The Doctoral Programme in Educational Studies offers quality research training for postgraduate students pursuing licentiate and doctoral degrees in the field of education. The Doctoral Programme provides an opportunity for multidisciplinary and multimethodological research in education.

The research themes of the doctoral degree programme cover education, training, teaching, learning, development and instruction, learning environments and teacher education. The themes may also be related to wellbeing and social and cultural questions in the context of education and training.

The disciplines included in the doctoral programme are science of adult education, special education, educational science, home economics, craft science and early childhood education. The doctoral programme is also open to doctoral students pursuing a doctorate in mathematics and science if the theme of their licentiate thesis or doctoral dissertation is related to the research topics of the doctoral programme.

Degree Structure 

The studies leading to the licentiate and doctoral degrees available in the doctoral programme comprise the licentiate thesis or the doctoral dissertation, as well as transferable skills studies and studies in the discipline and field of research.

Detailed informormation of the courses in WebOodi course catalogue: https://weboodi.uef.fi/weboodi/

Studies required of students completing a licentiate or a doctoral degree at philosophical faculty (total 50 ECTS)

Scope of studies by target degree:

Transferable Skills Studies

The UEF Doctoral School organises transferable skills courses which are common to all doctoral students at UEF.
The aim of transferable skills courses is that the postgraduate student

•     familiarises him/herself with the theory and philosophy of science and research ethics and assumes a good scientific practice
•     is able to plan a scientific research project, including problematization, methods, resources and scheduling
•     acquires good communication skills: general and scientific oral and writing skills and popularization of science.
•     learns management and teamwork skills
•     can give education and is able to work in various expert tasks. 

Eligibility for doctoral degree studies

Students eligible to pursue doctoral studies in the Doctoral Programme in Educational Studies must have completed a Master's degree with science of adult education, special pedagogy, education, home economics or craft science as their major subject or completed advanced studies in any of these subjects.  At least 60 ECTS of studies in the field of Education is required.  Applicants who have completed any other relevant Finnish Master's-level qualifications, including polytechnic Master's degrees, may also apply for the doctoral programme.

Supplementary studies

Prospective students who apply for the right to pursue a doctoral degree in the Philosophical Faculty and who have a Master's degree in a subject other than adult education, special pedagogy, education, home economics or craft science, and whose additional studies have not given them eligibility to pursue postgraduate studies in the field for which they have applied, may be asked by the faculty to complete between 15 and 60 ECTS in supplementary studies upon a proposal by the Doctoral Programme in Educational Studies. Applicants who change their major subject may also be asked by the faculty to complete between 15 and 60 ECTS in supplementary studies upon a proposal by the Doctoral Programme in Educational Studies. Applicants who have completed a polytechnic Master's degree will supplement their studies according to a proposal submitted by the doctoral degree programme, in order to meet the criteria for one of the above-mentioned Master's degrees. The scope and extent of any supplementary studies will be specified when the right to doctoral studies is granted. Supplementary studies cannot be included in the doctoral degree.

Master's degree completed abroad

The doctoral degree programme is also open to applicants who have completed a relevant Master's degree abroad, providing eligibility in the awarding country for corresponding studies leading to a postgraduate degree. The degree must be completed in a field corresponding to the major subject of the doctorate, and must be completed by the end of the application period. A Master's degree completed abroad is considered to correspond to a Finnish higher university degree. Degrees completed in other countries are assessed separately on a case-by-case basis. At least 60 ECTS of studies in the field of Education is required.

Applicants are expected to have proficiency in Finnish or in English sufficient for producing a clear research plan, participating in education and communicating with the university staff without difficulty. Upon submitting the application for the right to pursue studies, applicants may be asked to prove that they have the required proficiency in one of these languages.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Info about foundations and grants:

• Council of Finnish Foundations: saatiopalvelu.fi
• Aurora database (approximately 800 funders from Finland): aurora-tietokanta.fi
• UEF web pages: www.uef.fi/en/news-and-events/available-grants
• CIMO scholarships for international students: www.studyinfinland.fi/tuition_and_scholarships/cimo_scholarships

The University of Eastern Finland offers a comprehensive educational program in Educational Studies designed to prepare students for diverse roles within the field of education, including teaching, research, and educational development. This degree program emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical skills necessary for effective educational practice and policy-making. Students engage with a wide range of topics, such as pedagogical theory, curriculum development, educational psychology, and lifelong learning. The curriculum is structured to foster critical thinking, research competencies, and innovative approaches to education in various contexts, including early childhood, primary, and secondary education.

Throughout the program, students have opportunities to participate in research projects, internships, and fieldwork, allowing them to apply academic theories to real-world settings and develop practical skills. The program also encourages multicultural understanding and inclusion, preparing graduates to work effectively in diverse educational environments. Courses are delivered through lectures, seminars, workshops, and collaborative projects, promoting active learning and communication skills. The faculty comprises experienced researchers and practitioners dedicated to advancing educational sciences and supporting students’ academic and professional growth.

Graduates of the Educational Studies program are equipped to pursue careers in educational policy, administration, research, and consultancy, as well as roles in NGOs and international organizations focused on education. The program also provides a solid foundation for those interested in continuing their studies at the master's or doctoral levels, fostering lifelong learning and professional development. The University of Eastern Finland supports a collaborative and innovative learning environment, ensuring students gain both theoretical knowledge and practical competencies aligned with current challenges and trends in education worldwide.