two years or have been granted direct admission by the Faculty to the Doctoral Programme. * They have successfully completed the required Doctoral Programme of the Faculty. * After approval for defense by the reading committee and before the defense takes place, candidates have to send the pdf-file of the doctoral dissertation to LibriDoc for elecronic archiving. 2. With the written permission of the promoter (and, if necessary, the co-promoter), the candidate is to submit an unbound manuscript copy of the completed dissertation to the Bureau of the Faculty with a request to be admitted to the defense. A certificate obtainable from the Secretary of the Doctoral Committee declaring that the candidate has successfully completed the Doctoral Programme must also be submitted at this stage. The length of the dissertation may not be less than 150,000 words and may not exceed 175,000 words (ca 300 pages A4 format). Any deviation from this norm must be supported by the Research Unit and must be approved by the Doctoral Committee beforehand. The format of the dissertation must be in accordance with the Faculty s Guidelines for Papers, Theses, Research Papers, and Dissertations. 3. After the Dean has determined that the candidate has fulfilled all the requirements for admission to the defense and on condition that the Faculty Bureau has a complete copy of the dissertation at its disposal, a Reading Committee is designated by the Faculty Bureau. The promoter of the dissertation and the coordinator of the Research Unit to which the candidate belongs are consulted beforehand. The promoter is to consult the candidate with regard to the members of the Committee. The Reading Committee is designated by the (Vice-)Rector on the proposal of the Faculty. 4

5 No more than two weeks after the submission of the dissertation, the candidate is to submit three to five theses that represent the predominant results of his/her doctoral research. In addition, one or more theses should be formulated that indicate the significance of the dissertation for the other theological disciplines, for the whole of theology, for other sciences or for the church and society at large. The list of theses is to be submitted to the Faculty secretariat which will immediately distribute copies to the members of the Reading Committee. No more than six weeks after the designation of the Reading Committee by the Faculty Bureau, vacation periods excluded, the members of the Reading Committee are to submit a written evaluation of the dissertation and the theses to the Dean. A standard form which will be made available by the faculty secretariat is to be used for this purpose. Vacation times include the Christmas vacation, the January examination period, and the period from the conclusion of the second ordinary examination period to the beginning of the third ordinary examination period. If ever the need arises to deviate from this procedure, due to pressing circumstances, a request for an exception to the rule has to be submitted to and granted by the Faculty Bureau. 4. The evaluations by the members of the Reading Committee are to be submitted within the specified time limits. Upon receipt of the evaluations, the Dean is to call a meeting of the Committee for a deliberation. The candidate is to be consulted before the Committee makes its decision. The Reading Committee s initial evaluation of the dissertation follows a two-step process: 1 Placet (iuxta modum) or non placet nisi corrigatur Placet means that the dissertation has been accepted for defense. Placet iuxta modum means that the dissertation, in principle, has been accepted for the defense, but requires remedial work. In both cases, the Dean receives the candidate, together with the promoter, and provides him/her with a report of the decision of the Reading Committee. In case of placet, the promoter is to provide the candidate, no more than three days later, with a written summary report explaining the Committee's decision. The candidate is free to follow the suggestions of the Reading Committee and to submit the bound copies of the dissertation when ready. In case of placet iuxta modum, the promoter is to provide the candidate, no more than three days later, with a written summary report explaining the Committee's decision and the required modifications. Once the candidate has incorporated the revisions required by the Reading Committee, and having obtained the written permission of the promoter (and, if necessary, the co-promoter), he/she may submit the revised parts of the dissertation to the Dean of the Faculty who will then present it to the Reading Committee. A new meeting of the Reading Committee is only required, if a (new) problem regarding the revised text arises for one or more members of the Reading Committee. As a rule, the members of the Reading Committee express their opinion on the acceptability of the revisions of the dissertation through within the timeframe determined by the Reading Committee at their initial meeting. Non placet nisi corrigatur means that the dissertation will only be accepted for defense on the condition that the candidate completely revises the dissertation according to the requirements of the Reading Committee. In the event of an evaluation non placet nisi corrigatur the following procedure is to be followed. Immediately after the Reading Committee has concluded its deliberations, the Dean is to inform the candidate of its decision. No more than one week later, the promoter is to provide the candidate with a written report offering a detailed presentation of the evaluation of the Reading Committee and outlining their requirements for revision of the dissertation. The candidate is granted a period of maximum six months to make the required revisions to his/her dissertation. 