Target Groups: Doctoral student

Studies Required for the Doctoral Degree

The doctoral studies comprise at least 30 ECTS of studies, including researcher's transferable skills studies (5–10 ECTS) and studies in the discipline and field of research (20–25 ECTS), and a doctoral dissertation. Information about the study requirements and the curriculum can be found in the Peppi study guide.

If a doctoral researcher has previously completed a licentiate degree in his/her current subject or a neighbouring discipline or a doctorate in a neighbouring discipline, the 30 ECTS studies are, in most cases, not required.

Change of the Target Degree or Major Subject

Doctoral researchers can apply for a change of major subject or target degree within the doctoral programme and faculty using a separate form. The application must be accompanied by a new research plan, supervisors' consents and certificates of previous studies. When processing the application, it is checked whether the applicant's background studies are suitable for the new major. The applicant must have completed 30 ECTS credits of studies in the major subject of the doctoral degree or an applicable related subject. Changes to the right to study are granted by decision of the Dean. If a doctoral researcher is granted a completely new right to study, e.g. when the field of study changes, the old right to study is terminated by the same decision. If the organizational unit of the right to study changes within the faculty, this is also recorded in the dean's decision. Apply for a change of the target degree or the major subject within the doctoral programme with this form.

If a doctoral researcher wishes to change faculty, he or she must apply for the right to study again. In that case, the old right to study will be terminated when the new one begins.

A doctoral researcher may only have one valid right to study at the University of Eastern Finland leading to a degree of the same level at a time (Education Regulations, Section 14). A doctoral researcher may renounce the right to study by notifying the university in writing (Education Regulations, Section 15). Further information on the renouncement of the right to study is available on Kamu.

Doctoral studies consist of at least 30 ECTS of studies, including transferable skills studies (5–10 ECTS) and studies in the discipline and field of research (20–25 ECTS). The aim is that full-time doctoral researchers complete the required studies primarily during the first two years and submit their dissertations for preliminary examination within three years of receiving the doctoral study right at University of Eastern Finland.

More information about the courses and course descriptions can be found in UEF Study Guide in Peppi.

Transferable skills studies (5–10 ECTS)

UEF Researcher Training Services provides transferable skills studies for all doctoral researchers in collaboration with the UEF Library and UEF Language Centre. The transferable skills studies include courses related to research skills, language and communication skills, research management and career skills. The LUMETO doctoral programme recommends open science studies and studies that support the writing of funding applications and/or research project management to be included in the personal study plan in addition to the compulsory transferable skills studies. In addition, the transferable skills studies may include other courses that promote working life skills (incl. language and communication studies) available at University of Eastern Finland.

Compulsory transferable skills studies in the LUMETO doctoral programme:

• Research Ethics – Principles and Practices (2 ECTS)
  • Research Ethics (1 ECTS) completed before 1 August 2025 meets the requirements of the compulsory research ethics course
• Copyediting Research Writing (2 ECTS) or a corresponding course in scientific writing

Optional transferable skills studies in the doctoral programme:

• Writing research grant proposals LUMET and TT (2 ECTS)
• Transferable skills studies offered by the UEF Researcher Training Services
• The main supervisor or the UEF supervisor responsible for doctoral studies may also accept other studies that promote working life skills (incl: language and communication studies) available at University of Eastern Finland to be included in the optional transferable skills studies of the doctoral researcher.

Studies in the discipline and field of research (20–25 ECTS)

Studies in the discipline and field of research include courses that support research and are mainly at the level of advanced studies. The main supervisor or the UEF supervisor responsible for doctoral studies assesses the suitability of the courses for doctoral studies. In the LUMETO doctoral programme, courses organised by other faculties and doctoral programmes as well as other studies that support the research work (e.g. summer schools and seminars) may be accepted for studies in the discipline and field of research. In addition, suitable courses organised by other Finnish and foreign higher education institutions or networks (e.g. YUFE) may be included in the studies in the discipline and field of research.

Compulsory studies in the discipline and field of research:

• Compulsory studies in the discipline and field of research include a discipline-specific research seminar (2 ECTS, in Computer Science 1-5 ECTS). The completion of a research seminar typically includes a scientific presentation related to one’s own doctoral research as well as following the presentations of other doctoral researchers in accordance with the requirements of each department/school. Research seminars are organised annually.

