Plan your studies and research

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.

Prospective doctoral students must draw up their first study plan when applying for admission. However, their plan may later change and become more specific. When beginning your studies, discuss your study plan with your supervisor and, if necessary, supplement it.

There are many ways to complete studies related to the doctoral degree and only a small share of the studies involve traditional course-based teaching.

The University of Helsinki uses the electronic Thessa tool for the planning, supervision and monitoring of doctoral studies. With Thessa, you can plan your dissertation project, track your progress and draw up a supervision plan with your supervisors.

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.

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.

Sometimes the topic of a doctoral dissertation or Licentiate thesis requires complementary studies at another university.

From this page, you will find the faculties' old postgraduate degree requirements. These requirements apply to students who have started their studies prior to August 1st, 2017 and have not yet transferred to the new, doctoral programme -specific degree structures.