Doctoral Programme in Information Studies and Interactive Media
Experts in games and information
The Doctoral Programme in Information Studies and Interactive Media provides strengths in four areas. The student becomes an expert in either information practices, information management, information retrieval, or gaming research. Those who complete the programme are employed, depending on their selected area, in gaming companies, libraries, archives, or information-intensive organisations, which require top-level information expertise, such as register management or strategic background studies. Due to the cross-disciplinary nature of the programme, it also offers excellent co-operation opportunities with several other fields of study, from leadership and organisations to game design or from learning technology to user interface development.
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According to the Government Decree on University Degrees (794/2004, amended 1039/2013, §21) the objectives of scientific postgraduate education are that the student
- Becomes thoroughly acquainted with her/his own field of research and its social significance
- 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
- Becomes acquainted with the development, basic problems and research methods of her/his field of research
- 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
- Achieves sufficient communication and language skills and other abilities to work as an expert or a developer in demanding jobs and in international cooperation.
You can read the doctoral programme's entire curriculum on the Curricula Guide.
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.
There are no tuition fees for doctoral programmes. Thus, the university does not have a scholarship system for international doctoral students.
The faculty may have some salaried positions for doctoral students available alongside with the application round for the doctoral study right. These positions must be applied for separately and are announced on the Vacancies page.
Doctoral students are not eligible to the same student benefits as Bachelor and Master students. Thus living expenses, including lunches and travelling, are higher.
After the right to study has been granted, the Finnish Immigration Service expects all new students from non-EU/EEA countries to apply for a residence permit. At that stage, the students must be able to show to the Finnish Immigration Service that they have a minimum of c. 6 800 euros for the first year of studies or a scholarship to support themselves during the studies. Also a health insurance is needed.
Degree structure of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (240 ECTS)
As an optional intermediate step towards the doctoral degree, it is possible to complete a Licentiate of Philosophy degree.
Research-related Doctoral Studies 40 ECTS consist of the following:
- Research Ethics
- Courses expanding on the Master's degree
- Studies in the field of the dissertation
- Research seminar in major subject
Doctoral Dissertation 200 ECTS
The dissertation must be a study based on independent research, which is examined publicly in a public defence. A previously published monograph cannot be accepted as a dissertation. It must contain new scientific knowledge and demonstrate critical thinking, a profound knowledge of the field and its methods, and the ability to apply these methods.
The following can be approved as a dissertation: a uniform study (monograph) or a research compilation formed by scientific publications or article manuscripts approved for publication that cover a range ofinterlinked issues as well as a summary prepared based on them (article-based dissertation). The summary must present the goals, methods and findings of the study. The publications may include co-authored publications. The doctoral candidate must have a significant role in any co-authored publications. The author of the dissertation must provide the faculty with a written account of his/her role in the research and possible co-authored publications. The account must be presented in conjunction with submitting the dissertation for pre-examination.
An article-based dissertation must consist of a sufficient number of high-level publications that have been peer-reviewed by means of the referee procedure. A sufficient number is 3–5 articles, depending on the scope and level of the publication. In unclear situations, the Dean will decide upon the sufficient number after consulting the person responsible for the doctoral programme.
Licentiate Degree
To be awarded a licentiate degree (130 ECTS credits), a student must complete the following:
- Research-related Doctoral Studies 40 ECTS
- A licentiate thesis 90 ECTS
You can read more about the degree structure and content of the studies on the Curricula Guide.
Carefully read through the admissions requirements before applying. For additional questions on applying, application documents and application process, please email: itc.doc.tau(a)tuni.fi. Questions on research plans and prospective supervisors should be addressed to Professor Tuomas Harviainen (tuomas.harviainen@tuni.fi).
General eligibility for scientific doctoral studies is stipulated in the University Act (2009/558, Paragraph 37). The faculty can admit to licentiate and doctoral programmes an applicant who has completed
- a relevant Master's degree awarded by a university,
- a relevant Master's degree awarded by a university of applied sciences, or
- a relevant applicable study programme abroad which in the awarding country gives eligibility for the corresponding level of higher education
- whom the university otherwise deems to possess sufficient knowledge and skills for doctoral education in the field of studies in question.