Optional studies in the discipline and field of research:

• Participation in international scientific conferences may be included in studies in the discipline and field of research, provided that the doctoral researcher has prepared a poster for the conference or given an oral presentation there. One presentation (poster or oral presentation) can be credited 1 ECTS, and scientific conferences a maximum of 3 ECTS in total.
• Examinations in scientific literature or theory of science and scientific methodology in the field of a doctoral dissertation or licentiate thesis may be accepted for studies in the discipline and field of research. The methods of completion are essay/essays or book exam. The method of completion, the topic and scope of the essay and the book to be included in the exam must be agreed upon with the main supervisor or the UEF supervisor responsible for doctoral studies. A total of 1–5 ECTS can be obtained from the scientific literature or the theory of science and scientific methodology.
• Courses offered by departments and schools
• Doctoral courses in Finland
• YUFE courses

Personal study plan for doctoral researchers

The doctoral researcher must draw up a personal study plan in cooperation with the main supervisor of the dissertation. If the main supervisor is not employed by the University of Eastern Finland, the UEF supervisor is responsible for the study plan and matters related to doctoral studies. If there are several UEF supervisors, it must be agreed which of them is responsible. The doctoral researcher’s personal study plan must follow the study requirements of the doctoral programme. The main supervisor or the UEF supervisor responsible for doctoral studies approves and signs the personal study plan. The personal study plan must be submitted to the contact person of the discipline within three (3) months of the start of the doctoral study right in the doctoral programme. In the LUMETO doctoral programme the personal study plan is prepared using a Webropol form.

As graduation approaches, the eligibility of completed doctoral studies must be reviewed by the contact person of the discipline and the personal study plan must be updated to correspond with the completed courses, if there have been any changes to them. It is recommended to check the personal study plan when the dissertation is submitted for preliminary examination, at the latest.

Recognition of prior learning

The teaching unit at University of Eastern Finland in which a study attainment is completed shall decide on the recognition of prior learning as well as the expiry of previous studies. The decision on the recognition of studies completed elsewhere for doctoral studies is made by the main supervisor or the UEF supervisor responsible for doctoral studies. Credit transfer requires that prior studies or otherwise acquired competence correspond to the learning outcomes set for the doctoral degree and its parts (Education Regulations, Section 38). The UEF Language Centre does not grant credit transfers for the doctoral courses it organizes, similarly, the doctoral dissertation or licentiate thesis cannot be transferred. In addition, courses cannot be transferred from a degree that has given eligibility to apply. Further information on the recognition of prior learning is available on UEF Intra (UEF credentials are needed).

Transitional provisions

A doctoral researcher who has been granted the doctoral study right at the Faculty of Science, Forestry and Technology before 1 August 2023 can complete their degree according to the study requirements of the Doctoral Programme in Environmental Physics, Health and Biology (EPHB), Forests and Forest Bioresources (FORES), and the Doctoral Programme in Science, Technology and Computing (SCITECO) or older doctoral programmes until 31 July 2027 or transfer to complete their degree in accordance with the study requirements of the LUMETO doctoral programme. If the doctoral studies have been completed and the study modules (transferable skills studies and studies in the discipline and field of research) have been compiled and locked in the student and study register before 31 July 2027, they will remain valid even if the degree is still in progress. Study attainments planned for the personal study plan that have not been recorded in the student and study register by 31 July 2023 will no longer be accepted as study attainments if they are no longer acceptable in the study requirements that entered into force on 1 August 2023.

The degree of Doctor of Science (Technology) or Licentiate of Science (Technology) can only be completed in accordance with the study requirements of the LUMETO doctoral programme. The study requirements of the previous doctoral programmes (i.e. EPHB, FORES and SCITECO or older doctoral programmes) cannot be applied to the target degrees in the field of technology.

Changing target degree and major subject

A doctoral researcher can apply for a change of major subject and/or target degree within the Faculty’s doctoral programme using the Webropol form. An application for a change of major subject and/or target degree must be submitted no later than before submitting the doctoral dissertation for preliminary examination, and the application must be accompanied by the consent of the main supervisor or the UEF supervisor responsible for doctoral studies. Any change in the major subject and/or target degree and any change in the Faculty unit (school or department) is confirmed by a Dean’s decision. Changing the major subject and/or target degree replaces the previous right to study and requires that the degree is completed in accordance with the study requirements of the Doctoral Programme in Science, Forestry and Technology (LUMETO).

If a change in the major subject and/or target degree requires a change of faculty, the doctoral researcher must apply for a new right to study in accordance with the application instructions and application deadlines of the doctoral programme in question. A doctoral researcher may only have one valid right to study at the University of Eastern Finland leading to a degree of the same level at a time (Education Regulations, Section 14). A doctoral researcher may renounce the right to study by notifying the university in writing (Education Regulations, Section 15). Further information on the renouncement of the right to study is available on Kamu.

Degree requirements and structure

In order to get the post graduate degree, studies defined in the degree structure (transferable skills studies and studies in the discipline and field of research) and an approved thesis are required. You must obtain altogether 30 ECTS of which

• 5- 15 ECTS Transferable skills studies, and
• 15-25 ECTS Studies in the discipline and field of research

You can find information about the studies and study requirements in the doctoral programme's study guide under the 'Show description' tab.

