Postgraduate Studies

Joint Doctoral Courses  | The credit system | The academic year  | Studying in Tampere Region (SITR) 

Joint Doctoral Courses at the University of Tampere

The University of Tampere Doctoral School organises postgraduate courses which are meant to all postgraduate students of the University.  The selection of courses is good and many-sided. 

The aim of the joint doctoral courses at the University of Tampere is to provide a flexible supply of courses from which the students can select those that fit into their curriculum. The supply of courses is designed to take into account the different backgrounds and various needs of PhD students. It aims especially at improving the teaching on research skills and on skills students need in working life. Theory of science, and qualitative and quantitative methods are emphasized in the curriculum. Courses and other activities are open to PhD students from all the Schools at the University.

The web pages of the joint doctoral courses. 

The Credit System

As of 1 August 2005 studies have been quantified in terms of ECTS credits (opintopiste in Finnish) in pursuit of a harmonised system for the quantification of studies throughout the European institutions of higher education. The credits used are ECTS compatible. Studies required for a Bachelor's degree amount to 180 ECTS credits. The extent of studies leading to a Master's degree is 120 ECTS credits (except Master of Science in Psychology: 150 ECTS credits.) The licentiate degree is estimated to be 150 ECTS credits, of which the licentiate thesis is 90 ECTS credits. The Doctor's degree is 240 ECTS credits, of which the dissertation is 180 ECTS credits.

The Academic Year

The academic year is divided into four semesters.

Autumn Semester 2012

Period 1         3.9.–19.10.2012
Period 2         22.10.–14.12.2012

Spring Semester 2013

Period 3         7.1.–8.3.2013
Period 4         11.3.–17.5.2013

After the second period there is a Christmas vacation lasting until the start of the third period. In addition, there is a four-day Easter vacation in April. No examinations are arranged during the breaks and vacations. In addition, there are some public holidays during which there is no tuition. There is no actual summer term, although programs, lectures and examinations are also offered during the summer. In general, Schools and libraries are open through the summer.

Studying in Tampere Region (SITR)

Studying in Tampere Region (SITR) offers leisure time activities for the international students and staff of the four universities in the Tampere region. For more information please see: http://www.uta.fi/sitr/ .