The discipline-specific doctoral programme brings together doctoral researchers following various research field–based study paths. It is the largest of our university’s doctoral programmes and includes doctoral researchers from all faculties of the university.

The research conducted within the programme is thematically and methodologically open and independent of the university’s strategic profile. The requirements of the discipline-specific doctoral programme can be found in the postgraduate study guide of each faculty.

The first half of the 21st century sees the world changing in a pace and thoroughness that nobody has had experience with yet. The planet is warming and the Arctic is the most relevant hotspot for this profound development.

The University of Lapland takes an active role in global Arctic responsibility, and our cross-disciplinary doctoral programme The Arctic in a Changing World contributes with research excellence to meeting the challenge of how we humans can organise our life sustainably amidst such developments. How do we best balance the diverse interests and how can human life in the Arctic become an example of agency and adaptability in changing conditions?

Our thematic doctoral programme offers a PhD focused on selected themes:

Communities, Inclusion and Welfare
Governing Transitions in the Arctic: Environment, Law and Politics
Art, Design and Service Innovation.

The 15 ECTS thematic studies of the programme are organised by the doctoral school, while the remaining studies are completed according to the requirements of each faculty.