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Doctoral studies in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences emphasize the ability to conduct independent research, the ability to carry out and report an extensive research project, and the ability to present and defend one’s research in a public defense. Our society needs new scientific knowledge as well as academically trained experts. Doctoral education prepares the doctoral candidates for expertise in their chosen field of research. In addition, it provides them with the skills of analytic thinking and problem-solving, and develops the communication and information technology skills that are required in the information society.

In the Doctoral Programme of the Department of Social Sciences and Philosophy, you may specialize in Cultural policy, Development studies, Philosophy, Politics, Social work, Social and public policy, or Sociology. You will choose your specialisation when applying to the Doctoral Programme.

To be awarded a doctorate, the doctoral student must complete the required doctoral studies, demonstrate independent and critical thinking in one’s field of research, and write a doctoral dissertation and defend it in public.

The degree consists of a doctoral dissertation and other doctoral studies. The scope of the other doctoral studies is 30 ECTS credits. The curriculum 2024–2028 of the Doctoral Programme of the Department of Social Sciences and Philosophy can be found at .

A dissertation is a comprehensive, research-based scientific presentation in the doctoral candidate’s field of study. It represents the candidate’s ability to independently and critically apply the methods of scientific research and create new scientific knowledge.

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

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

The dissertation can be an article dissertation or a monograph. The dissertation is subjected to a public examination.

More information about dissertation requirements at the Ä¢¹½Ö±²¥ and possible additional instructions of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences can be found at /en/for-students/instructions-for-doctoral-students/dissertation-and-dissertation-research/dissertation-requirements-from-112025.

Read more about research in the Department of Social Sciences and Philosophy: /en/humsoc/yfi/research.