The aim of this doctoral programme is to prepare students for operations in the specialised fields of information and interactive media research. Research in Information studies focuses on the ways in which information is acquired, managed and used under different circumstances, and the organisation, mediation and storage of information. Studies develop concepts, methods and systems that enable information to be easily accessible and understandable to those who need it. The key research areas are information retrieval, information and media practices, and information and records management. The key areas of research in interactive media are the analysis of media change and its possibilities, the questions of new media design and implementation, the cultures of use, and interactive media as part of society. Internet research, game studies, research into an open information society and questions on the research and design of social media services are also priorities in the field of interactive media. Postgraduate studies are becoming more in demand as the information and media professions and research and development continue to evolve.

The doctoral education is supported by domestically and internationally recognised high standards research carried out in the TRIM research centre. The doctoral programme enjoys a close connection with the the research projects carried out in the research groups of the TRIM research centre. Research evaluations have repeatedly assessed the level of research in information studies at the University of Tampere as very high and internationally visible.

The doctoral programme in information studies and interactive media provides an ability to study, analyse and design various aspects of new  information and communication technologies,; the programme is closely linked with the research on the human-technology interaction as outlined in the University's strategy. It also clearly connects with the University's strategic outlines on researching important and topical social phenomena, and supporting pioneering and multidisciplinary approaches in research.

Learning Outcomes

According to the Government Decree on University Degrees (794/2004, amended 1039/2013, §21) the objectives of scientific postgraduate education are that the student

1. Becomes thoroughly acquainted with her/his own field of research and its social significance

2. Gains the knowledge and skills needed to apply scientific research methods independently and critically and to produce new scientific knowledge within her/his field of research

3. Becomes acquainted with the development, basic problems and research methods of her/his field of research

4. Gains such knowledge of the general theory of science and of other disciplines relating to her/his own field of research as enables her/him to follow developments in them

5. Achieves sufficient communication and language skills and other abilities to work as an expert or a developer in demanding jobs and in international cooperation.

Study Planning and Guidance

Each doctoral student must draw up a personal study and supervisory plan together with his/her supervisors. The plan must specify intended doctoral coursework, course schedule and other modes of study, and the schedule and publication plan for the dissertation.

The plan must be drawn up when applying for doctoral studies and it can be updated during the first term of a student's doctoral studies, and his/her dissertation supervisors must approve it. The plan can be submitted to the Faculty's Doctoral Education Committee for the Committee's information. Approval of the study and supervisory plan will be entered into the study register at the Faculty. The plan must be updated once a year.

Progressing in your Studies

The scope, instruction, and supervision given in doctoral programmes have been planned so that the doctoral dissertation can be completed in four years. The estimated time for graduation is during the fifth year of studies. Doctoral students must report on the progress of their studies and research to the School once a year.

The following post-master degrees are offered at the Doctoral Programme in Information Studies and Interactive Media (in accordance with Government Decree on University Degrees 794/2004):

•     Doctor of Philosophy
•     Licentiate of Philosophy (an optional intermediate step towards the doctoral degree)

The major subject of the Doctoral programme is Information Studies and Interactive Media.

Responsible Conduct of Research

More information can be found at the Study Guide.

Related Courses:

• TAYJ12 Research Ethics 1–10 ECTS