Admission to doctoral studies

In 2025/2026. it is possible to apply with your own topic as well as with the following topics.

Applicants for doctoral studies (including those who choose a topic from the ones previously proposed by the School of Economics and Business Administration) are advised to contact a potential supervisor before submitting their documents. The doctoral thesis project and the entrance interview are evaluated separately, with a maximum of 50 points available for each.

Doctoral thesis project

Doctoral thesis projects must include the following:

• title of the thesis;
• topic of the thesis, its importance and relevance;
• purpose, the main research problems and (where possible) the working hypotheses;
• overview of the relevant literature, including the justification of the theoretical background suitable for solving the research problems and the justification of the choice of the research methodology; explaining the niche of the research;
• methodological part, the data, the expected results and their novelty compared to earlier research, publishing options;
• referenced literature on the topic.
• a brief explanation of how the candidate's previous academic and/or professional activities relate to the research topic.

The project must be drawn up in A4 format, with a font size of 12. The length of the thesis project should preferably be 5-8 pages, with bibliography.

For the result to be positive, 35 points must be earned. The scores depend on the following:
1) research purposes, problems and working hypotheses; connecting them to the literature and research methodology (25%);
2) overview of the existing literature, explaining the theoretical background of the research and connecting it to the research methodology (25%);
3) research methodology and data, justification of the choice of the research methodology and its novelty compared to earlier research (25%);
4) expected results and their novelty compared to earlier research (also topics of possible articles, if possible) (25%).

Entrance interview

The purpose of the interview is to assess the feasibility of the doctoral thesis project and success of the studies, considering also the applicant's previous experience in the field (based on the CV). The interview is used to assess the applicant’s ability to present the main points of the proposed doctoral thesis and to characterize their earlier research activities in connection with the thesis project as well as their motivation to complete the doctoral program successfully on time.

The maximum score for the interview is 50. The scores depend on the following:
1) applicant's ability to present clearly the main idea and research questions of the chosen topic and their novelty compared to earlier research in the field (50%);
2) the motivation of the applicant. The interview should determine the temporal perspective of completing successfully the study program within the nominal study period, including applicant's readiness to start studies in Tartu, etc. (50%)

Head of the specialization: Eve Parts, [email protected]

In 2025/2026. it is possible to apply with your own topic as well as with the following topics.

Applicants for doctoral studies (including those who choose a topic from the ones previously proposed by the School of Economics and Business Administration) are advised to contact a potential supervisor before submitting their documents. The doctoral thesis project and the entrance interview are evaluated separately, with a maximum of 50 points available for each.

Doctoral thesis project

Doctoral thesis projects must include the following:

• title of the thesis;
• topic of the thesis, its importance and relevance;
• purpose, the main research problems and (where possible) the working hypotheses;
• overview of the relevant literature, including the justification of the theoretical background suitable for solving the research problems and the justification of the choice of the research methodology; explaining the niche of the research;
• methodological part, the data, the expected results and their novelty compared to earlier research, publishing options;
• referenced literature on the topic.
• a brief explanation of how the candidate's previous academic and/or professional activities relate to the research topic.

The project must be drawn up in A4 format, with a font size of 12. The length of the thesis project should preferably be 5-8 pages, with bibliography.

During the assessment, the best project is given 50 points. The points given to other projects are calculated as a percentage of the best, based on the committee's assessment. For the result to be positive, 35 points must be earned. The scores depend on the following:
1) research purposes, problems and working hypotheses; connecting them to the literature and research methodology (25%);
2) overview of the existing literature, explaining the theoretical background of the research and connecting it to the research methodology (25%);
3) research methodology and data, justification of the choice of the research methodology and its novelty compared to earlier research (25%);
4) expected results and their novelty compared to earlier research (also topics of possible articles, if possible) (25%).

Entrance interview

The purpose of the interview is to assess the feasibility of the doctoral thesis project and success of the studies, considering also the applicant´s previous experience in the field (based on the CV). The interview is used to assess the applicant’s ability to present the main points of the proposed doctoral thesis and to characterize their earlier research activities in connection with the thesis project as well as their motivation to complete the doctoral program successfully on time.

The maximum score for the interview is 50. The scores depend on the following:
1) applicant's ability to present clearly the main idea and research questions of the chosen topic and their novelty compared to earlier research in the field (50%);
2) the motivation of the applicant. The interview should determine the temporal perspective of completing successfully the study program within the nominal study period, including applicant's readiness to start studies in Tartu, etc. (50%)

Head of the specialization: Tiia Vissak, [email protected]

In 2025/2026. it is possible to apply with your own topic as well as with the following topics in Estonian and in English.

Applicants for doctoral studies (including those who choose a topic from the ones previously proposed by the School of Economics and Business Administration) are advised to contact a potential supervisor before submitting their documents. The doctoral thesis project and the entrance interview are evaluated separately, with a maximum of 50 points available for each.

During the admission procedure, the applicant's motivation and suitability for doctoral studies in the field of media and communication or sociology are assessed.

Doctoral thesis project

The recommended length of the project is 3–5 pages, but not more than 10 pages (excluding the list of literature). The project must be submitted with other admission documents.

The project must include the following:

• the topic of the thesis, incl. a short summary of the nature of the problem and the most important related theoretical approaches and former research;
• the purposes of the research – what kind of a problem the thesis is going to solve;
• the research methodology that will be used to solve the problem and that is necessary for such work;
• expectations for the results – their novelty and importance;
• the preparedness to deal with the topic, knowledge of the relevant materials, relatedness with earlier research or work in the field, earlier research publications of the applicant;
• information on the supervisor of the thesis.

The project should be accompanied by the earlier research publications of the applicant or their manuscripts ready to be published.

The maximum score for the doctoral thesis project is 50 points. For the result to be positive, 35 points must be earned.

Doctoral thesis projects are assessed from three main aspects: the applicant’s ability to formulate research problems, their theoretical and methodological competency and the feasibility of the project.

The doctoral thesis project is assessed on the basis of the following criteria:
1) the relevance and originality of the research problem (25%);
2) the relevance of the research problem to the relevant scientific literature (the most relevant theoretical and empirical work in the field) (25%);
3) the existence of a clear research design (25%);
4) appropriateness of the methodology and feasibility of the research (25%).

Entrance interview

The interview is based on the CV submitted by the applicant. The aim of the interview is to obtain an overview of the applicant's education and work experience. The interview is used to determine the applicant's motivation to study this field and their expectations for doctoral studies.

The interview considers the motivation of the applicant, their earlier education and work experience as well as their abilities in the particular field of study. Publications are considered to be as an advantage in the case of a tie on the basis of the scores.

The entrance interview is assessed on the basis of the following criteria:
1) the candidate's previous academic and professional experience and academic activities in the field (including participation in conferences, scientific publications);
2) the candidate's opinions and expectations regarding academic specialization and research;
3) general knowledge of the subject of the doctoral thesis;
4) general knowledge of the research methodology envisaged in the thesis;
5) the candidate's motivation to work on the chosen topic;
6) future professional plans.

The maximum score for the interview is 50 points. For the result to be positive, 35 points must be earned.

Candidates who are permanently resident in a foreign country can be interviewed by video call (Zoom, Teams, etc.); the specific communication channel will be agreed with each candidate individually.

The duration of the interview will be limited to 30 minutes and will be conducted by a panel of professors and researchers with a PhD from the Institute of Social Sciences.

Head of the specialization (media and communication): Andra Siibak, [email protected]

Head of the specialization (sociology): Veronika Kalmus, [email protected]

There is no list of topics, you can apply with your own topic.

The length of the doctoral thesis project is preferably 8–10 pages (excluding the list of references).

