Getting started with doctoral studies and research (1cr)

Evaluation scale

H-5

Objective

After completing this course, the doctoral researcher is able to:
- think about realistic ways of conducting and making progress in doctoral studies
- perceive what belonging to the research community at the University of Lapland means
- become connected with key stakeholders

Execution methods

Teaching profile: HYBRID 3

Content

The orientation day is designed to provide an overview of the core issues of becoming a doctoral researcher. Doctoral researchers are encouraged to make their doctoral study plans or update their existing plans.

Materials

Literature (voluntary):

Dunleavy, Patrick. 2003. Authoring a PhD. How to plan, draft, write and finish a doctoral thesis or dissertation. London: Palgrave.

Kiriakos, Carol; Svinhufvud, Kimmo. 2015. Tohtoritakuu: Kirjoittamisen opas jatko-opiskelijalle ja tutkijalle. Helsinki: Art House.

Phillips, Estelle M.; Pugh, Derek S. 2015. How To Get a PhD: A Handbook for Students and their Supervisors. Maidenhead, Berkshire: Open University Press.

Stubb, Jenni. 2012. Becoming a scholar: The dynamic interaction between the doctoral student and the scholarly community (Doctoral dissertation). University of Helsinki.

Vekkaila (née Tuomainen), Jenna. 2014. Doctoral student engagement – The dynamic interplay between students and scholarly communities. (Doctoral dissertation). University of Helsinki.

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

Pass
The doctoral researcher demonstrates a realistic approach to progressing in their studies, reflecting on challenges and strategies for success. They recognize the value of belonging to the research community at the University of Lapland and engage meaningfully with key stakeholders to support their research and professional development. They create or update their doctoral study plan in collaboration with their supervisor.

Fail
The doctoral researcher lacks a clear plan for progressing in their studies and does not actively reflect on challenges or strategies. They show little awareness of the research community's role and make minimal effort to connect with key stakeholders, limiting their academic and professional growth. They do not create or update their doctoral study plan with their supervisor.

Further information

The doctoral researcher updates their doctoral study plan and gets an approval for the plan from the supervisor. Please note that the doctoral researcher is expected to autonomously inform the course organiser about the approval. After receiving the approval, the course organiser will be able to grant the credit.