Estonian Studies

The MA in Estonian Studies at Tallinn University is a full-time postgraduate programme designed to provide an in-depth academic understanding of Estonia and Eastern Europe through the study of language, culture, history, society, literature, and political context. The programme is taught in English, has a nominal duration of 2 years (120 ECTS), and offers two majors: Estonian Studies and East European Studies.

Estonian Studies Major

The Estonian Studies major provides a structured approach to understanding Estonia as a multilingual society shaped by historical experiences and contemporary European contexts. Students explore how language, cultural practices, and historical narratives influence everyday life, public discussion, and social institutions in Estonia.

Estonian language learning is integrated with humanities-based studies throughout the programme. The compulsory Estonian Studies module includes courses such as Introduction to Estonian Studies and East European Studies, Estonian Language and Identity, Contemporary Issues of Estonian Culture, and Historical Issues of Estonian Culture.

Students also develop academic writing and independent project skills through the Master’s seminar. Estonian language courses are available from beginner A1 to intermediate B1+ level, and B1-level Estonian is required for graduation.

Elective courses allow students to develop an individual academic focus. Possible subjects include History and Memory, Estonian Literature, Translation of Fiction, Estonian Politics and Society, and Contemporary Issues of Estonian Society. Students specialising in literary translation may complete their final project by submitting a book translation together with an analytical introduction.

East European Studies Major

The East European Studies major provides an academically grounded study of Eastern Europe, using Estonia and the Baltic region as starting points for comparative analysis. Students examine the influence of imperial legacies, socialism, and post-socialist transformation on identities, cultural life, language, and public debate across the region.

The major combines perspectives from cultural studies, linguistics, literature, history, and political analysis. Its compulsory module includes Introduction to Estonian Studies and East European Studies, Languages and Identities in the East European Space, East European Literatures and Cultures, and Current Issues in East European Studies.

Students strengthen their academic writing and analytical abilities through the Master’s seminar, where they begin developing their Master’s thesis. Language studies relevant to Eastern Europe are also available, including Estonian, Russian, Polish, and Ukrainian, with courses offered at different levels for both beginners and continuing learners.

Elective courses enable students to develop a specialised academic focus in areas such as literature, history, linguistics, regional politics, and related social perspectives. Students may also complement their studies through short-term or long-term mobility at partner universities in Eastern Europe.

Programme Structure

Lectures for both majors are usually held from Thursday to Saturday. Students complete compulsory coursework, elective studies, academic writing, independent project work, and Master’s-level research. General course outlines are available through the respective programme pages.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must hold an undergraduate diploma or higher, specifically a Bachelor’s degree or corresponding qualification. Applicants who are completing their final year of Bachelor’s studies may initially submit a certificate showing their study results, but their final diploma and transcript of records must be submitted no later than July 1.

At least 60% of the possible maximum results is expected for admission. Required documents must be uploaded by the application deadline, and additional educational documents may be requested by post after successful completion of the entrance examination. Applicants should not send documents by post unless specifically instructed by Tallinn University.

Entry qualification documents are accepted in English or Estonian.

English Language Requirements

Applicants who completed their previous education fully in English in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Switzerland, or EU/EEA countries may be exempt from submitting an international language test if they provide attested proof from their previous educational institution. Students who completed International Baccalaureate studies may also use their graduation documents as proof of English proficiency.

Accepted English tests and scores include:

• IELTS Academic: 6.0 overall, with at least 5.5 in each component
• B2 First / B2 First for Schools: 169 overall
• C1 Advanced: 169 overall
• C2 Proficiency: 169 overall
• TOEFL iBT: 72 for examinations taken before January 21
• TOEFL iBT: 4 for examinations taken on or after January 21
• PTE Academic: 59 overall, with at least 59 in each component

The submitted language test must remain valid; invalid test scores are not accepted. Specific exemptions also apply to certain applicants from Finland, Latvia, and Lithuania under the conditions stated by Tallinn University.

Additional Requirements

A motivation letter is required as part of the application and must be submitted in PDF format. Applicants are instructed to follow the programme-specific requirements for the motivation letter rather than general word-count restrictions.

Candidates specialising in translation must also submit a translation example as a separate PDF file and complete the programme-specific assignments required for the Estonian Studies MA programme.

Tuition Fees

The tuition fee is €1,900 per semester, with a one-time €100 application fee. Applicants who are citizens of Non-EU/EEA countries are required to pay the first semester’s tuition fee before the beginning of their studies.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Estonian Studies major develop knowledge of Estonian language, culture, history, and society, together with the ability to work with Estonian-language materials and cultural references. Some graduates continue to doctoral studies in areas such as Estonian Studies, Baltic Studies, humanities, or social sciences. Others use their knowledge in cultural and educational institutions, translation and publishing, research and project-based work, public and non-profit organisations, and roles involving cooperation between Estonian and international partners.

The East European Studies major develops analytical, interpretation, and academic writing skills alongside region-specific knowledge. Graduates may continue academic studies in humanities or social sciences related to Eastern Europe or apply their knowledge in education, research projects, cultural institutions, policy-related environments, and international or regional work.

Overall, the programme focuses on developing the ability to analyse complex cultural and regional material, work with sources across languages and contexts, and communicate informed academic interpretations. The programme’s outcomes can support further academic study as well as professionally oriented work connected with Estonia or Eastern Europe.