The scope and composition of studies

The scope of scientific postgraduate studies required for the doctoral degree is at least 30 ECTS credits.

• Studies have to include studies from your own research field.
• Studies are doctoral-level studies, for example doctoral courses offered by doctoral programmes or doctoral training networks, scientific literature exams or personal assignments.
• Studies can also include courses that enhance transferable skills necessary for a doctoral student.

The following courses are obligatory for doctoral students who have been granted the right to study on August 1, 2023 or after that:

• A350AJ200 Qualitative Research in Social Sciences, 6 ECTS cr
• A350AJ251 Multivariate and Econometric Methods for Doctoral Students, 6 ECTS cr
• A350AJ301 Doctoral Seminar in Business Research, 2 ECTS cr
• A350AJ700 Sustainability and Impact in Business Research, 2 ECTS cr

In case you have previously completed an equivalent course or studies, please contact LUT Doctoral School.

Especially KATAJA and EIASM courses are recommended. Good qualitative research method courses are available for example through KATAJA that also has information on graduate schools (for example GRAMO, GSF) on its webpage.

The person responsible for the research field, Professor Paavo Ritala, evaluates and confirms those study attainments that do not have a fixed credit value (for example essays, presentations; in Sisu they are called study drafts).

Doctoral courses offered at LUT (2025-2026) can be found in the Guide for Postgraduate Studies and also in Sisu. See further information in Sisu-instructions for doctoral students. Check also information available on training and info sessions organised by LUT University.

Please note! You have to enrol for the academic year (attending/non-attending) every year. Enrolment is obligatory even if you do not take any courses during the academic year, see additional instructions for enrolment.