Sociology PhD

Duration: 4 years (8 semesters)
Cost: Free
Language of Instruction: English, Estonian
Field of Study: Social Sciences, Business and Law
Conferred Degree: PhD (Sociology)

See study program here

Who are we looking for?

We expect applicants to hold a master’s degree in the social sciences or an equivalent university diploma. Prior studies in sociology and competence in research methods, or a strong interest in them, are considered an advantage.

Doctoral admission competitions are open for full-time study. To ensure the opportunity to fully dedicate themselves to doctoral research, all doctoral candidates admitted in the 2026/27 academic year are expected to take up a position as a junior researcher with a 1.0 workload at the School of Governance, Law and Society.

What are the Career Options After the Studies?

An internationally accredited doctoral degree enables graduates to work in positions requiring a doctoral qualification, including as researchers, lecturers, and top-level experts in Estonian, European Union, and international institutions.

Programme info

Objectives of the Programme:

To create opportunities for acquiring the highest scientific qualification in sociology;
To support developing of knowledge and skills to act as an independent professional expert;
To create conditions for independent academic work in teaching and research in universities or research institutions.

Learning Outcomes:

has broad knowledge and systematic overview of sociological research fields, methods and theoretical perspectives
is able to orient in scientific sociological literature, is able to find the necessary information, to critically evaluate, analyze and synthesize the information
is able to plan and conduct professional international scientific and development activities based on the principles of ISA (International Sociological Association) code of ethics and to critically analyze and evaluate the results
is able to participate in international professional and social discussion, to present research findings and affect social decision-making processes
is able to critically analyze the prevailing norms of society
has competence to work as a research fellow, lecturer and expert

Admission Requirements

We are looking for candidates interested in studying society, broadly aligned with sociological themes and approaches. Research topics related to inequality, sustainability, social justice, cultural differences, gender, age, ethnicity, and other socially significant issues are welcome. Priority areas include: work and education; life course studies; differentiation and inclusion (see also the description of priority research areas and information on ongoing research projects).

Doctoral proposals employing qualitative, quantitative, or mixed research methods are encouraged. Proposals focused on theoretical analysis are also welcome.

Candidates will be evaluated based on the criteria listed below, but in cases where indicators are equal, the committee may give preference to research projects in priority areas. Evaluation will also consider the candidate’s potential to contribute to sociology teaching. If candidates are otherwise equal, preference will be given to those able and willing to contribute to the teaching quantitative and/or qualitative research and analysis methods.

For general requirements, please read admission to PhD Studies.

Additional Admission Requirements for the Sociology Program:

Doctoral Project Proposal: A doctoral research plan agreed upon with a potential supervisor (including their signature) — this accounts for 60% of the final admission score.

Structure of the Doctoral Proposal (8–10 pages + list of references):

Research topic of the planned doctoral project, including a brief summary of the research problem(s) the doctoral dissertation aims to address
Objectives, main research questions, or working hypotheses
Brief overview of previous research and the theoretical frames/approaches (incl. references) one considers relevant for this project
Data and research methods planned for addressing the research problem(s), including principles for sample selection, etc.
Work plan for completing the dissertation, required resources, and potential risks
Possible contribution to teaching in sociology curriculum(s)

Evaluation criteria: Relevance of the topic, novelty and significance of the research problem, justification of the chosen theoretical and methodological framework, connection to the research and development activities of the School of Governance, Law and Society, clarity of the research plan, feasibility of the research at the School of Governance, Law and Society, potential contribution to teaching, academic writing and expression skills.

Admission Interview: Accounts for 40% of the final admission score.

The interview is based on the doctoral proposal and CV. It also evaluates the candidate’s published works (if any), previous academic achievements, ambitions, and readiness to work as a doctoral candidate–junior researcher. Duration: ~25 minutes.

Evaluation criteria: Candidate’s understanding of key positions and current issues in their research field, ability to justify choices made in the doctoral research proposal, motivation for pursuing and completing doctoral studies on time, relevance of previous education and work experience to sociology, potential contribution to teaching, communication and expression skills.

Contacts and Research Areas of Potential Supervisors: Academic staff of the Sociology Program and the International Centre for Social Research can be found here: https://www.tlu.ee/yti/kontaktid
Further information on the academic staff’s research and experience is available here: https://www.etis.ee

Prioritized research topics

Why Study Sociology at Tallinn University?

The program is based on the academic staff of the Institute of Social Sciences, the Sociology Program, and the International Centre for Social Research (ICSR) at Tallinn University, enabling the involvement of highly qualified sociologists as supervisors and consultants.
Sociology studies at Tallinn University are closely linked to the activities of the ICSR, and doctoral candidates are often involved in research grants and international projects. Within the framework of ICSR and sociology research projects, various aspects of Estonian society have been studied, including social stratification, education and the labor market, life courses, and lifestyles. Active participation in international studies is carried out in collaboration with research institutions worldwide. Both qualitative, quantitative, and mixed research methods are used in these studies.
Researchers in the field of sociology have extensive international networks and a strong academic reputation. Doctoral candidates have opportunities to gain research experience by participating in conferences, seminars, summer schools, and studying abroad at partner universities through the Erasmus program.
The program is flexible and allows each doctoral candidate, in collaboration with their supervisor, to organize their studies according to individual needs and to select preparatory work aligned with their research topics.
An individual study plan is prepared for each doctoral candidate, taking into account their prior background and experience.
The program is accredited.

Contact us!

Specific questions regarding the programme should be directed to the School of Governance, Law and Society: Triin Vendik phone: 6409 452 E-mail: yti-ope@tlu.ee

For additional guidelines regarding admission procedure please contact the international admission specialist.