Tohtorintutkinto

Tohtorintutkinto, or doctoral degree, is the highest academic qualification awarded by Finnish universities. It represents the completion of substantial original research and the contribution of new knowledge to a field. After a successful public defense, candidates are conferred the degree by the university, and the title tohtori is used in many disciplines.

In Finland, doctoral degrees are awarded in several forms depending on discipline. The most common are filosofian tohtori (Doctor of Philosophy) for humanities and social sciences, tieteen tohtori (Doctor of Science) for natural sciences and technology, and taiteen tohtori (Doctor of Arts) for arts and design. Other fields have field-specific doctorates, such as lääketieteen tohtori (Doctor of Medicine). The degree names reflect disciplinary traditions and are used alongside the generic notion of the doctoral degree.

The requirements for a tohtorintutkinto include an original doctoral dissertation. The work may be a monograph or a compilation of peer-reviewed articles, typically accompanied by published or publishable papers. A supervising committee evaluates the research, followed by a public defense (väitöstilaisuus) in which two opponents assess the thesis, under a chair. Upon successful defense and any required revisions, the university awards the degree.

Duration of full-time doctoral study is usually four to six years after a master's degree, though part-time routes exist. Graduates pursue academic careers, research roles in public or private sectors, or leadership positions requiring high-level expertise. The tohtorintutkinto aligns with the Bologna Process and is widely recognized internationally.