Government and Politics PhD

Tprogramme offers a rigorous academic framework designed to train next-generation social scientists. By supporting systematic thinking, creative application of theories, and methodological diversity, it equips doctoral candidates with the analytical tools and empirical research skills needed to address complex societal and political challenges in a rapidly changing world.

This programme is right for you if you have:

• A master’s degree in political science, public policy, social sciences, or a related field.

• A clear research interest and a doctoral dissertation idea.

• A readiness to work as an independent researcher and contribute to the institute’s research and teaching activities.

We recommend that interested candidates contact a potential supervisor early on to jointly refine their dissertation topic and ensure alignment with the institute’s research directions.

At the core of the programme are:

• Comparative politics and policy analysis
• Governance theories
• Political theory
• International relations

Some of the core courses include:

• Philosophy and Methodology of Social Sciences
• Interdisciplinary Doctoral Seminar of Social Sciences

In addition to the compulsory courses, you can choose from a range of elective subjects. Depending on your research interests and academic goals, you can explore topics such as theories of governance, state theory, comparative ethnopolitics, international relations, and social policy.

Explore the study programme

Put your knowledge into practice

One Junior Research Fellow position is funded under a specific research project on the topic of: "Educational Choices, Inequality and Policy Feedback across the Life Course". Supervisors: Triin Lauri and Kaire Põder.

The position is embedded in the Institute of International Social Studies’ first European Research Council (ERC) grant – EDUMERIT – representing cutting-edge research. The project connects educational and political choices, combining interdisciplinary perspectives and methodological approaches, and requires strong statistical modelling skills.

Apply for EDUMERIT Junior Researcher position

The successful candidate will work closely within an international research network and develop their PhD as part of an ambitious, high-impact research project.

Finishing your studies

At the end of your doctoral studies, you will write and defend a research-based doctoral dissertation. Your thesis can focus on key contemporary issues in governance and politics, such as educational inequality and policy feedback, welfare state developments and social division, populism and political radicalization, theories of statehood and citizenship, ethnic relations and integration, feminist peace and conflict studies, or the challenges of multi-level governance and marketization of public services.

Career Opportunities

The programme is internationally accredited, and the doctoral degree obtained upon graduation opens up career opportunities in academia, the public sector, international organizations, as well as in high-level positions in policy-making and analysis. You can pursue careers in: 

• Senior Policy Analyst 

• University Lecturer / Postdoctoral Researcher

• High-Level Specialist or Manager in public administration

• Policy Officer

• Expert in EU and international institutions

• Head of Advocacy

• Research Director at think tanks and NGOs

• Political & Strategic Risk Consultant

Meet our alumni

Meet our teaching staff

Meet the full teaching staff

Admissions

Admission to doctoral studies is open for full-time study only. All doctoral candidates admitted in the 2026/2027 academic year to a junior researcher position are expected to take up employment with a 1.0 workload at the School of Governance, Law and Society.

Distribution of working hours

Admission requirements:

• Prior to the admission examination, applicants must submit a doctoral research proposal (PhD project) approved by a prospective supervisor and signed by the supervisor. Based on the proposal, selected candidates will be invited to an admission interview.

Structure of the Doctoral Research Proposal (5-10 pages + list of references):  

•  the topic of the doctoral thesis, including a brief summary of the research problem the thesis aims to address.
• the objectives of the study, the main research questions and tasks, or research hypotheses
• a brief overview of the most relevant previous research and theoretical approaches related to the topic, including references
• the data and research methods planned for addressing the research problem, including the principles for sampling (if applicable).
• a work plan, the resources required to complete the doctoral thesis, and potential risks
• why did you choose Tallinn University?            

Evaluation Criteria:

Doctoral Research Proposal (40%) – maximum 40 points, distributed as follows:

• relevance of the topic; originality and significance of the research problem (max 10 points);
• justification of the chosen theoretical and methodological framework and its alignment with the research and development activities of the School of Governance Law and Society (max 10 points);
• clarity of the research plan (max 10 points);
• feasibility of conducting the research at the School of Governance, Law and Society (max 10 points).

Interview (60%) – maximum 60 points. Interview evaluation criteria:

• candidate’s knowledge of the fundamental principles and current issues in government and political science (max 10 points);
• motivation to pursue and complete doctoral studies (max 10 points);
• readiness to work at the university as a junior researcher (max 10 points);
• relevance of previous academic and professional experience to research and development projects in government and political science (max 10 points);
• ability to justify the choices made in the doctoral research proposal (max 10 points);
• communication and presentation skills (max 10 points).

* The PhD proposal must be agreed upon and signed by a potential supervisor.

Supervisors contacts and research field can be found here (click on a supervisor's name to view their research areas).

Admissions schedule

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

Leen Press
Study Counsellor and Specialist

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