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The objective of the doctoral education is that the doctoral student

1. has thoroughly familiarized themself with their research field and its societal significance, as well as acquired the readiness to independently and critically apply scientific research methods within their field of study and to generate new scientific knowledge;
2. has become well acquainted with the development of their own field, its fundamental issues, and research methods;
3. has attained a general understanding of scientific theory and knowledge of other disciplines related to their field of study, enabling them to follow their development;
4. demonstrates the ability to design and conduct original research independently;
5. has effective and competent written and oral communication skills in their area of expertise and field of research;
6. follows ethical guidelines of conducting research.

The specialisations in the Doctoral Degree Programme in Physical Education and Social Sciences of Sport are:

• Specialisation in Sport Pedagogy
• Specialisation in Social Sciences of Sport
• Specialisation in Sport and Exercise Psychology

In addition to the doctoral dissertation, the doctoral student must complete postgraduate studies required for the degree according to the valid curriculum. The curriculum 2024-2028 of the Doctoral Programme in Physical Education and Social Sciences of Sport can be found at .

A dissertation is a research-based, solid scientific presentation from the doctoral student’s field of study. It represents the student’s ability to independently and critically apply the methods of scientific research and create new scientific information.

A dissertation must meet the following scientific criteria and requirements for learning and competence: A dissertation must:

• include new scientific information and justified results as well as be scientifically convincing
• demonstrate the student’s critical thinking, profound knowledge of the research field, command of scientific research methods and ability to apply them
• be scientifically honest and follow the norms of research integrity.

The extent of a dissertation should be designed so that the doctoral degree can be completed in three to four years when studying full time. When studying part-time, the target time for completing the doctoral degree will be defined in tandem with the admission of the study right for doctoral studies, and in this case the study time may be more than four years.

The aim of doctoral training at the Ä¢¹½Ö±²¥ is to educate professionals in research, competent experts in various fields for the needs of society.

In sport pedagogy, key research themes include the holistic development and well-being of children and youth, (motor) learning, physical activity, physical function, sports participation, applied physical activity, physical education and teaching and teacher training.

In the social sciences of sport, the phenomena and culture of physical activity, sports, and leisure are studied broadly from the perspectives of sports sociology and sports administration and politics. Important research themes include for example, responsibility and sustainability issues in sports and physical activity, leadership and organisations, and equality and non-discrimination.

Sport and exercise psychology examines the social, psychological, and environmental factors behind participation and performance in sports, as well as the well-being factors that result from them. Key research themes include motivation, habits, emotional regulation, mindfulness, self-regulation of behavior, and the development and evaluation of behavior change interventions.

Read more about the research areas of the Faculty and the specialisations.