Program structure

The Doctoral Programme in Health Sciences at the University of Eastern Finland (UEF) is structured to provide a comprehensive and multidisciplinary education, preparing researchers for advanced roles in health sciences. The program encompasses the following key components:

1. Doctoral Dissertation:

• Research Focus: Candidates undertake original research leading to a doctoral dissertation in fields such as epidemiology, general practice, geriatrics, nursing science, nutrition (including food science), occupational health care, public health (including ergonomics), and sports medicine.

2. Doctoral Studies (30 ECTS Credits):

• Discipline-Specific Studies: Courses tailored to the candidate's research area, enhancing subject matter expertise.
• Transferable Skills Courses: Training in research methodologies, scientific communication, and other skills applicable across various professional contexts.

3. Personal Study Plan (PSP):

• Customization: Developed in collaboration with supervisors, the PSP outlines the candidate's coursework and research trajectory, ensuring alignment with academic and career objectives.

4. Supervision:

• Guidance: Each doctoral researcher is assigned a supervisory team, including a main supervisor and one or more co-supervisors, providing academic and research support throughout the doctoral journey.

5. Seminars and Workshops:

• Engagement: Participation in doctoral seminars, such as the "Doctoral Seminars in Doctoral Programme in Health Sciences – Genius," facilitates scholarly discourse and professional development.

6. Research Community Involvement:

• Collaboration: Active engagement with UEF's research communities fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and broadens research perspectives.

This structured approach ensures that doctoral researchers develop both deep disciplinary knowledge and versatile skills, equipping them for impactful careers in academia, industry, and beyond.

Fees and Funding

Pursuing a doctoral degree in Health Sciences at the University of Eastern Finland (UEF) does not require tuition fees. However, securing funding for living expenses and research-related costs is essential. Doctoral researchers are responsible for obtaining their own funding, which can be achieved through various avenues:

1. Salaried Doctoral Researcher Positions:

• UEF Doctoral Researcher Positions: The university offers salaried positions that enable full-time research. These positions are open to current and prospective doctoral researchers at UEF. The application call typically occurs during the spring term, with detailed instructions available on the Open Positions webpage.

• Shared Doctoral Researcher Positions: This system allows doctoral researchers to hold part-time employment contracts simultaneously with UEF and an external employer. The primary focus in both roles is the doctoral dissertation, with potential minor teaching responsibilities. This arrangement emphasizes the applicability of doctoral expertise to the business sector or broader society.

2. Grants and Scholarships:

• Foundations and Associations: Various organizations offer grants for doctoral studies. Information on these opportunities can be found through resources like the Research.fi database.

• EDUFI Scholarships: The Finnish National Agency for Education provides scholarships for doctoral-level studies and research at Finnish universities.

3. Project-Based Positions:

• Research Projects: Doctoral researchers may find positions within research projects funded by entities such as the Research Council of Finland, Business Finland, or the European Union. These opportunities are also listed on UEF's Open Positions page.

4. Part-Time Employment:

• Grant-Funded Researchers: UEF offers a part-time (10%) employment contract for grant-funded researchers who have secured external funding for at least 12 months. This arrangement provides additional financial support and integration into the university community.

It's crucial to discuss funding options with your supervisor during the planning stages of your doctoral studies. Proactively seeking and applying for funding opportunities will help ensure financial stability throughout your research journey.

For comprehensive information on funding options, please refer to UEF's Funding Options for Doctoral Researchers page.

Scholarship Guidance

Pursuing a doctoral degree in Health Sciences at the University of Eastern Finland (UEF) does not require tuition fees. However, securing funding for living expenses and research-related costs is essential. Doctoral researchers are responsible for obtaining their own funding, which can be achieved through various avenues:

1. Salaried Doctoral Researcher Positions:

• UEF Doctoral Researcher Positions: The university offers salaried positions that enable full-time research. These positions are open to current and prospective doctoral researchers at UEF. The application call typically occurs during the spring term, with detailed instructions available on the Open Positions webpage.

• Shared Doctoral Researcher Positions: This system allows doctoral researchers to hold part-time employment contracts simultaneously with UEF and an external employer. The primary focus in both roles is the doctoral dissertation, with potential minor teaching responsibilities. This arrangement emphasizes the applicability of doctoral expertise to the business sector or broader society.