2 Placet or non placet Once the candidate has incorporated the revisions required by the Reading Committee, and having obtained the written permission of the promoter (and, if necessary, the co-promoter), he or she may submit the revised dissertation to the Dean of the Faculty who will then present it to the Reading Committee. As a rule, the Reading Committee is to meet once again, after a period of three weeks, to deliver a definitive statement on the acceptability of the dissertation. The final judgement of the Reading Committee is either placet (accepted) or non placet (not accepted). 5

6 In the event that the dissertation has been given a placet by the Reading Committee, the Dean will immediately inform the candidate of this decision. Should the Reading Committee consider the dissertation to be unacceptable (non placet), the Dean is to set up a meeting with the Reading Committee and the candidate in order to inform the candidate that the dissertation has not been accepted and to justify this decision. 5. As soon as the accepted dissertation is bound, the candidate is to deliver six copies to the Dean, accompanied by a summary (standard format) both in English and in Dutch and a definitive list of attached theses. He/she delivers a pdf-file of his/her doctoral dissertation to LibriDoc for electronic archiving. The submission of the dissertation (both printed and electronic version) counts as the official admission to the public defense. The Reading Committee is thereby appointed as the Board of Examiners, to which the Dean (or his substitute) is added as Chair. The Dean is to notify the Rector of the composition of the Board of Examiners. No less than five working days before the defense, the promoter (and, if necessary, the copromoter) and the correctors receive a final bound copy of the dissertation. Before this date an electronic copy of the dissertation must be delivered to LibriDoc. If these conditions are not met, the public defense will not take place on the date (a working day) marking the end of the required five working days. If this condition is met, the promoter (and, if necessary, the copromoter) and the correctors are to submit their individual evaluation of the dissertation in writing to the Dean no less than two working days before the defense. This numerical evaluation, out of a maximum of twenty points, refers to the dissertation in its definitive form. 6. As a rule, the public defense of the dissertation and the annexed theses takes place in the University s Promotion Hall no more than three weeks after the placet granted by the Reading Committee. Public defenses can take place from the last week of September up to and including the first week of July. The public defense is structured as follows. The candidate begins with a fifteen minute presentation of the most significant results of his/her research. The promoter then follows with a fifteen minute evaluation and laudatio. In the event that a co-promoter has been appointed to assist in the guidance of the candidate s preparation, he or she may arrange with the promoter to offer an evaluation of the dissertation within the allotted time. The three correctors are each allotted fifteen minutes for discussion with the candidate. A brief summary of the dissertation together with the appended theses is to be made available to the public. After the defense, the Board of Examiners withdraws for deliberation. The Board then arrives at a single mutually agreed result, out of a maximum of twenty points, based on the dissertation in its definitive form and the defense. The sum of this consensus result and the individual evaluations of the promoter (and, if necessary, the co-promoter) and the correctors provides a final percentage result. No grades or distinctions are awarded. After hearing the candidate the Board of Examiners decides on the accessibility of the electronically archived dissertation (accessible on the internet or under embargo). If the candidate decides to make his/her dissertation accessible on the internet, the Board of Examiners shall agree with it unless there are proportional reasons to refuse his/her request. If the candidate decides not to publish his/her dissertation, the Board of Examiners will place a temporary embargo on the accessibility of the dissertation for a period of five years. The Chair of the Board of Examiners publicly announces the promotion of the candidate to Doctor in Theology (Ph.D.) in the Promotion Hall. The newly promoted Doctor is then presented with the ecclesial diploma of Sacrae Theologiae Doctor in so far as the requirements for this degree have been met. No more than one month after the promotion, the documents associated with the official degree of Doctor in Theology are presented to the newly promoted Doctor. Promotions are announced on an annual basis during the Faculty s Solemn Proclamations which follow the second and third ordinary examination periods. Art. 7 Publication of the Dissertation 6

