MA Educational Technology

The MA Educational Technology at the University of Tartu is a 1-year, 60 ECTS postgraduate programme designed for professionals who work, or plan to work, in teaching-related positions and want to use educational technology more effectively in their professional practice. The programme is taught in English and is delivered almost entirely online, making it suitable for students who are working or living outside Tartu or Estonia.

Programme Overview

The programme focuses on the effective use of digital and educational technologies in teaching and education. It is particularly suitable for professionals working in educational institutions such as schools and universities who did not have the opportunity to develop digital technology skills and knowledge during their previous studies.

The flexible structure allows students to continue working while completing their studies. The programme also places a strong emphasis on e-learning, teamwork and practical solutions to educational challenges in the workplace.

Study Format and Duration

The programme is completed over 1 year and carries 60 ECTS. It is a full-time postgraduate programme that is conducted primarily online.

Students are required to attend a ten-day on-site session in Tartu in August. The exact dates for the August session are usually published by early June. Graduation takes place in June, with the possibility of participating virtually.

Programme Focus

Students have the opportunity to develop knowledge and skills related to educational technology and educational innovation. The programme is designed to help students address practical challenges in their workplaces and develop research or development projects connected with education.

Teamwork is an important part of the programme. Students can also choose to complete their MA thesis in a small team, providing opportunities to strengthen collaboration skills and develop an international social network.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must have an undergraduate diploma or higher.

Applicants are normally required to have a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification, which must be obtained by the end of June, as well as at least 5 years of professional experience in a teaching position or in a position where teaching staff are supervised or advised.

Applicants who already hold a Master’s degree or equivalent qualification do not need to prove their work experience.

Entry qualification documents are accepted in English or Estonian. Country-specific document requirements may also apply.

English Language Requirement

All applicants must comply with the University of Tartu’s English language requirements. The source specifies that only the English tests and exemption categories listed by the university are accepted; an exact IELTS, TOEFL or CEFR score is not provided in the supplied information.

Motivation Letter

Applicants must submit a motivation letter with their application. The final version must be uploaded before submitting the application because it cannot be edited after submission.

The motivation letter must explain the applicant’s motivation for enrolling in the programme and describe where and how they plan to complete the practical tasks required during their studies. These tasks include observing learners and people performing teaching tasks and temporarily performing teaching tasks themselves.

Applicants must also provide a preliminary research or development project plan of up to 2,000 characters including spaces. The plan should include the problem statement, justification of the problem and a plan for solving the problem.

In addition, applicants must prepare a short video of up to 8 minutes introducing their preliminary research or development project. The video should explain how the project could contribute to the development of the applicant’s workplace, or, if the applicant is not employed, the institution where the practical tasks will be carried out or a relevant field of education. The applicant must include a link to the video file in the motivation letter.

Admission Assessment

The motivation letter is assessed on two main areas. 50% of the assessment concerns the applicant’s suitability for the programme, including motivation and ability to complete the required practical tasks. The remaining 50% evaluates the applicant’s motivation and ability to conduct a research or development project that contributes to the development of their workplace, the institution where practical tasks are performed, or a relevant educational field.

The maximum score for the motivation letter is 100 points, and applicants must achieve at least 51 points to be invited to the interview.

Interview

Applicants who meet the motivation-letter requirements are invited to an admission interview. For the 2026 intake, interviews take place between 6 and 8 April.

The interview is conducted online through Zoom in groups of 3–5 applicants and lasts approximately 45 minutes.

The interview evaluates applicants’ readiness for Master’s-level studies, their motivation to study and apply new knowledge in educational innovation, and their familiarity with current issues in education and educational technology.

The minimum positive score for the interview is 51 out of 100. Applicants must achieve a combined score of at least 66 points from the motivation letter and interview to qualify for admission.

Tuition Fees

The tuition fee for the programme is €4,800 per year.

There are no tuition waivers for citizens from outside the EU/EEA or Switzerland. Applicants from outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland who receive an admission offer must pre-pay half of the first semester’s tuition fee.

For this programme, three admitted students receive a 100% tuition fee reduction for their first semester.

An additional €100 one-time, non-refundable application fee is required.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Educational Technology programme are prepared for a range of education-related career opportunities. Depending on their previous studies and professional positions, graduates may work as university lecturers or school teachers.

They may also work as education specialists or in institutions and companies involved in educational research, development and innovation.

The programme also provides an opportunity for graduates to continue their studies in a doctoral programme.

Programme Start

The studies for the stated intake commence on 31 August.

The application period for this intake has ended.

Programme Location

The programme is offered by the University of Tartu, Faculty of Social Sciences, in Tartu, Estonia. Although the programme is primarily delivered online, students attend a ten-day on-site session in Tartu during August.