Psychology, PhD
The School of Natural Sciences and Health is home to researchers and lecturers who work on an international level in developmental, cultural, and school psychology and also the new psychology paradigm – idiographic psychology.
Learning Outcomes
The graduate:
- knows new trends in psychology and deep knowledge in the field of doctoral theses;
- understands the role and meaning of psychology in a broad contex of social sciences;
- is able to analyze and critically evaluate different studies, paradigms, theories and models of psychology;
- is capable to plan and organize R&D activities, critically analyze and evaluate results;
- is competent in teaching psychology and supporting the students' learning process;
- is able to present results of scientific research in scientific communication;
- is able to introduce specific psychology related knowledge in the larger context of the society and culture, participate in discussions in the society and affect social decision processes;
- knows ethical and professional standards in the field of practical psychology;
- is able to prepare and perform international research projects;
- knows the deep knowledge of research methods, new trends and theories in psychology.
- Conferred Degree: PhD (Psychology)
What Do We Expect from an Applicant?
We await in our studies persons with a Master’s degree or its equivalent in psychology who have experiences in participating in science projects, who have a clear interest in scientific research in psychology, and who are authors of at least one publication in the field of psychology. We presume the candidate has shown excellent academic results during the Master’s program.
Why Study Psychology at Tallinn University?
The School of Natural Sciences and Health is home to researchers and lecturers who work on an international level in developmental, cultural, and school psychology and also the new psychology paradigm – idiographic psychology. However, the School of Natural Sciences and Health operates on the principle of academic freedom and supports the academic development of the doctoral student on an international level and with the presence of external supervisors also in fields not related to the institute’s research fields of priority.
Objectives of the Programme
- to create premises for acquiring the highest scientific qualification in psychology;
- to support the development of competence for working as an independent specialist in different areas of psychology that presuppose deep knowledge in psychology;
- to support the development of new generation of researchers, academicians, and specialist;
- to create premises for acquiring high level qualifications in psychology that are needed for composing psychological expertices, councel, and consult in different areas.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the Doctoral Studies in Psychology is open. Specifically, doctoral research topics related to funded projects or activities at Tallinn University are welcome.
Doctoral Studies in Psychology winter 2024/2025 additional admission schedule:
- until 19 December 2024 – Submission of applications in DreamApply.
- 13 January 2025 – Admission exam (the exact time will be individually communicated to each candidate).
- February 2025 – Start of studies.
Admission schedule for the 2025/2026 academic year:
- 19 May – 29 June 2025 – Submission of applications in DreamApply.
- 2–11 July 2025 – Admission exam (the exact time will be individually communicated to each candidate).
- 26 August 2025 – Start of studies.
Additional Admission Requirements:
- Master's degree (or equivalent qualification) in Psychology.
- Minimum required level of English proficiency is B2.
To apply, the following documents must be submitted through the admissions information system:
- Doctoral thesis proposal coordinated with a potential supervisor.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Motivation letter (up to 3000 characters).
- Optionally, include previously published publications.
The admission exam consists of:
- An interview on the topics of the doctoral thesis proposal.
- Evaluation of the candidate's academic achievements (CV and published publications).
The evaluation of the admission exam follows the university's grading system, where the final positive result for admission to doctoral studies ranges from 75 to a maximum of 100 points.
Programme specific requirements:
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Admission exam (discussion about the doctoral project; estimation of candidate's CV and publications) is based on the plan for the doctoral thesis (about 5 pages) that is agreed with the prospective supervisor (signed). Supervisor must have the PhD in psychology and be active researcher in the field of psychology at least past 5 years.
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Required English level is B2.
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For the purposes of identity verification at the admission procedure the Admission Committee has the right to take a screenshot during the oral part of the admission exam carried out via video bridge.
Defended doctoral theses
What are the Career Options After the Studies?
- A PhD in psychology enables the graduate to work primarily in three fields: a) as top specialists in various organizations that require analytical skills, the development of original solutions, and the usage of science-based arguments; b) as university lecturers; c) as heads of R&D projects or as a researcher in such a project.
Contact us!
- Specific questions regarding the programme should be directed to the School of Natural Sciences and Health:
Programme coordinator: katrin kullasepp
study counselor: Greete Horn
E-mailgreete.horn@tlu.ee
- For additional guidelines regarding admission procedure please contact the international admission specialist.
E-mailadmissions@tlu.ee
- Skype: tu.degree (Thursdays 10:00-12:00 GMT+2) NB! Please schedule for a Skype session via e-mail.
addressNarva mnt 25, 10120 Tallinn
Skypetu.degree