The Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Lapland is the leading social science research unit in Northern Finland, advancing research in the field, particularly in the Arctic and northern regions. Doctoral graduates have extensive and up-to-date knowledge of both their field of science and the specific topics of their research. The main subject of a Doctor of Social Sciences degree can be management, international relations, tourism research, social policy, social work, sociology or political science.

Additional information

The thematic doctoral programmes at the University of Lapland are currently being updated, and as of 1 January 2021, there will be one thematic, cross-disciplinary programme: The Arctic in a Changing World. New doctoral candidates will be enrolled – based on specifications in the application – either in the thematic programme The Arctic in a Changing World or in the field-specific programme in the Faculty (i.e. general doctoral programme). The courses offered under each field-specific doctoral programme (i.e. general doctoral programme) are determined by the relevant faculty.

A doctor’s degree has the following requirements:

1) Postgraduate studies supporting research or occupational eligibility. The studies encompass basics on research methodology, advanced studies in the major subject and one’s own field of research, and other studies applicable to the study programme. The degree may also include researcher training courses approved by the faculty as well as occupational specialisation studies. More detailed instructions on the extent, contents and completion of the studies are given in the postgraduate study curricula.

2) Doctoral thesis that is approved by the Faculty Council after a public examination. The doctoral thesis may be a continuation of the licentiate thesis or an independent study.

In accordance with the principles defined in more detail in the curriculum and the student’s personal postgraduate study plan (PSP), the studies referred to in paragraph 1 may include studies supporting the research and exceeding the minimum requirements for the master’s degree, studies completed abroad and in national postgraduate study programmes within the relevant field of research, articles and other publications, conference presentations, research based teaching and other scientific activity.

The doctoral thesis is a coherent scientific publication that generates new knowledge and is based on the student’s own independent research. It must demonstrate that the student can utilise scientific research methods and is proficient in the theory and content of the relevant field of research. It must also provide a fresh scientific contribution.

The thesis may be published in print, electronically or both. The thesis can be a uniform manuscript (monograph) or an article thesis.

You can find additional information in the study guide. 

The major subject of a doctorate (DSocSc) in social sciences may be one of the following: management, international relations, tourism research, social politics, social work, sociology or political science. A doctorate (DAdmin) in administrative science may focus on administrative science or public law. The right to pursue a doctorate in philosophy (PhD) may be awarded when the dissertation represents a major subject that is not included in the faculty’s supply of subjects. This can be done in the case of a highly multidisciplinary or interdisciplinary research or if the postgraduate student ’s previous degree focuses on a field so distant that the doctorate cannot be awarded on the basis of the faculty’s disciplines even after supplementary studies.

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More information about our doctoral studies

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