Degree requirements and target degrees

Doctoral degree is a primary postgraduate degree at the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry. Nevertheless, it is possible to have a licentiate degree (when appropriate). Study right is granted only for a doctoral degree.

Postgraduate degrees offered by the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry include the following: Doctor of Science (Agriculture and Forestry), Licentiate of Science (Agriculture and Forestry), Doctor of Food Sciences, Licentiate of Food Sciences, and Doctor of Philosophy and Licentiate of Philosophy.

When approving an application for postgraduate studies, the Faculty will decide on the basis of the applicant’s previous studies and the topic of the planned doctoral dissertation to which degree the applicant’s studies will lead:

  • D.Sc. (Agr.&For.): Applicant who have completed the degree of M.Sc. (Agriculture and Forestry) in University of Helsinki may be granted a study right for the degree of Doctor of Science (Agriculture and Forestry).
  • Doctor of Food Sciences: Applicant who have completed the degree of Master of Food Sciences in University of Helsinki or University of Eastern Finland may be granted a study right for the degree of Doctor of Food Sciences.
  • Applicant may also be granted a study right for the degrees of Doctor of Science (Agriculture and Forestry) or Doctor of Food Sciences, if the coordinating academic estimates that the background of the applicant's previous degree is sufficient. A minimum of 100 ETCS of the field-specific studies in the previous degree are required. 
  • PhD: Applicant with any other second cycle degree may be granted a study right for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy.

Each doctoral programme has their own degree requirements which include 40 ects of theoretical studies, doctoral dissertation/thesis and the public defence of the dissertation. You can find degree requirements of each doctoral programme on Studies -page and choosing your degree programme.

Doctoral programmes organise theoretical and methodological courses. The way how the courses are completed vary and is flexible. Studies may include e.g. seminars, workshops or by presenting your research at scientific conferences.

Information about the courses can be found on the All about studies –page. One doesn’t have to log in to visit Courses –page