Doctoral Programme in Sport and Health Sciences, autumn 2026

The objective of doctoral education is that the doctoral student can 

1. plan, conduct, and evaluate scientific research using the key methods of their own field in such a way that the research produces new scientific knowledge and promotes national and international discussion in the field, and communicate the results orally and in writing to different target groups; 
2. analyse and evaluate in depth their own field of research and its social significance, also in an international context; 
3. apply and evaluate the key research methods of their own field critically and independently; 
4. describe, analyse and apply theory of science in their own field’s research; 
5. act in accordance with the principles of research ethics and justify the solutions of their research with scientific arguments. 

The specialisations in the Doctoral Programme in Sport and Health Sciences are 

• Sport and Exercise Sciences 
• Health Sciences 

You will choose your specialisation during the application phase. 

In addition to the doctoral dissertation, the doctoral researcher must complete postgraduate studies (40 ECTS) required for the degree according to the valid curriculum: 

• The curriculum 2026–2028 of the Doctoral Programme in Sport and Health Sciences (link will be added by the beginning of March)

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. When studying part-time, the target time for completing the doctoral degree may be longer, and it will be defined upon admission to doctoral studies. 

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 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 Sport and Health Sciences can be found at University of Jyväskylä dissertation requirements from 1.1.2025 page.

The aim of doctoral training at the University of Jyväskylä is to educate professionals in research, competent experts in various fields for the needs of society.

Familiarize yourself with the research conducted at the faculty:

• Read more about the specialisations of the doctoral programme.
• Read more about the research areas of the faculty.