Doctoral Programme in Social Sciences

Students of the Doctoral Programme of Social Sciences complete a Doctor of Administrative Sciences, D.Sc. (Admin.), degree or Doctor of Philosophy in communication studies.

The programme is interdisciplinary and its aim is to train doctoral-level experts and independent researchers to positions especially in the public sector, but also in the private sector and for other actors of society.

The scientific resources of the programme are those of the research fields of the main subjects of the unit of Administrative Sciences. The contents of the programme are decided upon by the groups of the programme. The main subjects are regional studies, public management, public law, social and health management, and communication studies.

The focus areas of the subjects are

• regional development and economy
• study of public management and ethics: ethical management and identification of problems, good management, and leadership
• changing governance and basic rights
• study of social and health services and systems: citizen participation, governance, and management of complex problems
• communication studies

The studies of the programme consist of several elements, such as in-depth education in the theoretical background of the research field, research methods, ethics, and methodology of research work. An additional aim is to include courses that prepare students for working life. Also, the intention is to utilize the most recent scientific knowledge. The doctoral programme is nationally and internationally networked. The researchers organize seminars and actively participate in international seminars and contemporary public discussion.