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Education objectives and intended learning outcomes of the programme

After completing the degree the doctoral student is able to carry out independent and original academic research.

Doctoral education at Aalto University is conducted within a multidisciplinary international scientific community that provides opportunities for field-specific and multidisciplinary research, as well as for various forms of education and learning. High quality education, transferable skills training, and network-building ensure the development of doctoral students as independent researchers and experts of their research fields.

The education prepares doctoral students for academic careers at top-level institutions. It provides competencies to pursue various career paths also outside of academia, for example working at demanding expert positions, as entrepreneurs or as independent artists.

The doctoral degree is a requirement to serve as a thesis advisor for doctoral students and as examiner for a doctoral degree.

General research studies - Intended learning outcomes

Depending on the studies chosen for this module, doctoral students will be able to

• comprehend and conscientiously address the fundamental ethical and sustainability considerations associated with their research.
• choose and apply appropriate research methods to the research question at hand
• adhere to the principles of responsible conduct of research (RCR) in both their research work and interactions within the research community
• work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary and international environment, engaging with diverse stakeholders.
• proficiently present their research in both scientific and professional settings.
• identify, utilize and communicate their transferable skills, such as communication, interpersonal, project management, leadership and pedagogical skills, to work successfully in academic and other professional positions.

Research field studies - Intended learning outcomes

After completing this module, the doctoral student will be able to

• demonstrate advanced discipline-specific knowledge.
• identify essential research methods for their own research and apply them proficiently.
• disseminate research findings through relevant research forums and to the wider public.

General research studies prepare students for research work, the application of research results, the dissemination of research findings and to learn the principles of responsible conduct of research. General research studies can include transferrable skill studies.

Research field studies and doctoral thesis help students to gain comprehensive and in-depth knowledge of their research field and prepares them for the dissemination if research findings.

In addition to the courses taught at the School in Arts, Design and Architecture, the degree can include other courses taught in Aalto University.

Completing the programme in different languages 

The doctoral programme in arts, design and architecture is a multilingual programme. The degree language of a doctoral student is decided when the right to study is granted. Usually the degree language is the language in which the student writes their doctoral thesis. Students can also complete credits in other languages of the doctoral programme according to the degree requirements. 

The doctoral thesis forms the majority of the studies in the programme, even though it does not award credits. The thesis language is the language in which the thesis is written. If the thesis includes articles in different languages, the thesis language is the language of the summary. 

More information on language of doctoral thesis 

It is possible to complete your studies mainly in English or mainly in the national languages. If you want to complete the required credits mainly in the national languages, you can find instructions on what kind of selections you need to make on the page Language of doctoral studies and research. 

The languages used in studying 

The course tables on this page show the language of instruction of the course implementations. The language of instruction is the language in which the teaching is provided. The course may also have a supplementary language of instruction, i.e. a language used alongside the language of instruction. The teaching offered in the supplementary language of instruction depends on the course: for a detailed description of the languages used in a given course, see the course’s MyCourses page.  

You can complete study attainments, such as examinations or course assignments, using either the language of instruction or the supplementary language of instruction. In some courses, the language of study attainments may also be a language that is not used in teaching. The languages of study attainments offered are specified in Sisu under each study unit implementation. 

Compulsory courses

*1 ECTS compulsory component

Elective courses

* These are independent online courses, to be completed at findocnet.fi. Registration by email to doctoralservices@aalto.fi. More information at aalto.fi.

** These are independent studies, to be agreed with the supervising professor and completed in the agreed timeframe. More information.

Compulsory courses

Elective courses

** These are independent studies, to be agreed with the supervising professor and completed in the agreed timeframe. More information.

After successfully defending their thesis, doctoral students will demonstrate the ability to:

• plan, execute, and report on their research and manage their data in accordance with established standards of academic research.
• proficiently search for, critically evaluate, apply, and synthesize existing knowledge; formulate research questions; and employ scientific research methods to create new knowledge.
• independently carry out research that generates novel insights and theoretical advancements in their own field of research.
• make syntheses and critical assessments required for addressing and resolving complex problems in the realms of research, innovation, and societal challenges.
• In the field of arts, doctoral students may also have the ability to independently create methods/products/ performances that are of high standards of art and creative practice.

The degree structure of the programme in Sisu also includes a module called “Extracurriculum studies”. This module will not be included in the doctoral degree, but it can be used to register for courses which the doctoral student wishes to take in addition to their degree studies. These can be e.g.
Finnish as a foreign languageLanguange and communication courses for doctoral studentsOther language and communication studies

Researcher and working life skills courses