The courses aim at providing an equal starting level in the capabilities of doctoral students. Methodological courses Central methodological courses deal with the philosophy of science and quantitative and qualitative research methods. Special courses Special courses are organized in various subjects according to demand. Their objective is to focus on current areas of research in Finland. A substantial part of their teaching is performed by foreign lecturers.
Universities are responsible for naming personal supervisors for their students.
The objective of the tutorials is to act as a forum for dicussion and networking among doctoral students, researchers and supervisors. The program of a tutorial is composed of presentations by doctoral students followed by critics commentaries and also some general lectures. Both beginning students and more experienced students have the possibility to present their research proposals and get comments on them. The aim of the groups is to support the students, supervise them and control the advance of their work. The objective of a theme group is also to become a more closely-knit research group.