Program Overview

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Doctoral Studies in Social Sciences

About Doctoral Studies

Social sciences include both administrative sciences and communication studies. Students can graduate as a Doctor of Administrative Sciences or Doctor of Philosophy in Communication Studies. The program educates high-level experts and independent researchers for positions in the public sector, private sector, and other societal actors. The interdisciplinary education emphasizes a profound understanding of social phenomena, critical thinking, and ethically lasting research.

Admissions to Doctoral Studies

Admissions to doctoral studies are available in the following fields of research:

• Regional studies
• Public management
• Public law
• Social and health management The field of research is chosen when applying, and the applicant is selected directly to the major. The major for Doctors of Philosophy is communication studies.

Doctoral Studies

Doctoral studies emphasize the ability to conduct independent research and provide skills not only in the student's specific field but also in general scientific thinking and problem-solving approaches. The doctoral studies consist of the following sections:

• General scientific studies (philosophy of science, research ethics, etc.)
• Method studies
• Studies related to the field of study
• Academic and other working life skills

The doctoral program is nationally and internationally networked. Doctoral students actively participate in international seminars and contemporary public discussions.

Research Groups

Post-graduate students of administrative sciences are part of the research group of Public Policy and Governance. Post-graduate students of communication studies are part of the research group of Communication Studies.

The focus areas of the subjects are:

• Governance of complex systems
• Public sector reforms and innovations
• Co-creation of knowledge and societal value
• Change of digital media environment
• Artificial intelligence and algorithms from the user and agency point-of-view
• Financial discourses and meanings

Research Areas

The research areas include:

• Public Policy and Governance
• Communication Studies

These research groups and areas provide a foundation for the doctoral studies, allowing students to explore their research interests in depth.