Doctoral Programme in Epidemiology and Public Health, IPPE, 240 cr

• The doctoral student becomes familiar with his/her own area of expertise, gains a broad understanding of health sciences in general, and adopts a broad range of research skills.

• The doctoral student has adopted scientific thinking and internalised good scientific practices.

• The doctoral student is able to utilise the special expertise gained from his/her own research and the field in general, and is familiar with the research infrastructure.

• The doctoral student can produce new knowledge using good research practices.

• After the graduation the doctoral student is able to lead scientific research projects and work in other demanding research positions.

• The doctoral student possesses good oral and written communication skills in his/her native language and in English.

The IPPE programme is a doctoral training programme for highly qualified epidemiologists, researchers and public health personnel worldwide who are aiming at a PhD degree in epidemiology or related public health discipline. The main objectives are to increase knowledge and understanding of major public health problems, particularly in low-income countries, and to build sustainable public health capacity in these countries by working with global partners in the field. IPPE programme trains epidemiologists and public health personnel for leadership positions in research, administration, programme planning and policy development.

The IPPE Programme consists of intensive theoretical and practical training in epidemiology, biostatistics and other public health sciences, weekly research seminars and individual supervision. Although the core epidemiology and biostatistics curriculum content is required for everyone, the students are given considerable latitude in selecting additional courses and the programme may be tailored to meet individual learning and professional goals.

The selected PhD candidates will spend the 2019-2020 academic year (August-May) in Tampere to complete the required coursework curriculum and to prepare a comprehensive research plan for their PhD thesis. The bulk of field research, data analysis and reporting, however, is generally conducted after completion of coursework either in Finland or abroad during 3-4 additional years.