Research at the Faculty of Education focuses on promoting learning and competence. The faculty’s core research areas are 1) participation, 2) equality and non-discrimination and 3) as a new, emerging area, sustainability in education and schooling. By focusing on these multidisciplinary themes, we solve local, global and societal issues and promote the well-being of individuals and communities. The goal of our research is to generate information and understanding, as well as to promote quality of life by strengthening participation, gender equality and non-discrimination and societal sustainability within education and schooling. Our research combines practical problem-solving with theoretical analysis, creating significant societal impact. The main themes of our research are reflected in the work of all our research groups, even though each group emphasises different aspects of these themes.

Applicants for postgraduate studies must hold a master’s degree or equivalent foreign degree that meets the criteria of the University of Lapland, entitling the holder to pursue corresponding postgraduate studies. In addition, they must have completed advanced studies in the major subject of the doctoral degree or comparable studies. The major subjects in the Doctor of Philosophy (Education) programme include education, adult education, special education or media education. The right to pursue a Doctor of Philosophy degree may also be granted to those whose dissertation falls outside the major subjects mentioned above, for which the Faculty of Education is responsible. In such cases, the research is either multidisciplinary or interdisciplinary in nature, or the student’s previous degree is from such a field that the doctoral degree cannot be granted from the Faculty of Education even after completing complementary studies. Gender studies may be selected as the major subject for the Doctor of Philosophy degree.