7 1. Prior to the public defense of the dissertation and with a view to providing evidence of the capacity to engage in independent theological research, candidates are obliged, in the context of the Doctoral Programme, to publish discrete segments of their research results in the form of one or more scholarly articles. In preparation for publication they are to submit their work to the promoter for his/her approval. Should the promoter consider the submitted article worthy of publication it should then be offered to the editorial board of an academic journal. Where possible, journals which are recognizably associated with the Faculty of Theology of the K.U.Leuven should be given preference. 2. After the candidate has been promoted to Doctor in Theology and with the positive recommendation of the Board of Examiners, the new Doctor is free to submit his/her dissertation for publication. Where possible, series which are recognizably associated with the Faculty of Theology of the K.U.Leuven should be given preference: Annua Nuntia Lovaniensia, Bibliotheca Ephemeridum Theologicarum Lovaniensium, Bibliothèque de la Revue d'histoire ecclésiastique, Louvain Theological and Pastoral Monographs. Segments of the dissertation may also be offered in the form of one or more articles to the editorial board of an academic journal. Once again preference should be given where possible to one of the journals mentioned in point 1. 7

8 Part II Regulations Governing the Doctoral Programme Art. 8 Aims and Descriptions 1. The most important aim of the Doctoral Programme is to expand the knowledge of the doctoral candidates on the level of scholarly theological research. Furthermore, the programme aims to assist candidates in conducting their doctoral research in an efficient way so that they can successfully accomplish their primary task within a reasonable period of time, namely the writing of a dissertation representing their personal contribution to theological research. 2. The Doctoral Programme consists of an interrelated and coherent combination of educational, research and study activities involving a study load of minimum 1500 hours and maximum 1800 hours. This corresponds with a total of 60 study points. distributed over the entire duration of the candidate s doctoral research in preparation for the dissertation. Elements of the Doctoral Programme can be followed at other Belgian or non-belgian universities and institutes for scientific research. Preference should be given where possible to those institutions which, by way of mutual agreement, enjoy special cooperative status with the Faculty of Theology of the K.U.Leuven. 3. The Doctoral Programme consists of obligatory and optional elements which are intended to broaden the candidate s knowledge and experience by way of methodological reflection, systematic guidance, discussion with other programme participants, confrontation with professors from one s own area of research, the presentation of one s research results, international contacts, preparation of publications, supplementary formation in languages and other specialized courses and team work. 4. Candidates for the degree of Doctor in Theology are obliged to participate in the Doctoral Programme. As a rule this implies a residency requirement of two years. In exceptional cases candidates may be granted exemption from the requirement to participate in the Doctoral Programme. In such cases an alternate assignment will be imposed. Candidates who are not granted exemption from the requirement to participate in the Doctoral Programme as a whole, can receive exemption for a maximum of 20 % of the complete Doctoral Programme on the basis of previous educational items regarded by the Doctoral Committee as extremely valuable to the Doctoral Programme. This will be extremely rare with regard to a course from the second cycle or complementary study. 5. Candidates who are registered in the Doctoral Programme and not paid by the FWO-V may request limited financial assistance to cover their programme related costs. This subsidy is intended for activities related to the candidate s participation in the Doctoral Programme. Evidence of the significance of the costs entailed for the Doctoral Programme will be required. The subsidy consists of a maximum of The following costs may be considered eligible for re-imbursement of 750: 1 Travel and registration costs incurred through p articipation in congresses, colloquia or other academic meetings both in Belgium and abroad. Participants are required to submit documentary proof of participation. Attendance at a Summer School or a residential study programme outside Belgium may also be eligible for reimbursement provided the candidate submits documentary evidence of attendance from the institute concerned. Doctoral students who are nationals of one of the member states of the EU may request financial assistance for participation in a congress or residential study programme from the FWO-V (Flemish Fund for Scientific Research) or the Academische Stichting. In every case, 8

