Program structure

The Doctoral Programme in Clinical Research at the University of Eastern Finland (UEF) is structured to provide comprehensive training for aspiring clinical researchers. The program encompasses both coursework and the development of a doctoral dissertation, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience.

Program Components:

1. Doctoral Dissertation:

   • The core of the program is the doctoral dissertation, which involves conducting original research in a chosen specialty within clinical medicine, including dentistry. This research is expected to contribute new knowledge to the field and is typically carried out in the hospital environment of Kuopio University Hospital, providing a practical setting for clinical studies.

2. Coursework (30 ECTS Credits):

   • Doctoral candidates are required to complete 30 ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) credits of coursework. These studies are divided into:
     • Discipline-Specific Studies: Courses tailored to the candidate's specific field of research, enhancing subject-matter expertise.
     • Transferable Skills Courses: Training that develops general competencies, such as research ethics, scientific communication, and project management.

3. Personal Study Plan (PSP):

   • Within three months of commencing the program, candidates must create a Personal Study Plan in collaboration with their main supervisor. This plan outlines the intended coursework and research activities, ensuring alignment with both the program's requirements and the candidate's research goals.

4. Supervision and Steering Group:

   • Each doctoral researcher is guided by a minimum of two supervisors, all holding doctoral degrees. The main supervisor must have at least the qualification of a docent or equivalent scientific qualification, and at least one supervisor must be employed by the Faculty of Health Sciences at UEF. Additionally, a steering group comprising at least two individuals with doctoral degrees is established to monitor the progress of the dissertation project.

5. Research Environment:

   • The program is multidisciplinary, covering all specialties in clinical medicine, including dentistry. Doctoral training is primarily conducted in the hospital environment of Kuopio University Hospital and through online courses, providing a practical and flexible learning experience.

This structured approach ensures that doctoral candidates receive both specialized knowledge and essential research skills, preparing them for successful careers in clinical research.

Fees and Funding

Pursuing a doctoral degree at the University of Eastern Finland (UEF) does not require tuition fees. However, securing funding for living expenses and research costs is essential, as the right to pursue doctoral studies does not include funding, a contract of employment, or teaching tasks at the university.

Funding Options:

1. Salaried Doctoral Researcher Positions:

   • UEF Doctoral Researcher Positions: The university offers salaried positions for doctoral researchers, enabling full-time research. These positions are open to current and prospective doctoral researchers at UEF. The application call typically opens during the spring term, with detailed instructions available on the Open Positions webpage.
   • Shared Doctoral Researcher Positions: This system involves part-time employment contracts with both UEF and an external employer, focusing primarily on the doctoral dissertation. The university is open to negotiating such positions with interested organizations.

2. Grants and Scholarships:

   • Various foundations and associations offer grants for doctoral studies. Resources like the EDUFI Scholarships and the Finnish Government Scholarship Pool provide funding opportunities. Additionally, UEF maintains a Research Funding Yammer Group (requires UEF login) where information on available grants is shared.

3. Project-Based Positions:

   • Research projects funded by entities such as the Research Council of Finland, Business Finland, or the European Union may offer doctoral researcher positions. These opportunities are listed on UEF's Open Positions page.

4. Part-Time Employment:

   • It is possible to complete a doctoral degree alongside other paid work. This approach allows for financial stability while pursuing research.

Scholarship Guidance

Pursuing a doctoral degree at the University of Eastern Finland (UEF) does not require tuition fees. However, securing funding for living expenses and research costs is essential, as the right to pursue doctoral studies does not include funding, a contract of employment, or teaching tasks at the university.

Funding Options:

1. Salaried Doctoral Researcher Positions:

   • UEF Doctoral Researcher Positions: The university offers salaried positions for doctoral researchers, enabling full-time research. These positions are open to current and prospective doctoral researchers at UEF. The application call typically opens during the spring term, with detailed instructions available on the Open Positions webpage.
   • Shared Doctoral Researcher Positions: This system involves part-time employment contracts with both UEF and an external employer, focusing primarily on the doctoral dissertation. The university is open to negotiating such positions with interested organizations.

2. Grants and Scholarships:

   • Various foundations and associations offer grants for doctoral studies. Resources like the EDUFI Scholarships and the Finnish Government Scholarship Pool provide funding opportunities. Additionally, UEF maintains a Research Funding Yammer Group (requires UEF login) where information on available grants is shared.

3. Project-Based Positions:

   • Research projects funded by entities such as the Research Council of Finland, Business Finland, or the European Union may offer doctoral researcher positions. These opportunities are listed on UEF's Open Positions page.

