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- Postgraduate studies
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Postgraduate studies
The unit of Human-Centered Technology (IHTE) offers doctoral studies to students with Master's or other equivalent degree in a relevant field. The postgraduate programme leads to a degree of Doctor of Science (Technology), which is equivalent to a PhD in many countries.
If you want to apply, or get more information about the requirements for applicants, contact professor Kaisa Väänänen-Vainio-Mattila or professor Timo Saari.
The applications go through the Faculty of Computing and Electrical Engineering. Read how to apply.
Research topics
The research in human-centered design is multidisciplinary by its nature. Therefore there is a wide range of different and interesting research topics available. Typically research focuses on users' needs and requirements for technology, and implementing and evaluating technical systems from the users' perspective. Phenomena emerging from the use of new technologies are opportune research topics. Also users' roles in product development, or utilizing psychology into designing new products, are viable options for a topic.
Usually doctoral students develop a new system or a new user-centered design method as a part of their dissertation, in which case it is crucial to evaluate the new system / method on its target group (design research approach).
Duration and funding
The postgraduate programme consists of 70 cr studies, and dissertation research. Full-time doctoral studies typically take about 4 years. Research may be funded by a grant or UCIT Graduate School. Dissertation research can also be done in research projects at IHTE or in companies as a part of other work. If done part-time, doctoral studies typically take about 5-8 years, and the duration of dissertation research depends on how well the research results can be published on scientific forums (conferences and journals). With determination and activity you can greatly affect the schedule of your postgraduate studies.