Recognition of the studies and eligibility for doctoral studies is approved by the professor of the main subject or a teacher authorised by the professor.
English language proficiency
- Graduates of Finnish universities do not need a language test score.
- Applicants who have taken their secondary school education, or studied for and obtained their Bachelor or Master degree in English in one of the following countries (and in the following countries only) are exempt from submitting a language test: Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States.
- Applicants who are not in either of the two groups above and who plan to study in English must submit an international language test score. IELTS Academic score of 6.5, PTE Academic score 62, or a TOEFL score of 575 (paper version) or 90 (iBT version), are the minimum scores. A plain photocopy of the test score is enough regarding IELTS scores. The PTE and TOEFL scores must arrive from the testing organisation. The TOEFL reporting number ofTampere University is 9871.
The doctoral programme can take max. 8 new doctoral students based on the application rounds for the academic year 2020.
The aim of doctoral selection is to reach talented, motivated and committed doctoral students. The ability and aptitude of applicants is assessed on the following principles:
- The scientific quality and relevance of the research and study and supervisory plan, and the feasibility of their implementation.
- The appropriateness of the Master degree studies and the research topic for the doctoral programme and the main subject applied for.
- The applicant's skills and knowledge, the language proficiency necessary to complete the doctoral programme and the grade of the previous degree can be considered.
- The level of promise and motivation demonstrated by the applicant.
Application periods and how to apply
The call for applications for the Doctoral Programme in Information Studies and Interactive Media is organised twice per year, in April and in October.
The application period for doctoral studies commencing in the spring of 2020 will be during 1-31 October 2019. The application period ends at 15.00 (Finnish time).
Specific application deadlines will be confirmed each year.
The right to study doctoral studies is applied for using electronic application form. The discipline information studies and interactive media must be mentioned in the form.
Electronic application form
Applications are submitted through an electronic application system at studyinfo.fi. A link to the application form is available during the application period.
Application and required enclosures
The application must include the following documents
- a research plan that outlines the research topic and its foundations. Please see below the instructions on how to draft a research plan.
- a study and supervisory plan, we recommend using the study and supervisory plan form
- CV with full employment history
- photocopies of the Master’s degree certificate (or corresponding degree certificate) and their authorised translations in English, and transcripts of records (i.e. courses taken, grades and credits received) and their authorised translations in English.
- copy of the passport ID page, if the student hasn’t previously studied at the University of Tampere.
- photocopies of other possible certificates of higher education studies
- information on no more than two (2) referees can be included (not necessary)
More detailed instructions for applying for doctoral studies can be found on our web pages.
If the Master's degree (or corresponding degree) has not been completed in Finland, the following enclosures must be enclosed in addition to the documents mentioned above
- copy of the Master's thesis in the original language (if applicable) and a synopsis in English. A summary written in English must be enclosed if the thesis is written in some other language than English.
- international applicants must provide a reliable account of his or her language proficiency.
Officially certified educational documents
You must be able to prove your educational background by means of officially authenticated copies of your educational documents, if you have not completed your previous degrees in a Finnish university. If the documents are not in English, Finnish or Swedish, both the authenticated copies of the documents in their original language and an officially confirmed, complete and precise translation into one of the languages mentioned above are required.
In addition to the standard document requirements, educational documents issued in certain countries have more specific requirements for submission. Please go through the requirements carefully and check the country- specific requirements for your degree awarding country before applying.
Please note!
- You must upload all application documents online at Studyinfo.fi.
- In addition to uploading the electronic application documents on the application, you must submit the officially certified copies of your educational documents to Tampere University Admissions Office by post if you have not completed your previous degrees in a Finnish university. Please send your educational documents to Tampere University Admissions Office.
- If selected, you will have to present your original educational documents upon arrival at Tampere University in order to be able to register at the university.
Supervisor(s)
Prior to applying for admission, the applicant must contact the person-in-charge of the doctoral programme who will help in finding a suitable supervisor for the topic.
