Ph.D. in Freemasonry Studies

📌 Program Title

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Freemasonry Studies

🏛️ Institution

Prisca Sapientia Institute
(Switzerland – with an international academic focus)

⏳ Duration and Level

• Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)

• EQF Level: 8

• Total Credits: 60 ECTS

🌐 Language and Delivery Mode

• Language: English

• Mode: Fully online

• Platform: LMS (e.g., Moodle, Zoom)

📚 Educational Objectives

The Ph.D. in Freemasonry Studies is designed to provide a scholarly and interdisciplinary approach to the study of Freemasonry, with academic rigor in historical, philosophical, and sociological dimensions. The program enables students to:

• Explore the origins and evolution of Freemasonry globally

• Analyze Masonic philosophy and symbolic language

• Conduct independent research on Freemasonry-related topics

• Engage in academic discourse across the humanities and social sciences

🧠 Graduate Profile

Graduates of this program will be able to pursue careers as:

• University lecturers and researchers in Masonic studies, history, and comparative religions

• Authors and editors of academic publications on Freemasonry

• Advisors to cultural, archival, or historical institutions

• Independent scholars and speakers in international academic settings

📅 Academic Calendar

• Availability: The program is open for enrollment year-round.

• Start and End Dates: Flexible – candidates may begin at any time upon acceptance.

• Application Process: Rolling admissions.

• Dissertation Defense: Scheduled individually based on the student’s progress

📘 Curriculum Structure

📖 Semester 1 – (15 ECTS)

• HIST 701 – The Origins and Evolution of Freemasonry (3 ECTS)

• PHIL 702 – Masonic Philosophy and Symbolism (3 ECTS)

• RES 710 – Research Methodologies in Freemasonry Studies (3 ECTS)

• Guided Reading and Discussion Forum (3 ECTS)

• Mid-Term Essay and Peer Feedback (3 ECTS)

📖 Semester 2 –  (15 ECTS)

• HIST 720 – Freemasonry in Modern and Contemporary Society (3 ECTS)

• PHIL 721 – Comparative Initiatic Traditions (3 ECTS)

• RES 725 – Archival Research and Textual Analysis (3 ECTS)

• Seminar Presentation and Group Critique (3 ECTS)

• Thesis Project Proposal and Review (3 ECTS)

📖 Semester 3 – (15 ECTS)

• Research Implementation and Fieldwork (6 ECTS)

• Literature Integration and Theoretical Framework (3 ECTS)

• Writing Workshop: Chapters 1–2 (3 ECTS)

• Individual Tutorial and Supervisor Meeting (3 ECTS)

📖 Semester 4 – (15 ECTS)

• Final Dissertation Draft and Peer Review (3 ECTS)

• Thesis Submission and Public Defense (6 ECTS)

• Academic Publishing and Dissemination (3 ECTS)

• Exit Interview and Evaluation (3 ECTS)

🧪 Doctoral Thesis

The doctoral thesis must be an original, scholarly investigation into a subject relevant to Freemasonry Studies. It must be written in English (minimum 40,000 words) and publicly defended before an international academic committee.

📝 Admission Requirements

• Master’s Degree or equivalent (EQF Level 7 or higher)

• Updated Curriculum Vitae

• Motivation letter and research outline (max 2 pages)

• English proficiency (B2 level or higher)

💰 Tuition and Financial Aid

• Tuition Fee: €3,500

• Installment payment available

• Partial scholarships available for qualified applicants

📞 Contact Information

Academic Secretariat – Prisca Sapientia Institute
📧 secretariat@priscasapientia.university
🌐 www.priscasapientia.university
📞 +41 0767966143

📎 Attached Resources

• Ph.D. Regulations (PDF)

• Thesis Guidelines (PDF)

• Research Proposal Template

• FAQ for Applicants

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Freemasonry Studies