Liberal Arts in Social Sciences

Liberal Arts in Social Sciences puts an interdisciplinary understanding of society at the core, bringing together perspectives from sociology, political science, international relations, economics, law, demography, psychology and other social sciences. Rather than focusing on a single discipline, you will learn to make connections between different fields, critically examine social and political structures and explore the complex challenges facing societies today.

Your studies combine subject knowledge with qualitative and quantitative research methods, academic writing and practical skills such as analytical thinking, teamwork and project management. Compulsory core courses provide a shared foundation, while electives allow you to explore the topics that interest you most and gradually shape your own academic direction. Learning extends beyond the classroom through an internship and an interdisciplinary project, giving you opportunities to apply your knowledge in practice and collaborate with students from different fields. With an international student community, the programme brings together diverse perspectives and prepares you for further studies or professional paths where understanding and analysing society matters.

This programme is right for you if you are:

• curious about society and the world around you and want to understand social, political and economic processes;
• interested in several social sciences rather than limiting yourself to one discipline from the beginning;
• still exploring your academic direction and want the flexibility to discover which areas of social science interest you most;
• already interested in a particular social science but want to complement it with a broader interdisciplinary perspective;
• interested in analysing complex social issues and developing your critical and analytical thinking;
• ready to study in an international environment with students from different countries, backgrounds and experiences.

The programme welcomes both students coming directly from secondary school and those who already have previous study, work or life experience.

At the core of the programme is an interdisciplinary approach to the social sciences:

Aside from the core courses, you can choose from a range of electives that allow you to explore different areas of the social sciences in greater depth. Depending on your interests, you can study topics such as international human rights, international security, political communication, gender and family, digital society and the Baltic Sea region.

Explore the study programme

Put your knowledge into practice

Your studies go beyond theory. The programme includes practical training where you can apply your knowledge and skills in a real working environment, as well as an interdisciplinary LIFE project that brings together students from different fields across Tallinn University.

Research is also an important part of your studies. Through research design and qualitative research methods courses, you will learn how to investigate social issues, analyse information critically and develop the skills needed for your bachelor’s thesis.

Internship opportunities

Practical training is a compulsory part of the programme and gives you the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills in a real working environment. You can choose an internship related to your interests, allowing you to connect your studies with practical experience in your chosen area of social sciences. The programme also offers Practice Abroad as an elective for students interested in gaining practical experience abroad.

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 focus on a social science topic that interests you and demonstrate your ability to collect and analyse information, critically evaluate data, apply research methods and present your findings in a clear and structured way.

Career Opportunities

An interdisciplinary background in social sciences opens up opportunities across the public, private and non-profit sectors. Our graduates can pursue careers in:

• Public administration and policy
• Communication and public relations
• International relations and European affairs
• Sociology and social policy
• Information management
• Social impact and community development
• Research and analysis

After your Bachelor’s Studies, you will also have the opportunity to continue your education at Master’s level in social sciences or related fields.

Explore the Master’s programmes

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

1. 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).

2. 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 one of the assigned mandatory articles (see section "Important Information: Preparing for the interview" below), provide your viewpoints on this and actively participate in 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.

Important information: Preparing for the interview

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

Choose one article from the two suggestions:

• India’s data center boom is leaving the people it displaces with nothing
• Banished to alien lands: Trump’s secret deportation deals

3.Grading scales

Required Documents

MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH THE APPLICATION ON THE ONLINE APPLICATION SYSTEM BY THE APPLICATION DEADLINE*:

• CV in English 
• 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 needto the Counsellor for Students with special needs - Kai Rannastu (kai.rannastu@tlu.ee).

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-medium degree programmes combined. 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

Marleen Marjapuu
Study Counsellor and Specialist

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