Educational Innovation and Leadership

The first year of the EduInno Master's Programme is spent in Estonia. During this time, you'll attend lectures, and seminars and go on study visits to get a real feel for how innovative education works here. It's all about getting you familiar with what's being done at the forefront of educational change.

In your third semester, things get hands-on with your own educational innovation project. This is where you put what you've learned into action by tackling a practical challenge in education. You could be improving existing methods or creating something new to benefit the classroom or educational programme, either back in your home country or still in Estonia. Though you'll be working independently, you’ll be back in Tallinn for a few sessions to touch base and get guidance.

The final stretch of the programme is when you write and defend your Master’s thesis. It's your chance to dive deep into a topic that matters to you and show off the skills and knowledge you've picked up.

Breaking Down the Curriculum

Our programme's courses are grouped into three main modules focusing on how education meets psychology and the use of technology in teaching and learning. This setup is meant to give you a well-rounded view of the educational field today, equipping you with the insights and tools to make a real difference.

Educational Innovation (24 ECTS)

• Learning and Development
• Global Educational Change
• Innovation in School and Classroom
• Teachers Profession and Professional Development

Research and Analytics (24 ECTS)

• Methodology in Evidence Based Development in Education
• Educational Technology and Learning Analytics
• Research seminar 1
• Research seminar 2

Leadership and Management (18 ECTS)

• Learning Culture and Leadership
• Innovation in Leadership
• Personal Educational Development Project

Study process: From idea to application of innovative ideas.

If you want to get a short glimpse of the idea of the study programme, then you are welcome to participate in Tallinn Summer School course of Educational Innovation: Innovate and Educate.

Study programme

Professor Eve Eisenchmidt, the head of the curriculum, has been a teacher, head of Tallinn University College in Haapsalu, Vice-Rector of Tallinn University and now a professor of educational leadership. Her field of knowledge is in the area of teacher education, leadership and quality assurance. She is a highly valued evaluator of higher education programmes and institutions around Europe and educational policy adviser in Estonia. 

Eve Eisenschmidt in Estonian Research Information System

Professor Mati Heidmets has been in higher education since 197​9​, working in the field of social sciences, psychology and of course education. He has been an adviser for the Estonian Prime minister​ and has been awarded with the Order of the White Star and the Order of the National Coat of Arms. Today he leads the ​Centre for Innovation in ​Education​, being also a professor of social psychology. 

Mati Heidmets in Estonian Research Information System

Anneli Veispak is a young and inspiring scientist, expert in the field of special education. With a MSc in Cognitive Neuroscience from University of Amsterdam and a PhD in Educational Sciences from University of Leuven, she is bringing a lot of international experience to the programme. Today, Veispak is a visiting lecturer for Tallinn University School of Educational Sciences and the head of Special Education BA curriculum. 

Anneli Veispak in Estonian Research Information System

Terje Väljataga holds a Doctor of Science in Technology from Tampere University of Technology, Finland. Her background is in science teacher education (MSc, Tallinn Pedagogical University, Estonia) and telematics application in education and training (MSc, University of Twente, The Netherlands). Terje has been involved in various educational innovation, research and development projects both local and international since 2004. Her projects have always been related to innovative technological solutions and strategies one way or the other. 

Terje Väljataga in Estonian Research Information System

Anna-Liisa Jõgi is an Associate Professor in Research Methods. She started her academic career as a high school biology and psychology teacher. Her doctoral studies focused on students’ motivation and learning in primary school math classes. Her postdoc research interests in University of Jyväskylä, Finland, were teachers’ and students’ well-being in schools and, most of all, employing physiological data in educational research. Now, Anna-Liisa is mainly focused on designing and teaching research methods courses and participating in various studies from recreational and sports psychology to special education and educational leadership, being responsible for more complex quantitative data analyses.

Anna-Liisa Jõgi in Estonian Research Information System

General requirements

• Completed Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent
• Proof of English Proficiency
• Please see the complete overview of application requirements and timeline for the master's studies.

Application process

We invite you to a two-round application process designed to assess your suitability and readiness for the MA in Educational Innovation and Leadership. 

First round

Online application – submitted online in DreamApply.

Motivation letter - it should include your previous personal experience, where you feel an innovative approach in education might have solved the situation. The letter must feature at least one reference on Education Strategy 2021–2035 (please use APA style referencing). This letter should not be longer than 3 pages and must be submitted through DreamApply.

Second round

Interview - this is an opportunity to discuss your study motivation, clarify any questions from your application, and demonstrate your spoken English skills. Online interviews will be carried out by the main professors of this programme. For the purposes of identity verification at the admission procedure, the Admission Committee has the right to record or take a screenshot during the oral part of the admission.

• Non-EU/EEA applicants (except applicants from Republic of Korea, Japan, USA, Ukraine): March 15.
• Applicants from the Republic of Korea, Japan, USA: April 15.
• EU/EEA and Ukrainian citizens: May 15. 
• Non-EU/EEA and EU/EEA residents with local permits/IDs and studies completed in Estonia: June 30.

Ukrainian Students: 

Eligible for a 40% discount for the nominal duration of their studies, provided they are enrolled full-time and maintain a minimum weighted average grade of 4.0. 

International Students:

10% tuition fee discount for the first semester is available to the top three candidates, determined by their entrance examination results.

Our Role and Mission

The School of Educational Sciences is a vital part of Tallinn University, dedicated to leading the way in education through teaching, research, and development. We're committed to academic excellence and sustainability in education, not just within our university but across Estonia and beyond.

Why Choose Our School?

• Decades of Expertise: With nearly a century in teacher education, we bring a wealth of experience and tradition to our programmes.
• Practical Learning: Our programmes stand out for their practical focus. We ensure you get hands-on experience, both locally and internationally, preparing you for real-world challenges in education.
• Supportive Environment: Our school is known for its open-minded, supportive community, where learning thrives and students are encouraged to explore and grow.
• Innovative Values: We value individuality, playfulness, and ambition in our teaching and learning approaches, ensuring a dynamic and engaging educational experience.
• Expert Faculty: Learn from the best — our faculty members are not only leading educators in Estonia but also engaged in cutting-edge research, shaping the future of education both locally and globally.
• Global Opportunities: With numerous partner universities worldwide, we offer unmatched opportunities for you to gain international experience.
• Large, Vibrant Community: Join over 1400 students across various levels of higher education, each contributing to a rich, diverse learning environment.
• Impactful Outcomes: Our graduates are equipped to lead and innovate in educational and training institutions, as well as serve as education officials and specialists, driving evidence-based management and change in the sector.

Your Path to Making a Difference

At the School of Educational Sciences, you're not just earning a degree; you're preparing to transform education. Whether you wish to reform education as a policymaker, build up a new generation of schools or make a change directly in the classroom, we provide the foundation and tools to turn those goals into reality.