The extent of doctoral studies is given in credits (opintopiste). One credit equals approximately 27 hours of work. The student workload includes lectures, assignments, other forms of instruction and independent learning.
To earn a doctoral (=postgraduate) degree (i.e. post-master's degree), students must complete 60 credits, prepare a doctoral dissertation and present it for public examination.
The structure of postgraduate studies is as follows:
In case the student’s major subject studies or general scientific studies exceed the minimum requirements, the student may not be required to complete any supplementary studies.
The specific courses to be taken are determined separately for each student. Students plan their studies together with the supervisor and the study plan is approved by the faculty council.
Doctoral students earn credits by completing courses and other study attainments that may be counted toward their degree. The doctoral courses available at the University are listed in study guide 3 (the headings are in English but the course descriptions are only in Finnish). Many of the courses can be completed in English.