The objective of scientific doctoral education 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.
(Section 21 of the Government Decree on University Degrees (1039/2013))

Completing a doctoral degree equals to a workload that can be completed by studying full-time for four years. The degree can also be completed by studying part-time, which naturally prolongs the time required to complete it. The degree consists of doctoral studies (a minimum of 30 ECTS) as well as writing a doctoral dissertation and publicly defending it (210 ECTS together).

Doctor of Medicine (MD)

Admission to studies leading to the degree of Doctor of Medicine can be granted to an applicant who has completed the Finnish degree of Licentiate in Medicine or a corresponding degree from a higher education institution abroad.

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.

Doctor of Health Sciences (DHSc)

Admission to doctoral studies leading to the degree of Doctor of Health Sciences can be granted to an applicant, who have completed a Master's degree in Health Sciences or a corresponding Degree.

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