Postgraduate studies can be divided into two degrees: Licentiate of Social Sciences and Doctor of Social Sciences.
Department of Communication usually takes about 4-6 new doctoral students annually from 10-20 candidates. The most important document is the research plan (8-10 pages) including topic, problem formulation and research questions, theoretical background, methods, data and timetable.
Those students who do not speak Finnish would benefit if they have established contacts to some researchers relevant to their topic.
In the Finnish system only those applicants who have already obtained a Master´s degree or similar from a recognized university are considered post-graduate applicants, and their applications are handled by the Administrative Officer, Ms. Terhi Kulonpalo, and all enquiries etc. ought to be directed to her (terhi.kulonpalo@helsinki.fi).
More information on postgraduate studies: http://www.valt.helsinki.fi/faculty/Studies/posteducation/index.htm