Sociology PhD

This programme puts an in-depth understanding of society at its core, bringing together theoretical perspectives, advanced methodology, and empirical research on human behavior, social relationships, and institutions. Rather than offering a passive learning path, the programme engages you directly with active research on key societal issues, including social stratification, labor markets, education, life courses, and cultural norms.

Your studies combine broad subject knowledge with rigorous qualitative, quantitative, and mixed research methods, critical analysis, and academic writing. Based on the academic staff of the Institute of Social Sciences and the International Centre for Social Research (ICSR), the programme allows you to collaborate closely with leading sociologists on national and international research projects.

With a flexible individual study plan, specialized doctoral seminars, and opportunities for study exchanges abroad through the Erasmus+ programme, you will develop the independent research capability and expertise required to address complex societal challenges and shape decision-making processes across academic, public, and international sectors.

This programme is right for you if you are:

• Passionate about understanding society
• Eager to solve real-world challenges
• Driven to conduct independent research
• Looking for an active academic community
• Aspiring to make a policy or societal impact

At the core of the programme is an in-depth, research-driven approach to sociology:

• Social stratification, inequality and inclusion

• Education, labor market transitions and digital society

• Life courses, lifestyles and population studies

• Advanced quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods

• Contemporary sociological theories and theoretical perspectives

• Research ethics and ISA ethical standards

• International research networks and academic publishing

Some of the core courses include:

• Philosophy and Methodology of Social Sciences
• Interdisciplinary Doctoral Seminar of Social Sciences
• Methodology Seminars (Statistical & Qualitative Analysis)

Aside from the core courses, you can choose from a range of electives that allow you to tailor your studies to your research topic and explore specific areas in greater depth. 

See study programme here

Put your knowledge into practice

One Junior Research Fellow position is funded from the national operating grant, with the research topic: „The impact of AI on young people’s educational and labour market transitions, social inclusion, and coping“. Regarding supervision, please contact Gerli Nimmerfeldt.

Additional information and application requirements can be found here.

Finishing your studies

At the end of your doctoral studies, you will write and defend your original, research-based doctoral dissertation. You are welcome to focus your research on pressing societal issues such as inequality, sustainability, social justice, cultural diversity, gender, age, or ethnicity.

You can align your work with our key priority areas:

• Work and education

• Life course studies

• Social differentiation and inclusion

(You can also explore our detailed descriptions of priority research areas and ongoing research projects here)

Career Opportunities

An internationally accredited doctoral degree enables you to work in positions requiring a doctoral qualification, including as:

• Researchers
• Lecturers
• Top-level experts in Estonian, European Union, and international institutions

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 hour

 

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.

For general requirements, please read admission to PhD Studies.

Additional Admission Requirements:

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

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: