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Government and Politics PhD

STUDY LEVEL

PhD studies

D U R AT I O N O F S T U D Y

4 years

LANGUAGE

Estonian English

NUMBER OF STUDIES

Duration: 4 years (8 semesters)

Cost: Free
Language of Instruction: English, Estonian
Field of Study: Social Sciences
Conferred Degree: PhD (Government and Politics)

Detailed study programme is available

HERE

Objectives of the Programme

to give a possibility to acquire a PhD degree for those

working in fields requiring an academic qualification in
government and politics;

to provide advanced knowledge on current political and

social science theories;

to complement the analytical and theoretical abilities

through philosophical courses;

to support the students develop into highly qualified

lecturers, scientists and specialists in order to assure
the sustainable development of the field.

Learning Outcomes

has achieved the highest state level of competence in

the academic sciences and analytical skills and has also
acquired a broad knowledge base through extensive
reading;

has developed into a creative scientist possessing an

innovative attitude;

is qualified as an independent researcher and able to

effectively participate in Estonian and international
research networks;

has acquired the scientific competences necessary to

apply for project funding and to organize groups;

is competent to teach and support the learning process

for students;

can introduce specific knowledge related to Political

Science within the larger context of society; can
participate in discussions across the spectrum of society
and influence the social decision process.

What Do We Expect from an Applicant?

The curriculum is open to individuals interested in acquiring

a higher qualification in the study of government and
politics.
Doctoral studies do not necessarily demand previous
education in social or government studies. While education
in the subject field does make it easier, the main criteria for
acceptance are the applicant’s explicit interest and the idea
for the thesis. It is advisable to consult with the potential
supervisor(s) when formulating the subject for the thesis.

Prospective applicants are advised to pass the masters

studies programme first, when preparation in the studies of
government and politics is inadequate. This is an individual
choice, based on the idea for the doctoral thesis, the
motivation of the applicant, time constraints and advice from
the supervisor.

Why Study Government and Politics at Tallinn University?

the research area in the School of Governance, Law

and Society is internationally evaluated and nationally
accredited;

the lecturers are leading specialists in Estonia and

include eight professors: R. Ruutsoo, G. Sootla, A.
Toots, R. Vetik, L. Kalev, M. Aaltola, E. Terk;

doctoral seminars in the study of Government and

Politics take place at least once a month and provide
feedback from professors and fellow doctoral students;

participation in conferences, seminars, summer schools

and studying within the ERASMUS programme in
foreign universities is supported in order to gain
international experience;

the School provides as much help as possible in order

to get the doctoral students’ written works published
in journals such as Acta Politica Estica and in Studies of
Transition States and Societies, which is published in
collaboration with the Institute of International and
Social Studies;

the School endeavours to accommodate individual

expectations and work schedules;

the doctoral students of Tallinn University are exempt

from tuition fees. In addition, it is possible to apply for
scholarships from University funding.

What are the Career Options After the Studies?

Internationally accredited PhD diploma allows you to work

on positions requiring a PhD degree as managers and
senior experts in Estonian, European Union and
international institutions.

Autumn Admission 2019

School of Governance, Law and Society has announced

Autumn admission for the following thesis project:

The East-West type of migration and related societal

integration challenges.

The aim of this PhD study is to contribute to the

implementation of the research programme of the TLU
Migration and Integration Research Center, established
within the EU programme Horizon 2020 (Twinning), along
the topic named above.

Admission Requirements

For general requirements, please read

admission to PhD Studies.

Programme specific requirements:

Admission exam (interview) is based on the plan for

the doctoral thesis that is agreed with the prospective
supervisor.

Structure of the PhD proposal (5-10 pages+references):

(1) subject of the doctoral thesis, including a brief

summary of the research problem that the doctoral
thesis seeks to solve

(2) objectives of the research, main research questions

and tasks or work hypotheses

(3) brief overview of the most important thematic

previous studies and theoretical standpoints with
literature references

(4) the data and research methods that are intended to

be used to solve the research problem, including
sampling principles

(5) work plan, resources necessary for doctoral studies

and potential risks

6) why did you choose Tallinn University?

* The PhD proposal must be agreed upon and signed by a

potential supervisor.

Contact us!

Specific questions regarding the programme should be

directed to the School of Governance, Law and Society:
E-mail: Ave Põldmets-Ruut
Phone: +372 6409 382

For additional guidelines regarding admission procedure

please contact the international admission specialist.

CONTACT US!

Tallinn University
Narva rd 25, 10120 Tallinn
+372 640 9101
tlu@tlu.ee

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