Program Overview

Doctoral Programme in Drug Research

Expertise for the Future of Pharmaceutical Science

The Doctoral Programme in Drug Research is a multidisciplinary and comprehensive training programme that encompasses all key areas of drug research and toxicology. The goal of the programme is to educate internationally competitive experts for roles in drug research, regulatory affairs, product development, and toxicology – both in the public sector and in industry.

Research in Doctoral Programme

The Doctoral Programme in Drug Research offers a high-quality research environment and expert supervision to support the professional development and academic integration of doctoral researchers. The research areas of the doctoral programme include:

• Drug delivery, targeting and dynamics
• Drug design and therapeutic targets
• Effectiveness of treatment, pharmaceutical policy and pharmacoeconomics
• Analytics
• Medicinal and applied chemistry
• Metabolic profiling and health effects of chemicals
• Smart pharmaceutical solutions

How to Apply?

A doctoral study right is granted as a result of an application in which the applicant suggests supervisors committed to the thesis project as well as research and funding plans.

Degrees and Degree Requirements

The following postgraduate degrees can be completed in the Doctoral Programme in Drug Research:

• Doctor of Philosophy (Pharmacy)
• Doctor of Philosophy
• Doctor of Medical Science
• Doctor of Odontology
• Doctor of Health Sciences

The doctoral degree consists of studies specified in the degree structure and an approved doctoral thesis. The required studies amount to 30 ECTS, consisting of:

• 5–10 ECTS in transferable skills studies
• 20–25 ECTS in studies related to the discipline and field of research

Eligibility

In compliance with the Universities Act 558/2009, persons who have completed the following shall be eligible for studies leading to an academic postgraduate degree:

1. An applicable Master's degree awarded by a Finnish university; or
2. An applicable Master's degree awarded by a Finnish university of applied sciences; or
3. An applicable education completed abroad which in the awarding country qualifies for equivalent higher education studies.

Admission Criteria

Eligible applicants to the Doctoral Programme in Drug Research must have either completed or currently ongoing studies in an applicable field of science. The applicant should have an ongoing or planned research project suitable for a doctoral dissertation with a research plan approved by eligible supervisors.

The skills of eligible applicants to the Doctoral Programme in Drug Research and their commitment to a successful completion of their doctoral studies are assessed according to the following admission criteria:

• Quality, clarity and feasibility of the research plan
• Scientific and practical importance of the research subject and its suitability to the research profile of the research site and the doctoral programme
• The applicant's evidence of previous research work, e.g. working as a researcher, scientific publications
• Research funding
• Success in MSc studies or corresponding studies
• International orientation and the language skills required for the studies

Application Process

1. The applicant discusses the possibility to pursue doctoral studies in the department or school with the potential supervisor or with the person in charge of an academic discipline.
2. The applicant discusses the research topic, doctoral studies and their completion, funding, as well as other supervisors with the main supervisor.
3. The applicant should have at least two supervisors, one of whom is the main supervisor and at least one of whom is a university staff member.
4. The applicant draws up a research plan.
5. The applicant draws up a funding plan for the doctoral research project.
6. The right to pursue doctoral studies is applied at Studyinfo site.

Documents to be Attached to the Application

• Research plan, approved by supervisors
• Funding plan, approved by the main supervisor
• Copy of the basic university degree certificate and a transcript of earlier academic records
• CV, including the list of publications if any
• Statement by the Main Supervisor on the applicant's ability based on their degree to complete a doctoral degree and the need to undertake any supplementary studies
• Proof of sufficient English proficiency (applies to foreign applicants)

Academic Disciplines and Persons in Charge

• Biopharmacy: Paavo Honkakoski
• Clinical pharmacy: Miia Tiihonen
• Pharmaceutical chemistry: Seppo Auriola
• Pharmaceutical technology: Riikka Laitinen
• Pharmacology: Markus Storvik
• Social pharmacy: Kati Sepponen
• Toxicology: Jaana Rysä

Research Plan

When applying for doctoral degree studies, a research plan must be attached to the application. The applicant prepares the plan with his/her supervisors, and it must be approved by them. The research plan must cover the entire doctoral dissertation.

Funding Plan

A funding plan is a compulsory part of the application and a funding plan approved by the supervisor is submitted as a separate attachment. Funding should be planned with the supervisors. The funding plan must include a preliminary budget for the whole duration of the planned project.

Application Period

Application periods are from Jan 1 to May 31 and from Aug 1 to Nov 30. Applications are processed also within application periods. Decisions of admissions are sent within three months from submitting the applications.

Further Information on the Doctoral Program

The director of the doctoral programme is Jarkko Rautio, vice director is Anu Kauppinen. Coordinator of the doctoral programme is Katja Savolainen.