The General studies may include 1 credit devoted to the study of appropriate literature, which will be examined by a person nominated by the Committee for Postgraduate Scientific Studies. The set literature and the examiner must be approved by the Chairperson of the Committee. The Faculty Council may consider that a doctoral candidate has completed the all General studies requirements if he or she has earned the required credits by taking an exam or participating in postgraduate courses or in-service training. The students will acquire a thorough knowledge of their own field of research and its methods. They follow the latest developments by attending departmental meetings, seminars held at clinics, courses organized by the Committee for Postgraduate Scientific Studies, and professional meetings.
Students are free to determine the contents of Special studies in consultation with the supervisor.
They may, for example, have literature worth 5 credits examined by the supervisor. The set literature must be approved by the Committee. The degree of Doctor of Philosophy can be pursued by persons having a Master's degree from a Finnish university, or a corresponding degree completed at a foreign university. Candidates must apply for admission in writing. Addressed to the Faculty Council, the letter must be accompanied by a confirmed copy of a Finnish Master's or licentiate degree certificate, or of a corresponding foreign certificate, and a letter of recommendation signed by the Head of the department or clinic in question.