väitöskirjassa

Väitöskirjassa is a Finnish term that translates to "dissertation" or "doctoral thesis" in English. It refers to a scholarly work that a doctoral candidate must complete and defend to earn a doctorate degree in a Finnish university. The väitöskirjassa is the culmination of several years of advanced research and study.

The process of writing a väitöskirjassa typically involves formulating an original research question, conducting thorough research, analyzing findings, and presenting them in a coherent and scholarly manner. The thesis must demonstrate the candidate's mastery of their field, their ability to conduct independent research, and their contribution to the existing body of knowledge.

Once the väitöskirjassa is written, it is submitted to the university for preliminary examination. If it passes this stage, it is then sent to external reviewers, often recognized experts in the field from other institutions, for a more in-depth evaluation. The final step is the public defense, or väitöstilaisuus, where the candidate presents their research and answers questions from the examining committee and the public. Successfully defending the väitöskirjassa leads to the awarding of the doctoral degree. The structure and requirements of a väitöskirjassa can vary slightly between different fields of study and universities in Finland.