9 candidates are required to obtain the written permission of their promoter prior to participation in the aforementioned activities. 2 Translation costs incurred in relation to the pu blication of the candidate s research results in the form of scientific articles. Costs related to the printing of the dissertation. 3 Costs with regard to the purchase of relevant sc ientific literature or photocopy costs essential to the candidate s doctoral research (max. 250). After seeking the advice of the promoter, candidates should submit requests for subsidy together with the required documents, receipts, etc. to Ms. Sara Annaert. Upon request, an additional sum of maximum 750 is available to assist candidates to participate actively in an international conference (lecture/presentation of a paper or a poster). At least two months before the conference is organized, a formal request for reimbursement, signed by the promoter, must be submitted to Ms Sara Annaert. Decisions in regard to the award of the abovementioned subsidies are made by the chair and the secretary of the Faculty s Doctoral Committee. Art. 9 The Faculty s Doctoral Committee 1. The Faculty of Theology has established a Doctoral Committee which is entrusted with the following responsibilities: 1 The Doctoral Committee functions as an admission s committee, dealing with applications for admission to the Doctoral Programme. 2 The Doctoral Committee functions as a teaching c ommittee which deliberates on the overall form of the Doctoral Programme and establishes the regulations which govern its procedures. In the second trimester of the current academic year the Doctoral Committee puts together the programme for the following academic year. The Doctoral Committee monitors the quality of the doctoral programming. 3 The Doctoral Committee functions as Board of Exa miners of the Doctoral Programme. 2. The membership of the Faculty s Doctoral Committee is established as follows: 1 The Vice Dean who also serves as Chair of the Co mmittee; 2 The Academic Secretary who also serves as Secret ary of the Committee; 3 The coordinators of the six Research Units; 4 An ombuds person elected by the doctoral student s from among the tenured academic personnel and the assistant and extraordinary academic personnel with doctorate for a renewable mandate of three years; 5 One representative elected from among the assist ant academic personnel and the extraordinary academic personnel with doctorate. The procedure followed for this election is to be determined by the members of the respective personnel groups. The representative is elected for a renewal mandate of three years; 6 Two representatives elected by the members of th e assistant academic personnel and the extraordinary academic personnel. The procedure followed for this election is to be determined by the members of the respective personnel groups. Those elected must be registered in the Doctoral Programme. The representatives are elected for a renewal mandate of two years; 7 One representative of the doctoral students, reg istered for the Dutch language section of the Doctoral programme, who is not a member of the assistant academic personnel or the extraordinary academic personnel (with exception of the voluntary scientific assistants). The procedure followed for this election is to be determined by the members of the respective student group. The representative of the doctoral students may serve for a renewal mandate of two years; 8 Six representatives of the doctoral students, on e from each Research Unit, registered for the English language section of the Doctoral Programme, who are not members of the assistant academic personnel or the extraordinary academic personnel. The procedure followed for this election is to be determined by the members of the respective student groups. The representatives of the doctoral students may serve for a renewal mandate of two years; 9 The secretary of the Doctoral Committee. 9

10 The nine aforementioned representative of the doctoral students do not participate in the meetings of the Doctoral Committee when these are devoted to applications for admission to the programme, individual study programmes, and applications for financial support from doctoral students. The Doctoral Committee also meets without these representatives in its function as Board of Examiners. 