The Doctoral Programme in Philosophy

The aim of the degree  |   The structure of the studies

Professor in charge: Leila Haaparanta

The Aim of the Degree

The aim of the doctoral programme is for students to become thoroughly familiar with Philosophy, especially with the subject of their independent dissertation, which also gives them experience in conducting research in their field. At the University of Tampere, the fields of expertise at the moment are epistemology and history of philosophy from early modern and modern philosophy till twentieth century traditions. In coming years, research on social philosophy will also be strengthened.

Dissertations are written in various fields of philosophy – for example epistemology, logic, philosophy of language and literature, philosophy of mind, ontology and social philosophy – emphasising either contemporary discussion or history of philosophy. Philosophy is a relatively small subject at the University of Tampere, but the quality of the research is high, which has been noted in evaluations of the research conducted. Creating and making the most of the national and the international connections in research is an important part of philosophy studies. In doctoral studies, there is also an emphasis on providing students with general working life skills and encouraging students to work in cooperation with representatives from other disciplines.

The doctoral programme in Philosophy – which has close national and international connections – ensures that its graduates are equipped to conduct high-quality research in philosophy as well as teach on the basis of their research. Graduates from this programme are employed in research, teaching, public relations and the publishing sector, and as experts required to conceive broad contexts (for example, as a specialist in science administration).

Number of students: There are currently roughly 50 students in the programme, of whom about ten are active. Two to four new students are accepted each year.

Resources: The Philosophy programme has two Professors and one University Lecturer responsible for postgraduate studies. Researchers also contribute. When necessary, teachers and researchers from other universities in Finland or abroad can act as assisting supervisors as well. Students working on their dissertation can also receive guidance and comments by participating in the Finnish Doctoral Programme of Philosophy, which is coordinated by the University of Tampere, and by participating in national and international conferences.

The Structure of the Studies

The doctoral programme in Philosophy consists of three modules as follows:

1. Joint doctoral studies 20 – 30 ECTS
2. Broad and profound knowledge of the student’s own discipline and research subject 30–40 ECTS
3. Dissertation 180 ECTS

1.      Joint doctoral studies 20 – 30 ECTS

Joint doctoral studies consist of the courses offered by the University’s DoctoralSchool and of a joint seminar held by the School of Social Sciences and Humanities (the so-called ‘YKY Seminar’). The YKY Seminar and the course in Research Ethics offered by the University of Tampere Doctoral School are compulsory for each student. The course in Research Ethics (5 ECTS) is required, even if the student has previously studied research ethics in his or her intermediate studies. The other joint doctoral studies are selected from the courses on methodology of special sciences and research and working life skills offered by the DoctoralSchool. The courses a student should take are agreed upon with the student’s supervisor.

The YKY Seminar, in which students present their dissertation research to representatives from the other doctoral programmes, is to be taken halfway through a student’s studies.

2.    Broad and profound knowledge of the student’s own discipline and research subject 30–40 ECTS

Studies within the student’s own discipline (Philosophy) consist of the doctoral seminar, which lasts several terms, and of the optional studies intended to support students in writing their dissertation.

Working in the seminar (15 ECTS) means attending the seminar held by the student’s own doctoral programme or the seminar of the Finnish Doctoral Programme of Philosophy and the research seminar in Philosophy, which features lectures held by the School’s researchers and visitors to the School. The students are required to hold a presentation on their own dissertation, comment on the dissertations of the other students and actively participate in the discussion during the seminar. At the beginning of their doctoral studies, students submit a research plan for their dissertation and prepare a seminar presentation on their research topic. Halfway through their studies, they write another seminar paper, and towards the end, they present the essential parts of their dissertation at the seminar.

Other studies (at least 15 ECTS) consist of optional studies in Philosophy or other disciplines.

Students select studies in Philosophy from the advanced studies module of the degree programme, but from a different area of philosophy than their dissertation involves. The studies of the other disciplines are selected from the curricula of these disciplines.

The module of the other studies is intended to support and broaden the knowledge students gain from writing their dissertation. These studies may include participation in the national or international postgraduate education, taking exams, writing essays, giving presentations at conferences, publishing or teaching. The contents of this module are agreed upon between student and supervisor.

3.      Dissertation 180 ECTS

The dissertation is an independent work of scientific research written on a topic accepted by the School.