Doctoral study requirements and personal study plan for doctoral studies

Studies required for the degree

The licentiate and doctoral degrees include a minimum of 30 ECTS of studies, as well as a licentiate thesis or doctoral dissertation.

The studies are divided as follows:

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

You can find information about the studies in the discipline and study requirements offered by the doctoral programme in the doctoral programme study guide.

Doctoral study plan

The doctoral study plan created in Peppi is a tool for planning your studies. Its purpose is to help you form an overview of your degree, the studies it includes and their schedule.

Create your study plan in Peppi as soon as you begin your doctoral studies. Instructions for using the PSP tool can be found in the Peppi handbook.

Once you have drawn up your study plan in Peppi:

1. Send it to Academic Affairs Specialist Maiju Parviainen for comments.
2. After receiving comments, send your PSP to your principal supervisor for approval.

If you have previously completed a licentiate or doctoral degree

If you have previously completed a licentiate degree in the same discipline or a closely related discipline, or a doctoral degree in a closely related discipline, you are generally not required to complete the 30 ECTS of studies included in the degree.

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.

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 (ReTS) provides transferable skills studies for all doctoral researchers in collaboration with the Library, the Language Centre, Communications and the Research and Innovation Services. The transferable skills studies include courses related to research skills, language and communication skills, research management and career skills. The LUMETO doctoral programme recommends participation in the course Orientation – First 100 Days (1 ECTS), 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.

Compulsory transferable skills studies in the LUMETO doctoral programme

• Supervision Plan, Faculty of Science, Forestry and Technology (0 ECTS)
  • Compulsory for doctoral researchers who have been granted the doctoral study right starting from 1 August 2026
• 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 scientific writing course organised by the University of Eastern Finland

Optional transferable research skills studies in the LUMETO doctoral programme

• Writing research grant proposals LUMET and TT (2 ECTS)
• Transferable research skills studies offered by UEF Researcher Training Services (ReTS)
• The main supervisor or the UEF supervisor responsible for doctoral studies may also accept other studies that promote working life skills (including summer schools and language studies offered by the 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 in the LUMETO doctoral programme

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 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 in the LUMETO doctoral programme

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 with 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 UEF departments and schools 
• Flexible cooperation in doctoral education
• Doctoral courses in Finland
• YUFE courses
• Other studies that support research work (including summer schools and seminars)

Personal study plan for doctoral researchers

The doctoral researcher must prepare a personal study plan in cooperation with the main supervisor. 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 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 the personal study plan. It is recommended to check the personal study plan when the doctoral dissertation is submitted for preliminary examination, at the latest.

Expiry of studies and recognition of prior learning

In the LUMETO doctoral programme, as a rule, courses included in doctoral studies may be no more than 10 years old. 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 UEF Language Centre and the Researcher Training Services (ReTS) do not grant credit transfers for the doctoral courses they organise. The proposal to the department or school 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 application for recognition of prior learning must include a certificate or a copy of an official transcript of records (including the university’s stamp), as well as a course description, including the number of contact hours and independent study hours, for the assessment of the ECTS credits. 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 (requires login).

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.

Degree requirements and degree structure

Your doctoral degree consists of two parts: doctoral studies in accordance with the degree structure and an approved doctoral dissertation.

You complete a total of 30 ECTS of doctoral studies:

• 5–15 ECTS of transferable skills studies
• 15–25 ECTS of studies in the discipline and field of research

You can find more detailed information about the studies and study requirements in the doctoral programme study guide (links opens in new tab).

Doctoral Study Plan

You prepare your doctoral study plan together with your supervisors. The division of your doctoral studies into transferable skills studies and studies in the discipline and field of research is assessed when preparing the plan together with your supervisors, based on your educational background and research plan.

How to proceed:

1. Complete the electronic form within 3 months of being granted your study right.
2. Update your plan during your studies if any changes occur.
3. Update the final doctoral study plan to reflect the studies you have completed, no later than before graduation.