3. The Doctoral Committee is responsible for determining the form and structure of the Doctoral Programme and establishing the regulations which govern the programme as a whole. After consulting the respective promoters, the Committee is charged with approving the individual programmes presented by the doctorandi/ae. The Doctoral Committee supervises the implementation and regular evaluation of the individual programmes and determines whether or not the certificate of completion of the Doctoral Programme is to be awarded. After consulting the respective promoters, the Committee is charged with determining the study value (in hours) of individual courses, research activities/projects, etc. in so far as this has not already been determined by the present regulations (see list below). After consulting the respective promoter, the Doctoral Committee is to decide whether exception can be made to the residency requirements. In exceptional cases the Committee may exempt candidates from the obligation to participate in a part or the whole of the Doctoral Programme. Upon request of those concerned and in its function as Teaching Committee or Board of Examiners, the Doctoral Committee is obliged to hear each promoter and each doctorandus/a. The representatives of the assistant academic personnel and the extraordinary academic personnel as well as the representatives of the doctorandi/ae, each in their capacity as elected representatives to the Faculty Council, may also request to be heard by the Doctoral Committee. A member of the Committee who also serves as a promoter does not take part in discussions relating to the doctorandi/ae under his/her guidance. Art. 10 Doctoral Programme Total study load of at least 1500 hours and no more than 1800 hours. At least once per year, candidates for the doctorate are to submit to the Secretary of the Doctoral Committee a list of classes attended and other completed study activities and projects. The documents should be accompanied by the necessary documentation and certificates. The Secretary is to present the list of the candidate s activities regularly to the Committee for its approval. 10

11 A. COMPULSORY ACTIVITIES Scientific Publication(s), with Supervision 1 At least one publication at international level. A publication with international distribution is: a reviewed contribution (article in a magazine with IT-classification, book, conference proceeding) written in the forum language of the study field and for an international public Valorization: between 150 and 400 hours (to be determined by the Doctoral Committee) or 2 Three articles in a publication with national distribution (magazine or book) Valorization: 60 hours ( words) 90 hours ( words) 130 hours ( words) (to be determined by the Doctoral Committee) Presentation Doctoral Research 3 On at least two occasions during the course of the Doctoral Programme, each doctoral candidate is expected to give a public presentation of his/her research in the form of a lecture followed by discussion Valorization: 50 hours per presentation (max. four presentations) International Scientific Conferences 4 At least once an (active) participation in an international scientific conference Valorization: 10 hours per day for participation; 20 hours per day with a written report; 100 supplementary hours for a lecture/presentation of a paper Doctoral Research Courses, Courses and Seminars with Evaluation (max. four) 5a Each specialism/major organises for the Master of Advanced Studies in Theology and Religion Programme by means of a two-yearly system four research colleges involving students in current research. As a rule, each doctoral student is obliged to follow, during the first year of his/her doctoral training, the two research colleges organised by his/her specialism/major, which were not part of his/her programme during the Master of Advanced Studies in Theology and Religion. In case the doctoral student already took these research courses at an earlier occasion, he/she will follow the research colleges of the following year to meet his/her obligation. As a rule, a doctoral student with direct admission into the Doctoral Programme has to follow the four research colleges organised by his/her specialism/major during the first two years of his/her Doctoral Programme. 5b The doctoral student can in addition to his/her own research project follow a maximum of two extra research colleges from the Master of Advanced Studies in Theology and Religion programme. It will also be possible to follow doctoral courses/seminars at other Research Units and other universities. The Doctoral Committee will decide if the above mentioned courses/seminars meet the required doctoral level and will have to give permission for admission of these courses/seminars into the Doctoral Programme. (26 attendance hours with evaluation; obligatory twice during the programme) Valorization: 130 hours per course/seminar 11

