Doctoral Programme in Humanities and Social Sciences, autumn 2026

Language of instruction

Finnish

English

Teaching time

Daytime and evening teaching

Irrespective of time

Planned duration

4 years

Form of teaching

Contact teaching

Blended teaching

Independent learning

Education description

Doctoral studies in the humanities and social sciences stress the ability to conduct research independently, the ability to complete and report an extensive research project, and the ability to present and defend the research in a public examination. Doctoral education provides expertise not only in one's own field of research but also in analytic thinking and problem-solving, and develops the communication and digital skills needed in the information society.

After completing a doctoral degree in the fields of humanities or social sciences, the doctoral student

has mastered research skills:

knows the research that is central to their topic and can relate their own research problem and the results of their research to it
is familiar with the relevant theoretical and methodological issues in their field of research
is able to apply what they have learned and create new scientific knowledge
can act responsibly, ethically and in accordance with good scientific practice
is able to engage in deep critical and analytical thinking and the creative problem solving and decision making that go with it

has mastered scientific communication and interaction

has the ability to carry out independent research and perform demanding expert tasks

In addition, depending on the content of the courses or study units they select, for example, the student

has good networking and collaboration skills and is able to work in a variety of working environments, such as research projects
is able to articulate the contribution of their knowledge to society and contribute to the societal impact of their research

In the Doctoral Programme in Humanities and Social Sciences, you can choose one of the specialisations:

History, Ethnology and Cultural Anthropology (degree pursued PhD)
Language Studies and Communication Studies (degree pursued PhD)
Music, Arts, and Culture Studies (degree pursued PhD)
Social Sciences and Philosophy (degree pursued PhD or DsocSc)

You will choose your specialisation during the application phase.

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 other doctoral studies is 30 ECTS credits. The Doctoral Programme in Humanities and Social Sciences curriculum 2026–2028 can be found on University of Jyväskylä's Study Guide.

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 University of Jyväskylä and possible additional instructions of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences can be found at University of Jyväskylä dissertation requirements from 1.1.2025 page.

Application options