Post-Graduate Study in Social Psychology
Upon being accepted for doctoral studies in social psychology, the student has prepared a preliminary study plan. A more detailed plan for social psychological studies, with a time-table will be drawn up by the student together with her or his advisor.
The rules and regulations of the Faculty of Social Sciences regarding supervision, annual work plans and reports are followed at the social psychology department (http://www.valt.helsinki.fi/faculty/Studies/posteducation/index.htm). [Note: The English-language pages of the faculty are very brief. This brief information will be talked through during the first session each semester. More extensive information can be found on the faculty's Finnish-language web-pages: http://www.valt.helsinki.fi/tiedekunta/opiskelu/jatko-opinnot/index.htm]
Those who have a Master’s degree with a major other than social psychology all read the following books before starting their doctoral studies:
- Hewstone & Stroebe: Social psychology, an introduction (3 rd. ed.)
- Augoustinos, Walker & Donaghue: Social cognition: An integrated introduction (2nd ed.)
- In addition, they take master’s level courses and literature (e.g., from SP 54 and 55) for 30 credits in a manner to be agreed with the advisor.
In gaining the doctorate in social psychology, the main principle is learning by doing. No formal examination of literature is required, but if the students want, they can take a written exam consisting of advanced level literature (list available from the advisors). There is a great deal of individual variation in the ways to gain the 60 credits required for a doctoral degree in social psychology. The individual records are worked out and be kept up to date jointly by the students and their advisors.
Doctoral studies of social psychology consist of the following parts:
1) Seminar (at least 3 terms, 4 credits each)
The seminar gives the students practice in communicating their research ideas and discussing other people’s projects. The goal is also to get more broadly acquainted with the variety of approaches and methodologies currently in use in the social psychological research, as well as with the problems encountered in different stages of doctoral work. The position of social psychology in society will also be covered in the seminar work. The participants present both research proposals, ongoing studies, and research which is in its final stages. The seminar includes also guest lectures by senior scholars in the field.
It is advisable to divide one’s participation in the seminars over a period of several years. Ideally, students present (1) their research plan at the outset of their study, (2) portions of on-going study (e.g., a manuscript for an article) in the middle, and (3) an overview of the doctoral project in the final stages of the doctorate.
2) General scientific skills and knowledge (20-40 credits)
This part can be covered by a variety of courses, e.g. on scientific writing and publishing, research and professional ethics (particularly recommended), national and international summer and winter schools (e.g. by SOVAKO, EAESP, ESF etc.), courses on methodology, active participation in relevant congresses, learning diaries on guest lectures and examinations of doctoral theses, as well as teaching social psychology. While many of the courses currently indicate the number of credits to be gained by attendance, it is advisable to consult the advisor before participation. A list of suitable courses and congresses is available at the seminar. The students may naturally suggest suitable courses themselves
3) Specialized training on the topic of the doctoral thesis (10-30 credits)
This part consists of studies of the student’s special area. Credits can be gained by attending or teaching specialized courses more immediately related to the thesis. The courses must be ‘academic’ in the sense of focusing on new scientific knowledge. Professional or continuing education courses which emphasize acquisition of new skills are not accepted.
Prerequisites:
Master's degree.
Prospective doctoral students are requested to contact professor Klaus Helkama. His office hours during semesters are on Tuesdays 9.30-11.30.
See also: http://www.valt.helsinki.fi/faculty/adm/postgrad.htm
There is an e-mail list for doctoral students (sp-jatko@helsinki.fi) where notices are posted about summer schools, courses, visiting lecturers and possible changes in the seminar. The moderator to contact for inclusion in the list is Eerika Finell (eerika.finell@helsinki.fi).
Introduction to Social Psychology -exam for international students