12 Project Description of the Doctoral Project and Progress Reports 6 Before October 10 of the first year of the Doctoral Programme, the doctoral student has to submit at the Faculty secretariat a project description of his/her doctoral project, signed by the student and the promoter, and an electronic version by . As of the second year of the Doctoral Programme, the doctoral student must submit a progress report, signed by the student and the promoter, before October 10. Valorization: project description: 50 hours; each progress report: 20 hours B. OTHER RESEARCH ACTIVITIES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS Supervision of the Doctoral Project 7 Research sessions with the promoter on an individual basis Valorization: 1 contact hour = 1 hour of study load (min. 60 hours, max. 100 hours) Courses Taken from the Second and Third Cycle Programmes 8 Candidates are free to take second and third cycle programme courses or seminars offered by the Faculty which have relevance for their doctoral research. This part of the Doctoral Programme may not exceed 130 hours, unless where it concerns a language course (ancient or modern) (which can in addition also be counted once-only for max. 130 hours). With the approval of the Doctoral Committee, these courses/seminars may be followed at another faculty of the K.U.Leuven or at another Belgian or non-belgian university - Attendance at and successful participation in the examination or an equivalent evaluation of a course in an ancient or modern language (relevant to the candidate s doctoral research) Valorization: 1 attendance hour = 4 hours of study load; max. 130 hours - Attendance at and successful participation in the examination or equivalent evaluation of a specialized course or seminar from the programme of the fifth year (Master s Degree in Theology) which is deemed indispensable for the candidate s research project Valorization: 1 attendance hour = 5 hours of study load; max. 130 hours - Attendance at a specialized course or seminar without examination or an equivalent evaluation, but with proof of participation Valorization: 1 attendance hour = 1 hour of study load; max. 52 hours National Publications (not covered under point 2) 9 Reviews, columns, reports Valorization: hours 10 Editing of a book or a journal with mention of the name of the doctoral candidate Valorization: hours, per block of 25 hours. The candidate s input with respect to overall conception, presentation (introduction and conclusion), editing, and translation may be considered. Publications which involve co-authorship will be appraised on the basis of a careful evaluation of the specific contribution of the doctoral candidate 11 Sole author of a book/monograph Valorization: max. 600 hours (to be determined by the Doctoral Committee) 12

13 Conferences, Workshops, Study Trips and Lectures (with certificate of attendance) 12 Participation in (inter-)university, (inter-)faculty or interdisciplinary workshops or lectures in Belgium or abroad Valorization: 1 hour = 1 hour of study load; max. 6 hours per day for participation (the study load is doubled when a written report is submitted afterwards); 60 supplementary hours for a lecture/presentation of a paper 13 Supervised study trips to Belgian and non-belgian universities and research centres which are relevant to the candidate s doctoral research with a written report Valorization: 8 hours per day (max. 250 hours) 14 Participation in the activities of a scientific research commity in Belgium or abroad Valorization: 8 hours per day for participation (with a written report); 60 supplementary hours for a lecture/presentation of a paper 15 Participation in the meetings of the Research Unit to which the candidate belongs Valorization: 40 hours for participation in the regular departmental meetings during the course of the Doctoral Programme 16 Presentations for student audiences of the first cycle Valorization: 1 contact hour = 25 hours; max. 150 hours Presentations for student audiences of the second and third cycle Valorization: 1 contact hour = 50 hours; max. 150 hours Supervision 17 For the assistant academic personnel and the extraordinary academic personnel (also for other doctoral students, if approved by the Doctoral Committee): Assistance in the supervision of papers and theses of students who work in the same field of study as the doctoral candidate (assistant academic personnel and extraordinary academic personnel); in connection with his/her own doctoral research (for the other doctoral students) (with written report on the specific contribution of the doctoral student) Valorization: 100 hours per thesis (second cycle), hours per paper (first cycle); max. 300 hours Scientific Assistance 18 Scientific assistance in Faculty research units Valorization: report, 50 hours; conducting a seminar, 50 hours; conducting a workshop, 10 hours per day; max. 100 hours 19 Scientific assistance with Faculty colloquia Valorization: report, 50 hours; conducting a seminar, 50 hours; conducting a workshop, 10 hours per day; max. 100 hours 20 Scientific assistance with the publications of members of the Research Unit or the publications of external professors relevant to the research domain of the doctoral student (with written report on the specific nature of the assistance) Valorization: article, 40 hours; book, 150 hours; max. 200 hours. The following criteria are considered in the assessment of the study load: the candidate s input (editing, translation) and the nature of the publication 21 Participation in Continued Educational Programmes Valorization: lecture, 50 hours; max. 100 hours 13

