Doctoral Programme in Business, Economics and Finance, autumn 2026

Language of instruction

Finnish

English

Teaching time

Daytime and evening teaching

Weekend teaching

Planned duration

3 years

Form of teaching

Distance teaching

Contact teaching

Independent learning

Education description

The Doctoral Programme in Business, Economics and Finance aims to promote excellence in responsible business, digital business and the economy, and policy-relevant economics. Jyväskylä University School of Business and Economics (JSBE) is an integral part of an internationally renowned research university with a longstanding tradition of advancing high-quality and innovative education with societal impact. JSBE is committed to the continuous development of excellence in research and research-based education in business and economics.

The Doctoral Programme in Business, Economics and Finance consists of two specialisations: 1) Business Studies, and 2) Economics and Finance.

JSBE doctoral graduates

have in-depth understanding of their field of research and its societal significance (GOAL 1)
can independently design and conduct original research (GOAL 2)
have effective and competent written and oral communication skills in their area of expertise and field of research (GOAL 3)
follow ethical guidelines of conducting research (GOAL 4)

In addition to the doctoral dissertation, the doctoral researcher must complete postgraduate studies required for the degree according to the valid curriculum:

The curriculum 2026–2028 of the Doctoral Programme in Business, Economics and Finance (link will be added by the beginning of March)

The specialisation in Business Studies includes 40 ECTS credits of doctoral studies, in addition to the doctoral dissertation.

The specialisation in Economics and Finance includes 50 ECTS credits of doctoral studies, in addition to the doctoral dissertation.

The completion of postgraduate studies and the extent of the dissertation should be designed so that the doctoral degree can be completed in 3–4 years when studying full time. The degree can also be completed on a part-time basis.

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 dissertation can be an article-based dissertation, a monograph, or an essay-based dissertation. The dissertation is subjected to a public examination.

More information about dissertation requirements at the University of Jyväskylä and possible additional instructions of the School of Business and Economics can be found at University of Jyväskylä dissertation requirements from 1.1.2025 page.

Research at JSBE focuses on three focus areas. In line with our strategy, these areas of strength are sustainable business and economy, digital business and economy, and policy-relevant economics and competitiveness of economy.

Application options