Studies

You can request the recording of study attainments using a Webropol form. The exception is doctoral education courses organised by UEF, which are not covered by this form.

Studies in the discipline and field of research

You compile studies in your own field of research and in supporting disciplines so that they cover the knowledge essential to your research work. The scope and content of these studies depend on your research topic and the goals of your doctoral education, so doctoral study plans may vary between students. However, make sure that the study modules are sufficiently comprehensive.

Transferable skills studies

You can find more information about transferable skills studies in the study guide (link opens in new tab).

Studies offered through collaborative networks

You may also include courses offered by the NorDoc network  in your doctoral degree studies.

For further information about studies and the doctoral study plan, contact your doctoral programme coordinator or the academic affairs specialist responsible for doctoral education in your faculty.

Degree requirements and degree structure

Your doctoral degree consists of two parts: doctoral studies in accordance with the degree structure and an approved doctoral dissertation.

You complete a total of 30 ECTS of doctoral studies:

• 5–10 ECTS of transferable skills studies
• 20–25 ECTS of studies in the discipline and field of research

You can find more detailed information about the studies and study requirements in the doctoral programme study guide (link opens in new tab).

Doctoral Study Plan

You prepare your doctoral study plan together with your supervisors. The division of your doctoral studies into transferable skills studies and studies in the discipline and field of research is assessed when preparing the plan together with your supervisors, based on your educational background and research plan.

How to proceed:

1. Complete the electronic form within 3 months of being granted your study right.
2. Update your plan during your studies if any changes occur.
3. Update the final doctoral study plan to reflect the studies you have completed, no later than before graduation.

Studies

You can request the recording of study attainments using a Webropol form (link opens in new tab). The exception is doctoral education courses organised by UEF, which are not covered by this form.

Studies in the discipline and field of research

You compile studies in your own field of research and in supporting disciplines so that they cover the knowledge essential to your research work. The scope and content of these studies depend on your research topic and the goals of your doctoral education, so doctoral study plans may vary between students. However, make sure that the study modules are sufficiently comprehensive.

Transferable skills studies

You can find more information about transferable skills studies in the study guide (link opens in new tab).

Studies offered through collaborative networks

You may also include courses offered by the NorDoc network in your doctoral degree studies.

For further information about studies and the doctoral study plan, contact your doctoral programme coordinator or the academic affairs specialist responsible for doctoral education in your faculty.

Degree requirements and degree structure

Your doctoral degree consists of two parts: doctoral studies in accordance with the degree structure and an approved doctoral dissertation.

You complete a total of 30 ECTS of doctoral studies:

• 5–10 ECTS of transferable skills studies
• 20–25 ECTS of studies in the discipline and field of research

You can find more detailed information about the studies and study requirements in the doctoral programme study guide (opens in a new tab).

Doctoral Study Plan

You prepare your doctoral study plan together with your supervisors. The division of your doctoral studies into transferable skills studies and studies in the discipline and field of research is assessed when preparing the plan together with your supervisors, based on your educational background and research plan.

How to proceed:

1. Complete the electronic form within 3 months of being granted your study right.
2. Update your plan during your studies if any changes occur.
3. Update the final doctoral study plan to reflect the studies you have completed, no later than before graduation.

Studies

You can request the recording of study attainments using a Webropol form. The exception is doctoral education courses organised by UEF, which are not covered by this form.

Studies in the discipline and field of research

You compile studies in your own field of research and in supporting disciplines so that they cover the knowledge essential to your research work. The scope and content of these studies depend on your research topic and the goals of your doctoral education, so doctoral study plans may vary between students. However, make sure that the study modules are sufficiently comprehensive.

Transferable skills studies

You can find more information about transferable skills studies in the study guide (link opens in new tab).

Studies offered through collaborative networks

You may also include courses offered by the NorDoc network in your doctoral degree studies.