14 Teaching Formation and cooperation in projects involving educational reform 22 Courses/seminars offered by the University in teaching formation for assistants and other doctoral candidates or cooperation in projects involving educational reform Valorization: 1 seminar (or other formation activity) hour = 2 hours of study load; 20 hours per full day of formation activity; max. 100 hours. The contribution to an educational reform project will be assessed by the Doctoral Committee on the basis of a submitted report. 14

15 Protocol as addendum to the Faculty Regulations for the Doctoral Examination with Dissertation, Art. 1 Admission to the Doctoral Programme This protocol aims to clarify the procedure used by the Doctoral Committee for the admission of students to the Doctoral Programme. It strives for (a) transparency with regard to the decisionmaking, (b) on the basis of as much information as possible, (c) with a minimum of administration, and (d) with respect for the measure of freedom assigned to the Doctoral Committee in the Doctoral Regulations. The general minimum requirements, namely, the completion of the second cycle of Theology (minimum five years) with a minimum average of cum laude and the attainment of at least 75 % for the Research Paper, or a comparable project, are necessary but not entirely sufficient conditions for admission. 1. During the examination periods of June and September, and at the latest one week before the admissions meeting of the Doctoral Committee, the Chair of the Doctoral Committee will request that the administrative assistant responsible for the Doctoral Programme forward a general message to all the members of the tenured academic personnel containing the following questions: - Are you as promoter of the opinion that your fifth year student/s, graduating this examination session, is/are capable of completing the Doctoral Programme? - Are you willing to act as promoter for these student/s, should they receive admission to the Doctoral Programme? - Are there any facts/matters which you as promoter wish to bring to the attention of the Doctoral Committee with regard to your fifth year student(s), and/or with regard to students for whom you have acted as corrector, and who are graduating this examination session? - Are you as corrector of the opinion that this fifth year student is capable of completing the Doctoral Programme? Please, motivate your answer. This mail will also mention that if the member of the tenured academic personnel chooses not to respond to this mail, the Doctoral Committee will conclude that the decision with regard to this/these fifth year student/s will be left completely to the Doctoral Committee. In addition the member of the tenured academic personnel will be notified that the Chair, if necessary, will contact him/her for additional information on the afternoon after the deliberation. For this reason the member of the tenured academic personnel will be kindly requested to supply the Chair with a telephone number where he/she can be reached on the Thursday afternoon after the deliberation. 2. The Chair of the Doctoral Committee will contact the promoter and, if necessary, the copromoter and/or correctors with regard to all those cases where discussion is likely to arise (both with regard to the examination results, as with regard to the opinion of the promoter and, if necessary, the co-promoter and/or correctors) before the admissions meeting of the Doctoral Committee takes place. To ensure that there is enough time for these preliminary contacts, the admissions meeting of the Doctoral Committee will take place a day later (on Friday morning instead of on Thursday afternoon after the deliberation). The promoter will be invited to the admissions meeting. This invitation may be issued by the Doctoral Committee, but the promoter may also make a personal request to be present. 3. At the meeting, the Chair will present all the collected and available information for discussion. A secret vote will be organised if, after careful examination of all the information, the candidate is deemed to deviate from the necessary conditions, or if there is discussion regarding the admission of a candidate, or at the simple request of one of the members of the Doctoral Committee. The candidate who receives more than half of the votes cast is admitted. Those entitled to vote are as follows: the Chair and the Secretary of the Doctoral Committee, the five chairs of the research Departments, and the Director of the Interdisciplinary Centre for Religious Studies. For the vote to be valid, at least half plus one of those eligible to vote need to be present. 4. In case of a dispute with regard to the decision of the Doctoral Committee, the candidate can appeal, after consultation with the ombudsperson, to the Faculty Bureau. The Faculty Bureau will also decide by means of a secret vote, after having examined all the information and arguments of the candidate, the promoter (and, if necessary, co-promoter) and the Doctoral Committee. The candidate who receives more than half of the votes cast is admitted. Approved by the Faculty Bureau on March 13, 2006, and by the Faculty Council on March 24,

16 and by the Group Council on May 11, 2006 (art 4.4. adapted by the Faculty Council on February 29, 2008). 16