Doctoral Programme in Social Sciences, Business and Economics, and Law

The Doctoral Programme in Social Sciences, Business and Economics, and Law (from 1.1.2025) includes the following major subjects:

Social Sciences

• Economics
• Information Studies
• Political Science
• Political Science with Media and Communication
• Public Leadership  
• Public International Law
• Sociology

Business and Economics

• Accounting
• Business Administration (only PhD)
• Information Systems
• 
  International Marketing
• Organisation and Management

Law

• Law (please see specific eligibility criteria on the bottom of this page)

 

Special criteria for admission

In addition to the general criteria for admission to a doctoral programme at Åbo Akademi University, you are required to possess competences in the intended major subject that are equivalent to a major subject in a Master’s degree.

Research plan

In accordance with the Faculty Board’s decision, the research plan (max total 10.000 characters with spaces; not including references) must include the following:

• Abstract (max. one half A4 sheet)
• Background (theoretical and empirical relevance)
• Aim and objectives of the research
• Research methods and materials as well as risks and ethical considerations
• Implementation (timetable, preliminary plan of financing), research environment and list of references

You will find further information on the application process at Apply for a doctoral study right.

Study plan

The Doctoral degree includes:

• Research studies (40 credits)
• Doctoral dissertation (thesis)

If you choose to complete your Licentiate degree, this includes:

• Research studies (40 credits)
• Licentiate thesis

A Doctoral degree taken after a Licentiate degree only includes a Doctoral dissertation (thesis).

In the individual study plan (ISP), you must state the year in which you plan to complete your degree. The average length of time needed for full-time studies is estimated to 3-4 years. If you deviate from this schedule, you must provide an explanation for doing so.

Research studies (40 credits)

The research studies within the Doctoral Programme in Social Sciences, Business and Economics, and Law (40 credits) should support the dissertation work. The doctoral researcher plans their studies together with their supervisors and/or head of subject. The studies may be completed at Åbo Akademi University or at another university.

The structure (40 credits) as of August 1, 2025, is as follows:

25–30 credits in the major subject, which may include:

• Courses in the major subject
• Teaching within the subject
• Conference participation (maximum 5 ECTS, requires that the doctoral researcher contributes with their own presentation/paper)

10–15 credits in transferrable skills and other studies, such as

• Research Ethics, Higher Education Pedagogy, Philosophy of Science, etc.
• Language studies may be included if they are relevant to the dissertation work

 

Specific requirements of eligibility for the major subject Law

• Master of Laws degree (juris magisterexamen) or an equivalent international higher university degree within Law
• those who have completed a Bachelor of Social Sciences and a Master of Social Sciences in a jurisprudential major subject at Åbo Akademi University, are eligible for the major subject in Law to take a degree of Doctor of Laws (LLD). No supplementary studies are required.
• those who have completed a Master of Social Sciences within the Master’s Degree Programme in International Law and Human Rights, are eligible for the major subject in Law to take a degree of Doctor of Laws (LLD). Supplementary studies can be required.
• those who don’t have a Master of Laws degree or the above-mentioned degrees of Bachelor of Social Sciences and/or Master of Social Sciences, can be admitted on weighty reasons. A study right can be granted on the basis of a Master’s degree in another discipline or an appropriate vocational higher education degree, provided that the applicant, after separate evaluation, is assessed to have the knowledge and proficiency required for doctoral studies in Law.  Supplementary studies can be required; the supplementary studies are always decided case by case.

Doctoral researchers, who prior to 1.8.2023 have been admitted to the Doctoral Programme in Social Sciences with a jurisprudential major subject, have the right to apply for a transfer to the major subject Law. Application is made by submitting an updated individual study plan to Research Services. The permission for the change is granted through a Dean’s decision.