Doctoral Programme in the Humanities

The Doctoral Programme in the Humanities (HUM-DP) brings together all research areas in the humanities represented at the University of Helsinki. The programme offers an exceptionally broad research community that examines the full spectrum of human culture and society from different parts of the world and various eras, from prehistory to the present day and even into the future.
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The programme’s doctoral researchers investigate aspects of human reality from a wide range of perspectives, including language and linguistic interaction, cultural and social phenomena, historical change, the essence of values and knowledge, the nature of art and artistic expression, literary fiction and non-fiction, as well as gender and sexuality.

In addition to basic research in the humanities, the programme supports multidisciplinary research where humanistic perspectives and approaches interact with other disciplines, including theology and the educational, natural and social sciences.

By fostering disciplinary expertise and promoting interdisciplinary dialogue, the programme empowers doctoral researchers to explore transformative ideas and make meaningful contributions to the humanities. 
The University of Helsinki scores highly in international comparisons of research and teaching in the humanities: it is among the leading Nordic and European universities and close to the top 50 in the world.
Key research areas

The Doctoral Programme in the Humanities encompasses all research areas represented at the University of Helsinki, including area studies, archaeology, art studies, cultural studies, digital humanities, gender studies, history, language studies, literary studies, and philosophy.

The research conducted in the programme covers the entire spectrum of humanity throughout the world and from different eras, from prehistory to the present and even the future.  

While promoting innovative research in traditional disciplines, the programme also supports the utilisation of research ideas and results across disciplines. 

The research conducted in the doctoral programme includes both empirical and theoretical work, conducted independently or within research groups.  
Events and activities

Welcome event

 

HUM-DP will hold a welcome event for doctoral researchers and supervisors on Thursday, March 5, from 12:15 to 14:00 in lecture room 1 (B116) at Metsätalo. During the event, you will learn more about what the reform means for doctoral researchers and supervisors, get acquainted with the new curriculum of the doctoral programme, and share any wishes you have regarding the new programme.

The registration link to the event has been sent to the programme's email lists.

 

Study clinic

 

HUM-DP’s senior advisor Harri Mäcklin is on call on every other Tuesday from 10 to 12 in Kaisa Library, room 4043. You can come to the study clinic to discuss any matters related to your studies. No prior reservation is needed.


The study clinic is open on the following dates:

  • Tue 17.2. 10–12
  • Tue 3.2. 10–12
  • Tue 17.3. 10–12
  • Tue 31.3. 10–12
  • Tue 14.4. 10–12
Courses and studying

Will be published in the spring 2026.
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