LIFE is a new type of subject at Tallinn University where students from different study fields carry out a collaborative project on a topic of their interest. The team consists of 6-8 students from at least three different study fields.

It is a subject which is not organised in the form of a lecture and where the teacher does not dictate the students what to do and how to do it. The initiative and management of the activities lies with the students. The key to success is based on co-operation, planning the activities and setting a common goal, since with the help of a supervisor the team will have to find suitable means for carrying out the ideas.

To participate in an LIFE project students have to register for the project of their interest. Some ideas can be found on LIFE website. To participate in a project, login with your TU account and join the project of your interest.

Participating in an LIFE project gives a possibility to develop your leadership and social skills, as well as your initiative, and to gain basic knowledge of how to plan and carry out projects. In addition, it aims to support the development of students’ entrepreneurship and team work skills. The project requires active participation in the activities of the team and fulfilling the obligations. LIFE projects can be about finding solutions to problems, about the development of existing initiatives or they can provide the means of creating something new. In addition to valuable experience, students will receive 6 ECTS for the project and a result as Passed.

LIFE projects are described by great variety. Your project may, for example:

  • be the beginning of a start-up company;
  • be a means to contribute to the society;
  • result in the development of a new technology;
  • result in a study including different areas and which can be developed into your final thesis;
  • enable the organisation of events, exhibitions and project days etc. to promote science.

LIFE ideas for projects will be offered by the students themselves, their supervising teachers, enterprises and non-government organisations co-operating with the university.

Public presentations of LIFE projects take place:

  • during the intermediate week
  • at the end of Spring semester
Frequently asked questions about new subject LIFE
1. What is LIFE?

LIFE is a university-wide subject where students from different study fields carry out collaborative projects.

2. Why is LIFE included in all the study programms? 

LIFE is obligatory so as to provide all the students with an innovative experience of studying and doing activities together. In our future work life we will inevitably have to handle ideas and problems that reach beyond one single field. In addition, LIFE projects will enable to practice working together with different people and experiment with our own ideas.

3. When can I take subject?

The students themselves can choose when to carry out LIFE. Unlike ordinary subjects, the preparation of the projects must be started during the previous semester, as the team needs to get together before the beginning of the semester. It is recommended to take the course before the last semester, i.e. before the semester of writing the final thesis. 

4. How are LIFE teams formed? 

Teams are formed based on an LIFE idea of interest. Students can thus choose which supervisor’s project to join, or they can come forward with their own idea. LIFE projects will be introduced at Idea Fair and on the website for LIFE.

5. What are the requirements for LIFE teams?

LIFE team size is 6-8 students. If there are more students interested in one and the same topic, sub-teams will be formed. Since it is an interdisciplinary project, each team should include students from at least three different study areas.

6. What is an LIFE project like?

The way an LIFE project is carried out and its outcome depend on the team and the supervisor. The goal of an LIFE project, activities necessary for reaching the goal and the timeframe will be agreed upon in the project draft after the team has been formed. The compulsory parts of the subject are the draft of the project, self-reflective report and presentation of the outcome. The supervisor has the task of supporting the students, evaluate the applicability of the draft and give feedback to the team.

7. Where can I get more information about LIFE?

Please check the course outline in ÕIS, visit the webpage elu.tlu.ee or send an email to LIFE coordinators elu@tlu.ee.