International Doctoral Programme in Epidemiology and Public Health, 240 cr

After completing the doctoral programme, students

- can conduct scientific research independently

- have profound understanding of their field of study and know the current debates and discussions in this field

-evaluate, develop and continuously renew their competence and their field of study

-execute research and development by applying existing information and methods from the field and produce new information and methods to this field

- have a wide grasp of the approaches in their field of study and are able to apply and modify the theories and research methods of a specific discipline

- can discuss the social effectiveness of their field and the significance of their own research

- know their own field to such an extent that, based on ethical values, they can understand, follow and advance research and scientific development in it, as well as act as specialists in a variety of different and changing environments

- have command of good scientific practice, know philosophy of science and can apply both to research

- know the practices for sourcing information and data management for research purposes and promote the development of digital environments in the field

- can think and reason independently, critically, constructively and share research results both orally and in writing

- understand the demands of professional research and know how to act as an active member in the international scientific community

The IPPE programme is a doctoral training and research programme for epidemiologists, researchers and public health personnel worldwide who are interested in a PhD degree in epidemiology or related public health sciences.

The main objectives of the international doctoral programme are to increase knowledge and understanding of major public health problems, particularly in low and middle income countries, and to build sustainable public health capacity by training epidemiologists and public health personnel for leadership positions in research, administration, programme planning and policy development, in collaboration with global partners.

The selected PhD candidates will attend one academic year (August – May) at the Health Sciences Campus (Kauppi Campus) to complete the required full-time coursework (60 ECTS).

The required coursework includes doctoral level courses in epidemiology, biostatistics and other health sciences. There are also courses and seminars on research proposal development, study design, implementation and analysis, comminication and reporting. For more information see the Curricula guide. The courses may be selected to meet the students individual learning and professional goals.

Completion of a doctoral degree usually requires 3-4 years after completion of coursework.

PhD research (3-4 additional years): Field research (in Finland or abroad) is generally conducted after the coursework has been completed. A doctoral dissertation requires 3-4 original scientific articles published in peer-reviewed journals.

After completion of coursework and successful public defense of dissertation, the candidate will receive a doctoral degree (PhD) in epidemiology or a related field.