The doctoral thesis project must include the following:

• justification for the choice of the topic and the research purpose;
• main issues dealt with in the thesis and its illustrative structure (recommended);
• short overview of the most relevant earlier research in the field;
• presentation of the research methodology;
• illustrative list of literature; and
• timetable of the work.

Evaluation criteria for the doctoral thesis project:
1) the importance and novelty of the research problem;
2) the suitability and justification of the theoretical framework;
3) the feasibility of the proposed research.

Candidates who have scored at least 42 points (out of 60) for their doctoral thesis projects will be invited to the entrance interview.

The entrance interview is used to assess the following:

• relevance of the doctoral thesis topic;
• significance of the doctoral thesis topic for jurisprudence;
• practical value of the doctoral thesis topic for Estonian society;
• doctoral applicant’s knowledge in the field of the proposed thesis; and
• doctoral applicant’s motivation (especially the application reasons, the temporal perspective of completing the study program and future possibilities to apply the knowledge acquired).

Evaluation criteria for the entrance interview:
1) the applicant's motivation and readiness to participate in doctoral studies;
2) the ability to discuss and justify the research choices presented in the project;
3) the relevance of previous educational and work experience to the proposed research topic;
4) the potential for successfully completing doctoral studies.

Maximum score for the entrance interview is 40 and the minimum positive result is 28.

Head of the specialization: Merike Ristikivi, [email protected]

There is no list of topics, you can apply with your own topic.

Doctoral thesis project
The recommended length of the project is 2–3 pages, but not more than 5 pages. The project must be submitted with other entrance documents.

The project must include the following:

• topic of the thesis, including a short summary of the nature of the problem and the most important related research;
• purpose of the thesis – what kind of a problem the thesis is going to solve;
• research methodology that will be used to solve the problem and the resources necessary for such work;
• expectations for the results – their novelty and importance;
• preparedness to deal with the topic, knowledge of the relevant materials, relatedness with earlier research or work in the field;
• information on the supervisor of the thesis.

Entrance interview

The entrance interview is based on the doctoral thesis project. During the interview, the committee may check the applicant's foreign language skills. Publications are considered to be as an advantage in the case of a tie on the basis of the scores.

The assessment of the project and the entrance interview covers the following:
1) novelty and originality of the project;
2) existence of the resources and conditions to carry out the proposed work;
3) applicant's knowledge of modern psychology;
4) applicant's research experience and achievements;
5) applicant's commitment and abilities to conduct the research.

The doctoral thesis project and the entrance interview are assessed separately on a 50-point scale. The doctoral thesis project is successfully defended and the entrance interview is passed if the respective score is at least 35 points.

Head of the specialization: Jüri Allik, [email protected], Andero Uusberg, [email protected]

In 2025/2026. it is possible to apply for a position on topics available on the homepage of the Johan Skytte Institute of Political Studies. Applicants for doctoral studies (including those who choose a topic from the ones previously proposed by the School of Economics and Business Administration) are advised to contact a potential supervisor before submitting their documents.

Doctoral thesis project

The PhD research proposal (at a minimum of 5 pages, including a list of sources) should include the following:

• topic of the proposed PhD thesis (presentation of the research problem, positioning it in the context of the existing literature);
• objectives of the thesis;
• description of data and research methods;
• expected results, their novelty and importance;
• list of sources;
• brief summary of previous academic or practical experience relevant to the proposed PhD research.

Assessment criteria for the research proposal:
1) appropriateness and justification of the chosen theoretical and methodological approach (40%);
2) novelty and relevance of the proposed research (30%);
3) feasibility of the proposed project (30%).

Applicants whose research proposals are evaluated positively (see details below) are invited to an admission interview with the aim of determining their motivation and academic potential for participating in the program.

Entrance interview
Topics discussed during the interview can include the following:

• the applicant's prior academic and work experience (based on the applicant’s CV);
• choice of topic and the research proposal, in particular its relevance and feasibility;
• motivation to receive a PhD in political science and future career plans;
• readiness to adapt to new institutional and cultural settings.