Instructions for writing a research plan
A good research plan (roughly six pages) should include the following information: topic, background, objectives, methods, data and execution. It should also demonstrate that the author is familiar with his/her topic and related research.
The research plan should be at most 6 pages long (minimum font size 12 points, 2.5 cm margins all around). In addition, enclose references and a cover sheet stating your name and the title of your study with your research plan. Please use page numbers.
The research plan should include the following:
1. A clear description of the aims, research questions and importance of the planned study
In the introduction, introduce readers to the topic, state your reasons for selecting that topic and specify the objectives of the study. Present your topic and state clearly why it is important to study it. Good reasons include a lack of previous research, social significance, practical need, etc. Please bear in mind that an idea is not the same as a topic; to formulate your topic, you must define your subject area, select an approach, familiarise yourself with previous research and place your study in that context. What is already known about the topic?
Formulate your research problem and related research questions in as much detail as possible. What are you actually studying? Formulate your research questions in such a way that you can answer them.
2. Background and central state of the art references
Introduce the key theoretical premises and main concepts of your study.
3. Description of research methods and materials (i.e. data) to be collected
Tell readers how you will answer your research questions. If your study is empirical, your research plan should specify your research data and methods. You can describe them in more detail later, but try to be as specific as possible. How will you access or produce your data? How will you acquire your research subjects? How will you analyse your data?
Consider possible ethical matters. If you are not sure whether your study has any ethical considerations, refer to the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity, available online at http://www.tenk.fi/en .
4. Expected results and their contribution in respect to earlier research
Outline what new information your study will produce. How and where can this information be used?
5. Time schedule, resources and financing plan
Draw up a schedule describing when and how you will conduct your study and when you plan to publish your findings (e.g. planned conference and journal publications, software releases etc.). If you want, you can enclose a preliminary disposition with your research plan. What are the necessary resources including access to required technology, laboratories, funding plan, description of research environment and group, name of the supervisor, description of the needed or planned collaboration during the research. If your dissertation research is a part of a bigger whole, for example a part of a consortium or an academy project, find out the way in which you are dependent of the output of the other subprojects, include a risk analysis in the plan in case the consortium is not able to produce, for example, an application essential for your thesis.
Draw up a short description on how you are going to finance your studies. Are you going to study full time or part time? Name the prospective sources of funding.
Selection
Interviews may also be used to aid the selection procedure; the interview assesses the applicant's abilities and suitability. Assessments of individual doctoral students are not made public.
The Faculty may restrict the number of its doctoral student intake based on insufficient supervision resources.
The selection results are announced before the beginning of the following term. The selections made in autumn 2019 are announced by 16 December, 2019.
An applicant who is dissatisfied with the student selection may submit a written request for reconsideration. Such requests must be submitted within 14 days of the declared announcement date. The request, together with the reasons, shall be addressed to: Tampere University, Faculty of Information Technology and Communication, tau@tuni.fi.
One study place per term provision
A person accepted at a Finnish university or a polytechnic may accept only one study place in a degree programme leading to a higher education degree during one academic term.
Confirmation of the right to enrol
To maintain your right to enrol in the degree programme, you must fill in and deliver the confirmation form you receive from the Tampere University. The confirmation must reach the Tampere University by 13 January 2020 at 3 pm Finnish time, at the latest. If your confirmation has not arrived by the date indicated above, you will lose your right to enrol in the degree programme.
Enrolment
New doctoral students must enrol at the Registrar's Office. More detailed instructions on enrollment are enclosed with the letter of acceptance. Before enrolling, a new doctoral student must present at the Faculty office the original certificates and transcript for the degrees and studies he/she has referred to in his/her application and their authorised translations in English, if the originals are in another language.
Doctoral students are required to re-enrol at the beginning of each academic year according to instructions given by the University. Only students enrolled as 'present' may pursue studies at the University.
Doctoral students who fail to enrol either as 'present' or 'absent' within the given deadline will lose their right to study and their right to use the computer services provided by the University. Should students later wish to continue their studies, they must make a written request to the Faculty requesting re-admission.