Programme structure
The Hanken PhD Programme corresponds to four years of full-time studies, during which you produce a doctoral thesis (180 ECTS) and complete 60 ECTS credit points of coursework. The courses are normally completed during the first two Academic years. They consist of credits in the major and related subjects, in general methodology, philosophy of science, or similar courses of a methodological character. Towards the end of your studies, you will also have opportunities to teach. During your studies, you will also participate in various conferences and workshops that support your research and help you develop other transferable skills as a doctoral researcher.
At Hanken, you can write either a monograph or a compilation thesis (a minimum of three articles/essays). Once your thesis has been approved by your degree supervisor, it can be sent for pre-examination. After the pre-examination, you apply for permission to defend your thesis and after that for graduation. With a doctoral degree from Hanken, you can start a career in academia or in the business world.
Part-time studies at Hanken have the same requirements as full-time studies. This means you need to complete 60 ECTS of courses that are important for your thesis and research and write a doctoral thesis. The difference from full-time studies is that you are not employed under a work contract with Hanken.
The study process
Courses
As a doctoral researcher at Hanken, you have access to a broad range of courses, conferences and workshops both in Finland and abroad. During your studies you have good opportunities to follow and contribute to the knowledge development within your research field. Subject to approval by your degree supervisor, you can take Hanken's own doctoral courses as well as courses offered by other universities and doctoral programmes in Finland and abroad, such as KATAJA and Tohtori+ in Finland or EIASM in Europe.
The courses you study do not have to focus directly on the topic of your thesis. They may well cover a broader topic within your chosen major, or relate to some specific aspect of your field of research.
Certain major subjects within the Hanken PhD Programme have set courses or course packages that are mandatory for all students within that major, regardless of their PhD thesis topic. The aim is then to ensure that all doctoral researchers within the major have a solid basic understanding of the discipline.
For more information on courses and networks see our webpages here.