The balance between transferable skills studies and discipline- and research field-specific studies shall be determined collaboratively by the doctoral researcher and the supervisors during the preparation of the personal study plan. This balance is informed by the researcher’s prior educational background and the research plan. The personal study plan has to be submitted to the Faculty of health Sciences within 3 months from the admission date by electronic form. Please remember to update your personal study plan during your studies if any changes occur. However, the final PSP, which corresponds to your completed studies, must be submitted before graduation.

Studies

All credit registration requests, with the exception of doctoral courses organised by UEF, are registered using the Webropol form.

Following postgraduate courses are recommended for the students of Doctoral Programme in Clinical Research:

• Introduction to Clinical Research, 1 ECTS 
• Basic Course of Clinical Research Practices, 5 ECTS  
• Introduction to Research Ethics Evaluation, 2 ECTS 
• Research Ethics, 1 ECTS

Courses in discipline and field of research

Subject specific and studies in supporting disciplines must cover information relevant for the research project in question. The amount of studies in different fields included in the studies depends on the research topic and the student’s postgraduate study aims. However, the scope of subject-related postgraduate studies must be sufficiently wide.

Courses of the co-operative networks

You can also include courses offered by NorDoc- network in your doctoral studies.

Transferable Skills Studies

More information about researcher's transferable skills courses can be found on the study guide.

Change in target degree, doctoral programme or major

If you need to change the target degree, the doctoral programme, or the major, you can do it by filling in the following forms.

• Form for changing the target degree (docx)
• Form for changing the doctoral programme or the major (docx)

Degree requirements and structure

In order to get the post graduate degree, studies defined in the degree structure (transferable skills studies and studies in the discipline and field of research) and an approved thesis are required.

You must obtain altogether 30 ECTS of which

• 5- 10 ECTS Transferable skills studies, and
• 20-25 ECTS Studies in the discipline and field of research

You can find information about the studies and study requirements in the doctoral programme's study guide under the 'Show description' tab.

The balance between transferable skills studies and discipline- and research field-specific studies shall be determined collaboratively by the doctoral researcher and the supervisors during the preparation of the personal study plan. This balance is informed by the researcher’s prior educational background and the research plan. The personal study plan has to be submitted to the Faculty of Health Sciences within 3 months from the admission date by electronic form. Please remember to update your personal study plan during your studies if any changes occur. However, the final PSP, which corresponds to your completed studies, must be submitted before graduation.

Studies

All credit registration requests, with the exception of doctoral courses organised by UEF, are registered using the Webropol form.

Research Ethics and Practices -course (2 ECTS) is mandatory course for all doctoral researchers who are granted the study right for doctoral studies in the Doctoral Programme in Drug Research on 1.8.2024 or after.

Following post graduate courses are recommended for the students of Doctoral Programme in Drug research:

• Entrance examination (5 ECTS), 4212111, to be completed within six months after granting of the PhD study right
• Defense of the research plan (3 ECTS), 4212112, must be completed by the end of the third year of studies
  • Instructions (word document)
  • Evaluation form for the board members (word document)

Courses in discipline and field of research

Subject specific and studies in supporting disciplines must cover information relevant for the research project in question. The amount of studies in different fields included in the studies depends on the research topic and the student’s postgraduate study aims. However, the scope of subject-related postgraduate studies must be sufficiently wide.

Courses of the co-operative networks

You can also include

• Courses and events of FinPharmaNet
• Courses offered by NorDoc- network

in the doctoral studies.

Transferable Skills Studies

More information about researcher's transferable skills courses can be found in study guide.

Change of target degree, doctoral programme or major

If you need to change the target degree, the doctoral programme, or the major, you can do it by filling in the following forms.

• Form for changing the target degree (docx)
• Form for changing the doctoral programme or the major (docx)

Degree requirements and structure

In order to get the post graduate degree, studies defined in the degree structure (transferable skills studies and studies in the discipline and field of research) and an approved thesis are required.

You must obtain altogether 30 ECTS of which

• 5- 15 ECTS Transferable skills studies, and
• 15-25 ECTS Studies in the discipline and field of research

You can find information about the studies and study requirements in the doctoral programme's study guide under the 'Show description' tab.

The balance of transferable skills courses and discipline and field of research doctoral studies shall be determined jointly by the doctoral researcher and the supervisors at the time when the personal study plan is being prepared and depends on the researcher's educational background and research plan. The personal study plan has to be submitted to the Faculty of Health Sciences within 3 months from the admission date by electronic form. Please remember to update your personal study plan during your studies if any changes occur. However, the final PSP, which corresponds to your completed studies, must be submitted before graduation.

Studies

All credit registration requests, with the exception of doctoral courses organised by UEF, are registered using the Webropol form.