The interview lasts around 20 minutes. Invitations to the interviews are sent 5-7 days before the interview. Applicants who reside abroad can participate in the interview via telecommunication means.

Assessment criteria for the interview:
1) motivation to pursue a PhD in Political Science and readiness to commit to the program (30%);
2) relevance of previous academic and work experience to the program and the proposed PhD research (30%);
3) ability to justify the research proposal, including in the context of major debates in the field (30%);
4) presentation skills, interpersonal skills (10%).

Both the research proposal and admission interview are assessed on a scale of 0 to 50 points, minimum positive score is at least 35 points. To be invited to an interview, the applicant must earn at least 35 points for the research proposal.

Head of the specialization: Eva Piirmäe, [email protected]

In 2025/2026. it is possible to apply for a position on topics available on the homepage of the Institute of Education.

Doctoral Thesis Project

The project should be up to five A4 pages long (excl. the list of literature). The project should include the research problem, its innovativeness and importance, on the basis of scientific literature, the research methodology proposed and resources needed to solve the problem, and a description of how the expected results would be important in practice and for international research circles. The project should be accompanied by the applicant’s CV. The latter should include information on the applicant’s earlier research activities, including research publications and conference presentations.

The project assessment criteria:
1. innovativeness and importance of the doctoral thesis (up to 10 points);
2. justification of the research problem (up to 10 points);
3. adequacy of the research methodology (up to 10 points);
4. feasibility of the project (up to 5 points); and
5. applicant’s research potential to complete the proposed doctoral thesis (up to 15 points).

The maximum score for the doctoral thesis project and the entrance interview is 50 points. For the result to be positive, 35 points must be earned.

Entrance interview

During the entrance interview, the applicant must describe their doctoral thesis project in English; this is followed by up to a 25-minute interview conducted by the committee

The interview assessment criteria:
1. ability to explain the project (incl. the research problem, the related research literature, the methods) (up to 15 points);
2. applicant’s motivation to pursue doctoral studies in educational science and to work in this field (up to 5 points);
3. wider analytical and generalization skills regarding educational topics (up to 10 points);
4. knowing their way around Estonian and international education issues (up to 10 points); and
5. presentation skills/self-expression (in English (all applicants) and in Estonian (native speakers of Estonian)) (up to 10 points).

Head of specialization: Äli Leijen, [email protected]

In 2025/2026. it is possible to apply for a position on topics available on the homepage of the Institute of Education.

Doctoral thesis project

The project should be up to five A4 pages long (excl. the list of literature). The project should include the research problem, its innovativeness and importance, on the basis of scientific literature, the research methodology proposed and resources needed to solve the problem, and a description of how the expected results would be important in practice and for international research circles. The project should be accompanied by the applicant’s CV. The latter should include information on the applicant’s earlier research activities, including research publications and conference presentations.

The project assessment criteria:
1. innovativeness and importance of the doctoral thesis (up to 10 points);
2. justification of the research problem (up to 10 points);
3. adequacy of the research methodology (up to 10 points);
4. feasibility of the project (up to 5 points); and
5. applicant’s research potential to complete the proposed doctoral thesis (up to 15 points).

The maximum score for the doctoral thesis project and the entrance interview is 50 points. For the result to be positive, 35 points must be earned.

Entrance interview

During the entrance interview, the applicant must describe their doctoral thesis project in English; this is followed by up to a 25-minute interview conducted by the committee

The interview assessment criteria:
1. ability to explain the project (incl. the research problem, the related research literature, the methods) (up to 15 points);
2. applicant’s motivation to pursue doctoral studies in educational science and to work in this field (up to 5 points);
3. wider analytical and generalization skills regarding educational topics (up to 10 points);
4. knowing their way around Estonian and international education issues (up to 10 points); and
5. presentation skills/self-expression (in English (all applicants) and in Estonian (native speakers of Estonian)) (up to 10 points).

Head of specialization: Miia Rannikmäe, [email protected]