Section 21 of the Government Decree on University Degrees defines the objectives of scientific doctoral education. The aim is that the student:

1) becomes well-versed in his/her own field of research and its social significance;

2) gains knowledge and skills needed to apply scientific research methods independently and critically and to produce new scientific knowledge within his/her field of research;

3) becomes conversant with the development, basic problems and research methods of his/her own field of research;

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

5) achieves sufficient communication and language skills as well as other ablities that are necessary in order to function in the working life in broad and demanding expert and development positions and in international cooperation.

Studies aiming for a doctoral degree will be completed in the faculty's research centers and groups. The doctoral degree consists of studies determined by a personal study plan (30 ECTS) as well as writing and publicly defending a doctoral dissertation (210 ECTS).

Section 37 of the Universities Act (558/2009) defines eligibility to academic or artistic postgraduate education as follows: Admission can be granted to a person, who has completed

(1) an applicable higher university degree;

(2) an applicable higher polytechnic degree;

(3) an applicable education abroad which in the awarding country gives eligibility for corresponding higher education.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Admission to studies leading to the degree of Doctor of Philosophy can be granted to an applicant, who has completed either a Master's degree in Finland, a Master's degree or a corresponding degree in a higher education institution abroad, or demonstrated in some other way knowledge and abilities equivalent to a Master's degree.

An intermediate degree of Licentiate of Philosophy (PhL) is also possible.