Doctoral Programme in Education and Psychology

The doctoral program in education and psychology provides in-depth familiarization with the chosen research topic leading to the dissertation and with the key theories, research methods, and scientific knowledge production in the field of study. The doctoral research conducted in the program focuses on one of the fields of study (educational sciences, psychology, cognitive neuroscience) and the research priorities of the Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology at the University of Jyväskylä: 1. Education, teaching, and interventions, 2. Psychological and neurocognitive foundations of learning, 3. Interactive and technological learning environments, 4. Childhood, family, interaction, and well-being, 5. Well-being, learning, and interaction at work. Doctoral training teaches students to apply research methods and generate new scientific knowledge in their field of research. The training equips students to work in research and other demanding expert positions and to understand the phenomena in their field at the individual, organizational, and societal levels.

The doctoral degree includes a dissertation and other doctoral studies. In the field of education, you can graduate with a Doctor of Education or Doctor of Philosophy degree, depending on your previous studies. In the field of psychology, you can graduate with a Doctor of Psychology or Doctor of Philosophy degree, depending on your previous studies. The Doctor of Philosophy degree is an advanced degree offered by the faculty to those whose master's degree is not in psychology. The doctoral program in cognitive neuroscience leads to a Doctor of Philosophy degree.

After completing their doctoral degree, the students will

• have in-depth knowledge of their own field of research and its development, as well as its theoretical and methodological perspectives

• be able to independently apply scientific research methods and create new scientific knowledge in their own field of research

• possess the interaction skills necessary for scientific communication, are able to network in their own field and participate in scientific discussion in the field, and understand the principles of scientific publishing  

• has a broad understanding of the nature of scientific knowledge and the social significance of research work and is able to promote the social impact of research 

• is able to evaluate ethical perspectives at all stages of the research process and act in accordance with good scientific practice 

• has acquired the necessary working life skills to perform demanding expert tasks and engage in both national and international cooperation