4. Part-Time Employment:

   • It is also possible to complete a doctoral degree alongside other paid work. This approach allows for financial stability while pursuing research.

Application Considerations:

• Funding Plan: When applying for the Doctoral Programme in Clinical Research, applicants must include a funding plan detailing how they intend to finance their studies and research. This plan should be developed in consultation with supervisors and outline funding sources for both personal living expenses and research-related costs.

• Supervisor Consultation: Discuss potential funding options with your supervisor during the application process to ensure a comprehensive and realistic funding strategy.

By proactively exploring these funding avenues and collaborating with supervisors, doctoral researchers can secure the necessary financial support to successfully complete their studies at UEF.

Admission Requirements

To be considered for the Doctoral Programme in Clinical Research at the University of Eastern Finland (UEF), applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria and follow a structured application process.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Educational Background: Applicants should possess a relevant Master's degree or an equivalent qualification that provides eligibility for doctoral studies. This includes degrees such as Licentiate of Medicine completed in Finland, Master of Science in Medicine completed in the EU, or equivalent degrees recognized by Valvira.

• Research Project: Candidates must have an ongoing or planned research project suitable for a doctoral dissertation. The research plan should be approved by all eligible supervisors and the head of the academic subject.

Application Components:

1. Research Plan: A detailed research plan, including a cover page with signatures from all supervisors and the person in charge of the subject, and a maximum of four pages outlining the research, including references.

2. Academic Transcripts: Certified copies of the basic university degree certificate and a transcript of earlier academic records. If the Master's degree is not yet completed, a transcript of academic records and a personal study plan for completing the remaining studies should be provided, along with the estimated graduation date.

3. Supervisory Statement: A statement from the main supervisor assessing the applicant's ability to complete a doctoral degree based on their previous education and outlining any supplementary studies required.

4. Language Proficiency: Proof of sufficient English proficiency, applicable to foreign applicants.

Supervision Requirements:

• Supervisors: Each applicant must have a minimum of two supervisors, all holding doctoral degrees. The main supervisor must have at least the qualification of a docent or equivalent scientific qualification. At least one supervisor must be employed by the Faculty of Health Sciences at UEF.

• Steering Group: A steering group, consisting of at least two individuals with doctoral degrees, should be nominated to oversee the progress of the dissertation project. Members should not have conflicts of interest, such as recent research collaborations with the applicant or supervisors.

Application Procedure

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

1. Eligibility Criteria:

• Educational Background: Possess a relevant Master's degree or equivalent qualification. This includes degrees such as Licentiate of Medicine completed in Finland, Master of Science in Medicine completed in the EU, or equivalent degrees recognized by Valvira.

• Research Project: Have an ongoing or planned research project suitable for a doctoral dissertation, with a research plan approved by eligible supervisors and the head of the academic subject.

2. Application Components:

• Research Plan: Prepare a detailed research plan, including a cover page with signatures from all supervisors and the person in charge of the subject, and a maximum of four pages outlining the research, including references.

• Academic Transcripts: Provide certified copies of your basic university degree certificate and a transcript of earlier academic records. If your Master's degree is not yet completed, submit a transcript of academic records and a personal study plan for completing the remaining studies, along with the estimated graduation date.

• Supervisory Statement: Include a statement from the main supervisor assessing your ability to complete a doctoral degree based on your previous education and outlining any supplementary studies required.

• Language Proficiency: Provide proof of sufficient English proficiency, applicable to foreign applicants.

3. Supervision Requirements:

• Supervisors: Secure a minimum of two supervisors, all holding doctoral degrees. The main supervisor must have at least the qualification of a docent or equivalent scientific qualification. At least one supervisor must be employed by the Faculty of Health Sciences at UEF.

• Steering Group: Nominate a steering group consisting of at least two individuals with doctoral degrees to oversee the progress of your dissertation project. Members should not have conflicts of interest, such as recent research collaborations with you or your supervisors.

4. Application Process:

• Submission: Submit your application via the Studyinfo.fi portal. Ensure all required documents are prepared before starting the application, as partially filled forms cannot be saved.

• Evaluation: The Dean decides on granting the right to pursue doctoral studies based on a proposal from the doctoral programme, typically within three months of application submission. You must confirm your acceptance within seven days of receiving the decision.

For comprehensive details on the application process and requirements, please refer to the official UEF page on the Doctoral Programme in Clinical Research.

 Apply through program website by clicking ob Studyinfo.fi