Doctoral Programme in Health Sciences, Åbo Akademi University

The doctoral programme in health sciences at Åbo Akademi is run by the Vaasa faculty of education and welfare studies and centres on caring science. Research draws on human-science and interpretive methods, with basic research serving as the base for applied science. Every study rests on a stated value basis, and substance takes priority. Caring science research divides into systematic and clinical caring science. The programme awards a Doctor of Philosophy or Doctor of Health Sciences after four years of planned study worth 30 ECTS credits. Tuition is free, teaching is blended across Swedish and English, and the autumn 2026 application round ran from 19 August to 16 September 2026.