2. Grants and Scholarships:

• Foundations and Associations: Various organizations offer grants for doctoral studies. Information on these opportunities can be found through resources like the Research.fi database.

• EDUFI Scholarships: The Finnish National Agency for Education provides scholarships for doctoral-level studies and research at Finnish universities.

3. Project-Based Positions:

• Research Projects: Doctoral researchers may find positions within research projects funded by entities such as the Research Council of Finland, Business Finland, or the European Union. These opportunities are also listed on UEF's Open Positions page.

4. Part-Time Employment:

• Grant-Funded Researchers: UEF offers a part-time (10%) employment contract for grant-funded researchers who have secured external funding for at least 12 months. This arrangement provides additional financial support and integration into the university community.

It's crucial to discuss funding options with your supervisor during the planning stages of your doctoral studies. Proactively seeking and applying for funding opportunities will help ensure financial stability throughout your research journey.

For comprehensive information on funding options, please refer to UEF's Funding Options for Doctoral Researchers page.

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for the Doctoral Programme in Health Sciences at the University of Eastern Finland (UEF), applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Educational Background:

• Master's Degree: Applicants should have completed a relevant Master's degree awarded by a university, a relevant Master’s degree awarded by a university of applied sciences, or relevant international education that provides eligibility for equivalent higher education studies in the respective country.

2. Research Plan:

• Project Proposal: Applicants must have an ongoing or planned research project suitable for a doctoral dissertation, accompanied by a research plan approved by eligible supervisors and the head of the academic subject.

3. Supervisors:

• Supervision Team: At least two supervisors are appointed for each doctoral student. One serves as the main supervisor and must hold, at a minimum, the qualification of a docent or have a corresponding scientific qualification. If the main supervisor is not a university staff member, one supervisor being a university staff member must hold, at the minimum, the qualification of a docent or have a corresponding scientific qualification.

4. Language Proficiency:

• English Proficiency: Proof of sufficient English proficiency is required, especially for foreign applicants.

5. Application Documents:

• Research Plan: Approved by supervisors and the person in charge of the subject.
• Degree Certificates: Copy of the basic university degree certificate and a transcript of earlier academic records.
• Supervisor's Statement: A statement by the main supervisor on the applicant's ability based on their degree to complete a doctoral degree and the need to undertake any supplementary studies.
• Language Proficiency Proof: For foreign applicants, proof of sufficient English proficiency.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact potential supervisors early in the application process to discuss research topics, doctoral studies, funding, and supervision arrangements. Detailed information on the application process and requirements can be found on UEF's official website.

Application Procedure

To apply for the Doctoral Programme in Health Sciences at the University of Eastern Finland (UEF), please follow these steps:

1. Identify Research Interests and Supervisors:

• Research Focus: Determine your specific area of interest within health sciences, such as epidemiology, nursing science, or public health.
• Supervisors: Contact potential supervisors at UEF to discuss your research ideas and confirm their willingness to supervise your doctoral studies.

2. Prepare Application Documents:

• Research Plan: Develop a detailed research proposal outlining your study objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes. This plan must be approved by your prospective supervisors and the head of the academic subject.
• Academic Certificates: Provide officially certified copies of your previous degrees and transcripts.
• Supervisor's Statement: Obtain a statement from your main supervisor assessing your ability to complete a doctoral degree and identifying any need for supplementary studies.
• Proof of English Proficiency: If applicable, submit evidence of your English language skills.

3. Submit Application:

• Online Application: Complete and submit your application through the Studyinfo.fi portal.
• Attachments: Upload all required documents as specified in the application instructions.

4. Await Decision:

• Review Process: The faculty will evaluate your application, considering factors such as the quality of your research plan, your academic background, and the availability of supervision.
• Notification: You will receive a decision regarding your application, typically within three months of submission.

5. Confirm Study Place:

• Acceptance: If admitted, confirm your study place as instructed in the acceptance letter.

Additional Considerations:

• Funding: Note that admission does not include a scholarship or funding. Discuss potential funding options with your supervisors and explore external funding sources.
• Supplementary Studies: Be prepared to undertake any additional studies required to support your doctoral research.

For detailed information and specific inquiries, please visit the official UEF website or contact the programme coordinator.