Doctoral Programme in Social Sciences (Vaasa campus)

There are two major subjects included in the Doctoral Programme in Social Sciences (Vaasa campus):

• Social Policy
• Developmental Psychology

Special criteria for admission to the Doctoral Programme in Social Sciences (FPV)

The research plan should be written according to the instructions in the individual study plan (ISP). You will find the ISP and further information at Apply for a doctoral study right.

Study plan for the Doctoral Programme in Social Sciences (FPV)

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 which year you plan to complete your degree. The estimated time needed for a doctoral degree (full-time studies) amounts to 3-4 years. If you deviate from this schedule, you must provide an explanation for doing so.

Doctoral studies in the Doctoral Programme in Social Sciences, with a major subject in Social Policy

Doctoral studies in the Doctoral Programme in Social Sciences, with a major subject in Social Policy (40 credits) includes:

• Doctoral studies in social policy (20 credits) (e.g. doctoral studies courses or literature studies)
• Methodology (10 credits)
• Other multidisciplinary studies (10 credits)

Studies that can be included in studies for a doctoral degree:

• Participation in research seminars (5 credits) (at least 2/3 of the seminars and at least three of your own presentations)
• Participation in doctoral courses in social policy (5 credits) (including a concluding report)
• Participation in conferences (5 credits) (at least 3 national or international conferences, including presentations and/or involvement in making conference arrangements as well as a concluding report)
• Teaching (5 credits) (at least 160 hours of teaching and a report)

Doctoral studies in the Doctoral Programme in Social Sciences, with a major subject in Developmental Psychology

Doctoral studies in the Doctoral Programme in Social Sciences, with a major subject in Developmental Psychology (40 credits) includes:

• Research studies in developmental psychology (20 credits)
• Elective studies (20 credits)