Plan your doctoral studies
By selecting a degree programme you are able to see the general content as well as the possible degree programme-specific content. You do not have to select a degree programme to see the Open University's instructions.
Search for degree programme
When you search for a degree programme by name or by part of the name the options in the list of degree programmes below the search field is narrowed down. After this you have to choose the degree programme from the list.
Bachelor's Programmes
Master's and Licentiate's Programmes
Doctoral Programmes
Specialist training programmes
Instructions
Scope and structure of doctoral degrees
A doctoral degree comprises of a doctoral thesis and compulsory studies. Visit this page for information on the degree structure and curriculum of your doctoral programme.
Structure and criteria of doctoral theses
The doctoral dissertation and related research are the most significant and extensive part of a doctoral degree. The University of Helsinki does not measure dissertations in credits, but their scope has been calculated to correspond to approximately 200 credits.
Sisu and doctoral studies
Starting from Monday May 31, 2021, WebOodi has been replaced by a new student information system Sisu. In Sisu you will plan your studies, register for courses, and when the time comes, submit your request for graduation. You can always find the link to Sisu on the navigation pane at the top of this page.
Planning your doctoral studies
The compulsory 40 credits of studies belonging to a doctoral degree are planned in Sisu. The study plan need not be finished at one go: you can update your plan as your doctoral studies progress.
Teaching and course registration for doctoral candidates
Instructions for finding courses suitable for doctoral students and how to sign up for them in Sisu.
Thessa
The University of Helsinki uses the electronic Thessa tool for the planning, supervision and monitoring of doctoral thesis projects. With Thessa, you can plan your research project, track your progress and draw up a supervision plan with your supervisors.
Recognition of prior learning to a doctoral degree
Students can apply for the recognition of prior studies or other learning for their doctoral degree. The level and content of such studies or learning must correspond to the learning outcomes set in the curriculum of your doctoral programme.
Doctoral studies at other Finnish universities (JOO)
Sometimes the topic of a doctoral dissertation or Licentiate thesis requires complementary studies at another university.
Licentiate degree
The University of Helsinki offers doctoral degrees as the primary postgraduate research degree, but postgraduate students can also choose to complete a research-oriented licentiate degree.