Research Ethics and Practices -course (2 ECTS) is mandatory course for all doctoral researchers who have been granted the study right for doctoral studies in the Doctoral Programme in Molecular Medicine on 1.8.2024 or after.

Courses in discipline and field of research

Subject specific and studies in supporting disciplines must cover information relevant for the research project in question. The amount of studies in different fields included in the studies depends on the research topic and the student’s postgraduate study aims. However, the scope of subject-related postgraduate studies must be sufficiently wide.

Courses of the co-operative networks

You can also include courses offered by NorDoc- network in your doctoral studies.

Transferable Skills Studies

More information about researcher's transferable skills courses can be found from the study guide.

Change of target degree, doctoral programme or major

If you need to change the target degree, the doctoral programme, or the major, you can do it by filling in the following forms.

• Form for changing the target degree (docx)
• Form for changing the doctoral programme or the major (docx)

Degree requirements and structure

In order to get the post graduate degree, studies defined in the degree structure (transferable skills studies and studies in the discipline and field of research) and an approved thesis are required.

• Doctoral researchers who were granted the right to pursue doctoral studies before 1 August 2015 must complete their degree according to either the 2015–2016 curriculum or the curriculum in effect at the time.
• Doctoral researchers who were granted the right to pursue doctoral studies before 1 August 2023 may complete their degree according to the previous 40 ECTS structure or transfer to the current 30 ECTS structure. If a doctoral researcher chooses to transfer to the current 30 ECTS structure, they must complete the compulsory courses included in that structure.
• The degree structure can be changed by updating the personal study plan.

If you  complete your degree according to the structure of 30 ECTS, you must complete your studies as follows:

• 5- 15 ECTS Transferable skills studies, and
• 15-25 ECTS Studies in the discipline and field of research

If you complete your degree according to the structure of 40 ECTS, you must complete studies as follows:

• 5- 15 ECTS Transferable skills studies, and
• 25-35 ECTS Studies in the discipline and field of research

You can find information about the studies and study requirements in the doctoral programme's study guide under the 'Show description' tab.

The balance of transferable skills courses and discipline and field of research doctoral studies shall be determined jointly by the doctoral researcher and the supervisors at the time when the personal study plan is being prepared and depends on the researcher's educational background and research plan. The personal post graduate study plan has to be submitted to the Faculty of Health Sciences within 3 months of the admission date by electronic form. Please remember to update your personal study plan during your studies if any changes occur. However, the final PSP, which corresponds to your completed studies, must be submitted before graduation.

Studies

All credit registration requests, with the exception of doctoral courses organised by UEF, are registered using the Webropol form.

Following courses are obligatory for the students of Doctoral programme in Health sciences:

Transferable skills studies:

• Research Ethics - Principles and Practices (2 ECTS)
• Orientation -  First 100 Days (1 ECTS)

Courses in discipline and field of research

Subject specific and studies in supporting disciplines must cover information relevant for the research project in question. The amount of studies in different fields included in the studies depends on the research topic and the student’s postgraduate study aims. However, the scope of subject-related postgraduate studies must be sufficiently wide.

Courses of the co-operative networks

You can also include

• Courses of Finnish Doctoral Network in Nursing Science (HoVaTo)
• Courses offered by NorDoc- network

Transferable Skills Studies

More information about researcher's transferable skills courses can be found from the study guide.

Change of target degree, doctoral programme or major

If you need to change the target degree, the doctoral programme, or the major, you can do it by filling in the following forms.

• Form for changing the target degree (docx)
• Form for changing the doctoral programme or the major (docx)

Studies required for the doctoral degree
The doctoral studies comprise at least 30 ECTS, of studies in research and professional skills as well as a doctoral dissertation. Information about the study requirements and the curriculum can be found in the Peppi.

If a doctoral researcher has previously completed a licentiate degree in their current subject or a neighbouring discipline or a doctorate in a neighbouring discipline, studies in research and professional skills are, in most cases, not required. If necessary, the they may be expected to complete supplementary studies as specified in the curriculum of the doctoral programme.

Choice and change of the target degree
The degree is chosen by the student either when applying for or during doctoral studies (change of the target degree). It is possible to change the degree; however, at the latest, before submitting a doctoral dissertation for pre-examination.

Apply for change of the target degree with the form available in Kamu: Form for changing the target degree (docx)

Change of the major within a doctoral programme
A doctoral researcher can change their major within a doctoral programme using a separate form. A new research plan, commitments of supervisors and certificates of previous studies must be attached to the application. The new study right will be granted on the decision of the Dean and, under the same decision, the old study right will be revoked.

Apply for change of the doctoral programme or the major with the form available in Kamu: Form for changing the doctoral programme or the major (docx)