Politics and Governance

Politics is not abstract. It shapes daily life, from public decisions and international conflict to economic choices and social movements. Politics and Governance gives you the tools to understand how political systems work, how policies are made, and how global trends influence societies. The programme allows you to explore how states, institutions, and civil society respond to complex challenges.

With a balance of core courses and electives, you can develop your interests in areas such as comparative politics, public administration, global governance, European politics, or international relations. By graduation, you will be able to analyse political developments with clarity and connect them to real-world institutions and debates.

This programme is right for you if you:

• Want to to know how political decisions are made and how societies are governed.
• Are interested in politics, public institutions, or international affairs.
• Consider a career in public service, NGOs, international organisations, political communication, or research.
• Seek a strong grounding in social sciences with the flexibility to explore different specialisations.
• Follow global events and want the analytical tools to make sense of them.

At the core of the programme are: 

• Political science
• Governance studies
• International relations

Some of the core courses include:

• Society and Law
• Comparative Welfare State
• The European Union and International Organizations
• Political Sociology

In addition to core courses, you can choose from a wide range of electives such as E-government, E-democracy and Digital Society, International Security, Political Communication, or Democracy and Civil Society, which allow you to tailor your studies to your specific academic and career interests.

Explore the study programme

Internship opportunities

Practical training is a compulsory part of the curriculum and gives you the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills in a professional environment. The internship allows you to connect your studies with practical experience in an area related to politics and governance.

Erasmus+ and exchange opportunities

As a Tallinn University student, you can take advantage of opportunities to study abroad and gain international experience through exchange studies. More about the exchange possibilities.

Finishing your studies

At the end of your studies, you will complete and defend a research-based Bachelor’s thesis. The thesis gives you the opportunity to conduct independent research under the guidance of a supervisor and provides a strong foundation for further studies at Master’s level.

Career Opportunities

A degree in Politics and Governance provides strong analytical skills and a comprehensive understanding of political and governance systems, preparing graduates for diverse career paths in:

• Public administration and policy
• International organisations
• NGOs and civil society
• Political communication and public affairs

After completing your Bachelor’s Studies, you can continue your education at Master’s level in politics, governance, international relations or related fields.

Explore the Master's studies

Meet our alumni

Meet our teaching staff

Meet the full teaching staff

Admissions

General requirements

• Completed Secondary Education or the equivalent.
• Proof of English Proficiency
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Please see the complete overview of admission and application requirements for Bachelor's level applicants.

Admission exam

Exam procedure

• The admission exam consists entirely of an interview. Maximum points for the interview are 100. The minimum admissions score is 65 points;
• The interview will be 20 minutes long and centres on the CV  (incl. educational background, work experience, other relevant experience i.e any internships, part-time jobs, volunteering, or leadership roles that relate to the study programme), motivation of the applicant and study programme related articles/topics that serve as an input for the exam;
• The admission committee consists of at least two members;
• The interview begins with the identification. At the beginning of the interview the candidate shows their ID and for the purposes of identity verification, the admission committee has the right to record the online interview;
• There is an expectation that the candidate is able to express themselves at least at English level B2 (language proficiency).

Evaluation criteria of the interview

• The candidate`s interest in the programme and motivation to study in the field applying common study methods in social sciences; 
• Capacity to understand the focal arguments of the interview input (eg article) and provide their viewpoints into the discussion; 
• General background and field-related knowledge, language proficiency and the ability to engage in analytical discussions; 
• Capacity to contextualise previous work, study and voluntary activity experience in the frames of the chosen programme.

Grading scales

External assistance is strictly prohibited during the interview. If the committee determines that an applicant is not answering questions independently, the interview score will be zero (0).

Preparation for the exam 

Please, submit your CV, covering the following topics:

Education background

• Including specialties in schools if applicable
• Any special or additional classes taken the candidate sees relevant

Work and volunteer experience

• Including anything the candidate sees as relevant
• What were the tasks and responsibilities

Previous experience with politics and governance

• Could include volunteer or other experience
• Could also include reading or learning about politics and governance

Other relevant skills and experience

• Whatever other things the candidate deems relevant

Preparation for the interview

Preparation for the interview: the candidate should consider their motivation for the programme, look up the programme, read and prepare to discuss one of these reading materials:

• Five views: Is populism really a threat to democracy?
• Why Africa needs non-adversarial democracy 
• From missiles to malware, hybrid war is rewriting global security
• From Iran to China: Using Social Data to Detect Authoritarian Decline

The interview

The interview lasts 20 minutes (CV + articles as a part of input) 

Required documents

Must be submitted with the application on the online application system by the application deadline*: 

• CV
• Copy of Secondary Education Certificate/Diploma (an official translation is requested if the document is not in English); 
• Transcript of Records/Academic Transcript (translation is requested if the document is not in English);
• Proof of English language Proficiency;
• Copy of the identification page of the passport;
• Specific documents required for the programme you are applying to;
• Copy of a Sworn Affidavit to Confirmation of Name if the applicant's name stated in his/her passport differs from the name on any of the other required documents;
• Applicants applying for adjustments to be made during the admission exams due to his/her physical or psycho-social special need must submit a copy of medical proof of this special need to the Counsellor for Students with special needs - Kai Rannastu (kai.rannastu@tlu.ee).

Application dates:     

View detailed admission requirements and timelines for the applicants. 

Scholarships

Tuition fee discounts 2027/2028 Academic Year

SOGOLAS awards a total of two 100% tuition fee discounts across all six English-taught degree programmes combined. The discount is granted for one academic year. In the first academic year, the discount is awarded to the top two students in the admission ranking based on the entrance exam results. 

In the second and third academic years, only full-time students may apply for the discount, and the ranking is based on their weighted grade point average. To receive the discount, a student must not be on academic leave during the semester in which the discount is awarded.

To qualify for the tuition fee discount, the candidate must have submitted their application by February 1st.

Read the tuition fee discount principles and procedure for the 2027/2028 academic year

Move to Tallinn

Studying in Tallinn, means studying at a compact European capital where education, technology and digital innovation meet. As an international student, you can benefit from Tallinn University's support and access practical information to help you settle into life in Estonia from the basics of accommodation to the details about working while studying and of course where to find the student support services. 

Find information about:

• Accommodation
• VISA information
• Healthcare and insurance
• Cost of living
• Public transport
• Working while studying
• Peer support and student buddies
• Student Support Centre

Explore more practical topics that might come up as you relocate.

Contacts

Mari-Liis Siig
Study Counsellor and Specialist

For additional guidelines regarding the admission procedure, please contact the international admission specialist: