As a doctoral researcher, you can develop your research skills through the university’s joint transferable skills studies. The courses are offered in collaboration by UEF Researcher Training Services, the Library and the Language Centre.
The aim of the transferable skills studies is that you:
- gain the skills needed for research planning and project management
- familiarise yourself with the ethical questions related to your research as well as the theory and philosophy of science
- adopt responsible conduct of research in research collaboration and in the age of artificial intelligence
- master both academic and popular science communication
- recognise the impact of your research and become motivated to engage with society
- build leadership and teamwork skills and learn to create rewarding collegial relationships
- identify your specialist expertise and learn to demonstrate your competence in career planning and employment.
Courses and registration
The transferable skills studies include courses in four areas:
- Research planning and project management
- Research ethics and philosophy of science
- Communication and interaction skills
- Workplace skills and expert careers
The courses are typically worth 1–2 ECTS credits. You can find course descriptions and timetables in the study guide in Peppi (link opens in new tab). Instructions for registration can be found in the Peppi Handbook (link opens in new tab) under Registration for course units.
Registration usually closes a few days before the course begins. After this, the teacher admits students to the course and sends further information about practical arrangements.
Transferable skills courses cannot be substituted with other completions.
How you study
The courses are mainly held online, but some may include individual in-person teaching days. Even courses that are fully online are often time-bound and may include online meetings, lectures or workshops.
Studying relies strongly on your own initiative and independence. Many courses include very little lecture-based teaching. Instead, learning materials are available as videos and written resources that you study independently. Most courses also include group work and independent assignments.
Courses are often built on the Moodle platform, and the teacher will send you a link when the course begins. Zoom and Teams may also be used for teaching. Remember to check your UEF email regularly and always log in to online platforms with your UEF user account.
Teaching is in English, with the exception of a few courses taught entirely in Finnish. On most courses, however, you can also complete assignments in Finnish.
For more information about transferable skills studies, contact Merja Lyytikäinen (link opens in new tab).