Doctoral Programme in Mathematics and Science

Doctoral programme of the Faculty of Mathematics and Science

Doctoral Programme in Mathematics and Science is the doctoral education programme of the Faculty of Mathematics and Science. The degrees of Doctor of Philosophy and Doctor of Science (Technology) give graduates excellent prerequisites to work in demanding research and teaching positions, as well as in expert, development and management positions both in Finland and internationally.

The education in the doctoral programme is based on research carried out in numerous valued international research groups of the faculty. Each doctoral student works as part of a research group.

The doctoral programme is led by Professor Maija Nissinen, Vice Dean for Research at the faculty. The steering group of the doctoral programme supports the operational management of the doctoral programme and monitors and promotes the quality, activities, and effectiveness of doctoral education.

Specialisation options

In Biological and Environmental Science, we train experts who understand the diversity of life from the structural and cellular level to individuals, communities, and ecosystems, and who know how to apply this knowledge to solve key challenges facing society.

The education offers the opportunity to focus on topics such as biological nanoscience, evolutionary research, or the sustainable use of natural resources, and to develop in-depth expertise through experimental research, theoretical thinking, and modelling. Doctoral candidates will develop their ability to produce new research data, critically evaluate existing research, and apply methods that meet the needs of a rapidly changing field of science. Basic and applied research go hand in hand.

The degree completed is Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). In addition to the dissertation, 30 ECTS credits of postgraduate studies are required.

Person responsible for the specialisation: Professor Lotta-Riina Sundberg, Vice Head for Research at the Department of Biological and Environmental Science

Doctoral education in Chemistry trains top experts in chemistry who have the skills needed to work in a wide range of chemistry-related positions in all sectors of society. The focus of education is on active learning, interaction, and communality, as well as developing ones' thinking, self-direction, and problem-solving skills.

We educate chemistry professionals who are prepared to promote the development of science and technology and participate in solving both local and global challenges. During the studies, doctoral candidates will expand their knowledge of chemistry, gain in-depth familiarity with the research topic leading to the dissertation, and develop their general working life skills. The topic of dissertation research will be related to one or more of the department's four focus areas: functional molecules and materials, chemical nanoscience, circular economy, and chemistry education research.

The degree completed is Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). In addition to the dissertation, 30 ECTS credits of postgraduate studies are required.

Person responsible for the specialisation: Professor Heikki Tuononen, Vice Head for Research at the Department of Chemistry

Doctoral education in Physics trains top-level international physics experts who have the skills to solve complex challenges in basic research as well as in various areas of technology and society.

During the studies, doctoral candidates will expand their understanding of the basic phenomena of physics, master modern experimental and theoretical research methods, and delve into the forefront of a specific field of physics through the doctoral dissertation. At the same time, the candidates will develop their analytical skills, critical thinking, and communication skills required for demanding expert work. Possible areas for the dissertation research include materials physics and nanoscience, quantum technology, nuclear and accelerator-based physics, particle physics and cosmology, and research into physics education.

The degree completed is Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). In addition to the dissertation, 40 ECTS credits of postgraduate studies are required.

Person responsible for the specialisation: Professor Juha Muhonen, Vice Head for Research at the Department of Physics

In Mathematics, doctoral candidates familiarize themselves with cutting-edge international research as well as the core issues in their own field of research, such as geometry, analysis, or probability theory.

Doctoral education in Mathematics trains top-level research professionals, experts, and versatile specialists to meet the needs of society. Expertise is built through dissertation research, postgraduate studies, and participation in the university and scientific community. In practice, doctoral candidates conduct their research as part of a research group and participate in seminars and international conferences, for example. The main research areas of the department are geometry and analysis, probability theory, and statistics. The ranking of our research in the Shanghai Global Math List is excellent internationally and among the top in Finland and the Nordic countries.

The degree completed is Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). In addition to the dissertation, 40 ECTS credits of postgraduate studies are required.

Person responsible for the specialisation: Professor Mikko Parviainen, Vice Head for Research at the Department of Mathematics and Statistics

In Statistics and Data Science, doctoral candidates familiarize themselves with cutting-edge international research as well as the core issues in their own field of research. Depending on the specific topic, both theoretical and application-oriented research may be included.

Doctoral education in Statistics and Data Science trains top-level research professionals, experts, and versatile specialists to meet the needs of society. Expertise is built through dissertation research, postgraduate studies, and participation in the university and scientific community. In practice, doctoral candidates conduct their research as part of a research group and participate in seminars and international conferences, for example. The main research areas of the department are geometry and analysis, probability theory, and statistics. The ranking of our research in the Shanghai Global Math List is excellent internationally and among the top in Finland and the Nordic countries.

The degree completed is either Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or Doctor of Science (Technology) (D.Sc. (Tech)). In addition to the dissertation, 40 ECTS credits of postgraduate studies are required.

Person responsible for the specialisation: Professor Mikko Parviainen, Vice Head for Research at the Department of Mathematics and Statistics

Doctoral degree consists of postgraduate studies and a doctoral dissertation

Postgraduate studies

Depending on the specialisation, the doctoral degree includes 30-60 ECTS credits of postgraduate studies. The contents, completion methods and learning outcomes of the studies are described in the curriculum of the doctoral programme.

Each doctoral student will create a personal study plan based on the curriculum and their own career goals.

The doctoral degree (the postgraduate studies and the dissertation) can be completed in three to four years when working full-time.

Curriculum of the doctoral programme 2026-2028

Doctoral dissertation

The doctoral dissertation is prepared based on the student's research work and the results obtained. The research is carried out in one of the faculty's research groups, on a topic related to the scope of the research carried out in the group.

If you are interested in applying for doctoral studies, please contact the leader of the research group you are interested in and ask about the possibility of receiving supervision for your doctoral dissertation research.

Dissertation requirements

Research at the Faculty of Mathematics and Science

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Funding

Preparing a funding plan is an essential part of planning doctoral studies. A full-time doctoral student needs funding for their own living expenses and possibly also to cover research costs.

The most common forms of funding are employment as a doctoral researcher and personal grants from foundations.

Please note that doctoral study right does not include funding, but funding must be applied separately. You should discuss the funding options with your intended supervisor.

More information about funding opportunities

Apply for doctoral studies

You can apply for a study right in the Doctoral Programme in Mathematics and Science through an open call twice a year. Read the application instructions carefully and start preparing your application well in advance.

Another option is to apply for an advertised employment relationship as a doctoral researcher. In this case, you apply for the study right after you have been selected for the position as a doctoral researcher.

Apply for the study right: Application instructions

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Education in the application portal database Studyinfo.fi