Doctoral Programme in Medicine, 240 cr

According to the Government Decree on University Degrees (794/2004, amended 1039/2013, §21) the objectives of scientific postgraduate education are that the student

1. becomes thoroughly acquainted with his or her own field of research and its social significance

2. gains the knowledge and skills needed to apply scientific research methods independently and critically and to produce new scientific knowledge within his or her field of research

3. becomes acquainted with the development, basic problems and research methods of his or her field of research

4. gains such knowledge of the general theory of science and of other disciplines relating to his or her own field of research as enables him or her to follow their development

5. achieves sufficient language and communication skills and other abilities to work as an expert or a developer in demanding positions and within international cooperation.

The aim of the doctoral studies is to provide training that prepares doctoral students to successfully work as an academic researcher or teacher as well as in other expert positions in the society and in the field of health.

A doctoral student must acquire in depth knowledge in his/her own field, but also develop a broader view of health sciences in general. Doctoral students should adopt scientific thinking models and good scientific conduct as well as gain versatile research skills.

The fields of study available are biostatistics, epidemiology, gerontology, nursing science, public health, social psychiatry, social and health policy, health economics and occupational health. A doctoral degree can be awarded in all the disciplines. Most PhD students do their dissertation work in one of our research groups. The field of study is determined by the supervisor’s discipline. The employment prospects for graduates in the field of health sciences or medicine have been good.

In the Doctoral Programme in Medicine the student can complete the degree of Doctor of Medical Science or Doctor of Philosophy in the disciplines of the School. Eligible are applicants who hold the Finnish degree of Licentiate in Medicine or a corresponding degree from a corresponding higher education institution abroad.