International Doctoral Programme in Epidemiology and Public Health (IPPE)

Content owner

Tampere University

Excellence in research training and capacity building

The IPPE programme is a doctoral training programme for highly qualified epidemiologists, researchers and public health personnel worldwide who are aiming at a PhD degree in epidemiology or related public health discipline.

The main objectives are to increase knowledge and understanding of major public health problems, particularly in low-income countries, and to build sustainable public health capacity in these countries by working with global partners in the field. IPPE trains epidemiologists and public health personnel for leadership positions in research, administration, programme planning and policy development.

The IPPE programme consists of intensive theoretical and practical training in epidemiology, biostatistics and other public health sciences, weekly research seminars and individual supervision. Although the core epidemiology and biostatistics curriculum content is required for everyone, the students are given considerable latitude in selecting additional courses and the programme may be tailored to meet individual learning and professional goals.

The selected PhD candidates will spend the 2019-2020 academic year (August-May) in Tampere to complete the required coursework curriculum and to prepare a comprehensive research plan for their PhD thesis. The bulk of field research, data analysis and reporting, however, is generally conducted after completion of coursework either in Finland or abroad during 3-4 additional years.

Type

Postgraduate degree

Degree earned

Doctor of Health Sciences

Doctor of Medical Science

Filosofian tohtori

Planned duration

4 years

Extent of studies

240 ECTS

City

Tampere

Study objectives

The Goverment degree on University Degrees (794/2004) regulates lower and higher academic degrees as well as scientific and artistic postgraduate degrees.

According to Section 21 of the degree, the aim of postgraduate education is that the student

becomes well-versed in his/her own field of research and its social significance end 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
becomes conversant with the development, basic problems and research methods of his/her own field of research
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.

The aim of postgraduate studies at Faculty of Social Sciences is to provide doctoral researches with the capabilities to successfully serve society in the role of a researcher, teacher or other type of expert.

A doctoral researcher must become well-versed his/her special field but also obtain a broad view of the health sciences in general.

The purpose of doctoral education is to adopt scientific thinking, internalize good scientific practices and master the diverse skills of a researcher.

More about the language of instruction

Study contents

In the International Doctoral Programme in Epidemiology and Public Health (IPPE) the doctoral degree can be completed in one of the following fields of study:

Biostatistics
Epidemiology
Gerontology
Global Health and Development
Health Economics
Health Care Management
Health Services Research
Health Sociology
Occupational Health
Public Health
Social Psychiatry
Social and Health Policy

To be awarded a doctorate, a doctoral student must:

complete the required doctoral studies
demonstrate independent and critical thinking in the field of research
write a doctoral dissertation and defend it in public

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

Studies and supervision in doctoral programmes are intended to last for four years and a doctoral degree should be completed in five years.

Tuition fees

There are no tuition fees for doctoral programmes at TUNI. Thus TUNI does not have a scholarship system for international doctoral students.

Doctoral students are not eligible to the same students 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 the 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.

Structure of studies

International Doctoral Programme in Epidemiology and Public Health (IPPE) 240 ECTS

Orientation studies 5 ECTS
- The school’s orientation studies 2 ECTS
- The university’s postgraduate studies 3 ECTS
Methodology studies 8 ECTS
Field-specific postgraduate courses 8 ECTS
General research skills 6 ECTS
- Research ethics and good research practices 1-4 ECTS
Regarding the IPPE course programme 30 ECTS
Dissertation and public defence 180 ECTS

A doctoral dissertation is an independent scientific thesis which must be defended in public.

You can read more about the degree structure and content of the studies on the Curricula Guide.

Final project

Carefully read through the admissions requirements before applying. For additional questions on applying, application documents and application process, please contact Secretary of doctoral studies Ms. Tiina Kangasluoma (ippe.doc.tau(a)tuni.fi). Programme Director is Professor Pekka Nuorti MD, PhD, Professor of epidemiology (pekka.nuorti@tuni.fi). Visit the programme website: www.sites.uta.fi/ippe.

Next application period in autumn 2020.

International Doctoral Programme in Epidemiology and Public Health (IPPE)

Excellence in research training and capacity building

Type

Degree earned

Planned duration

Extent of studies

City

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International Doctoral Programme in Epidemiology and Public Health (IPPE)

Excellence in research training and capacity building