Students in the third cycle must complete, in agreement with their thesis Director, three bibliographic works which will be evaluated by their respective Department. With the consensus of the Coordinator of Studies, students may substitute these works by attending lectures offered in the License cycle which they have not previously attended. In such a case, it is sufficient to just attend the lessons, although students may take the related exams if they wish. Any student who did not obtain their license from the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross however, must take and pass the related exams. Fifteen ECTS credits must be obtained from these lectures.

To be admitted into the third cycle, students must possess a Specialized License in Theology, have achieved a minimum grade point average of Magna cum laude (8,6/10), and have otherwise obtained the same minimum grade on their License thesis.

If the specialization in which the student obtained their License does not coincide with the specialization they wish to pursue at the Doctorate level, admission will only be granted if the new specialization demonstrates continuity with their License topic. In this case, the student must also follow the lessons designed for the License in their new specialization, which will be indicated by their thesis Director.