For further information about studies and the doctoral study plan, contact your doctoral programme coordinator or the academic affairs specialist responsible for doctoral education in your faculty.

Degree requirements and degree structure

Your doctoral degree consists of two parts: doctoral studies in accordance with the degree structure and an approved doctoral dissertation.

You complete a total of 30 ECTS of doctoral studies:

• 5–10 ECTS of transferable skills studies
• 20–25 ECTS of studies in the discipline and field of research

You can find more detailed information about the studies and study requirements in the doctoral programme study guide (opens in a new tab).

Doctoral Study Plan

You prepare your doctoral study plan together with your supervisors. The division of your doctoral studies into transferable skills studies and studies in the discipline and field of research is assessed when preparing the plan together with your supervisors, based on your educational background and research plan.

Please note: Check the study guide for the requirements specific to the academic year in which you started your studies, such as compulsory courses.

How to proceed:

1. Complete the electronic form within 3 months of being granted your study right.
2. Update your plan during your studies if any changes occur.
3. Update the final doctoral study plan to reflect the studies you have completed, no later than before graduation.

Studies

You can request the recording of study attainments using a Webropol form. The exception is doctoral education courses organised by UEF, which are not covered by this form.

Studies in the discipline and field of research

You compile studies in your own field of research and in supporting disciplines so that they cover the knowledge essential to your research work. The scope and content of these studies depend on your research topic and the goals of your doctoral education, so doctoral study plans may vary between students. However, make sure that the study modules are sufficiently comprehensive.

Transferable skills studies

You can find more information about transferable skills studies in the study guide (link opens in new tab).

Studies offered through collaborative networks

You may also include courses offered by the Finnish Doctoral Education Network in Nursing Science (link opens in new tab) or the NorDoc network (link opens in new tab) in your doctoral degree studies.

For further information about studies and the doctoral study plan, contact your doctoral programme coordinator or the academic affairs specialist responsible for doctoral education in your faculty.

Requirements for doctoral studies and personal study plan (PSP)

Studies required for the degree
The licentiate and doctoral degrees include a minimum of 30 ECTS credits of studies supporting research work and professional competence, as well as a licentiate thesis and/or doctoral dissertation. The studies supporting research work and professional competence are further divided into 1) studies in the discipline and field of research (20–25 ECTS) and s) transferable skills studies (5–10 ECTS).
You can find more detailed information about the studies in the study guide of doctoral studies.

If you have previously completed a licentiate or doctoral degree
If you have previously completed a licentiate degree in your field of study or a closely related field, or a doctoral degree in a closely related field, you are generally not required to complete the 30 ECTS of doctoral studies included in the degree. However, you may be required to complete supplementary studies if necessary. Supplementary studies are not included in the degree.

Recognition of prior learning for previously or elsewhere completed studies
Studies completed at other universities can be included in the licentiate and doctoral degrees, provided that they are compatible with the objectives of the doctoral programme and have been approved in the personal study plan for doctoral studies at the Faculty of Social Sciences and Business Studies. Studies can be included to the extent permitted by the degree structure. Courses can be substituted if the completed course corresponds to a doctoral programme course in terms of its objectives and content.
A licentiate thesis or doctoral dissertation completed at another university cannot be recognised.

Personal study plan (PSP)
Have a supervision discussion and draw up your personal study plan for your doctoral studies within three months of starting your studies.
• Familiarise yourself with the doctoral programme curriculum.
• Have a supervision discussion with your supervisor/principal supervisor.
• Draw up your PSP in Peppi. (Technical instructions for the Peppi PSP can be found in the Peppi handbook > Student > Student instructions. Login required.)
• Email the academic affairs specialists ([email protected]) and ask them to check your PSP.
• Submit your PSP for approval to your principal supervisor in Peppi.
• Update your PSP as needed during your studies.

Further information
Supervisors
Maija Nyman
Salla Lappalainen