International Relations

Tallinn University
Estonia, Tallin

Study location	Estonia, Tallin
Type	Master, full-time
Study language	English
Awards	MA
Accreditation	81927

Tuition fee	€2,100 per semester
Application fee	€100 one-time

Entry qualification	Undergraduate diploma (or higher) Applicants to the International Relations MA programme are required to have a Bachelor’s degree in social sciences. If you are currently studying in your last year of Bachelor’s studies and do not have your final documents yet, please upload a certificate with your study results and no later than on the 1st of July, your final diploma and transcript of records. Candidates without a degree in social sciences are kindly asked to contact the study programme administrator Matthew Crandall (matthew.crandall@tlu.ee) for qualification guidance. At least 60% of the possible maximum results is expected in order to qualify for studies in Tallinn University. We advise you to apply as soon as possible so that the admission specialists can give you feedback before the application deadline and a chance for you to update your application, if necessary. Tallinn University does not accept applications submitted by third parties. Applicants must complete and sign the application form themselves. The entry qualification documents are accepted in the following languages: English / Estonian. You must take the original entry qualification documents along with you when you finally go to the university. All required documents must be uploaded with the application by the application deadline. Applicants who have successfully passed their entrance exam, may be asked to send their educational documents to Tallinn University by post. Specific instructions will be given by the admission specialists to each applicant individually. Please do not send any documents by post until you have personally been asked to do so. Whether any documents are required by post can also be determined by examining Tallinn University’s country-specific requirements. which may state, for example, that the applicant’s Transcript of Records must be sent to Tallinn University by the awarding institution or that a document needs to be certified in a particular way. The entry qualification documents are accepted in the following languages: English. Often you can get a suitable transcript from your school. If this is not the case, you will need official translations along with verified copies of the original. You must take the original entry qualification documents along with you when you finally go to the university.

Entry qualification

Undergraduate diploma (or higher)

Applicants to the International Relations MA programme are required to have a Bachelor’s degree in social sciences.

If you are currently studying in your last year of Bachelor’s studies and do not have your final documents yet, please upload a certificate with your study results and no later than on the 1st of July, your final diploma and transcript of records.
Candidates without a degree in social sciences are kindly asked to contact the study programme administrator Matthew Crandall (matthew.crandall@tlu.ee) for qualification guidance.

At least 60% of the possible maximum results is expected in order to qualify for studies in Tallinn University.

We advise you to apply as soon as possible so that the admission specialists can give you feedback before the application deadline and a chance for you to update your application, if necessary.

Tallinn University does not accept applications submitted by third parties. Applicants must complete and sign the application form themselves.

The entry qualification documents are accepted in the following languages: English / Estonian.

You must take the original entry qualification documents along with you when you finally go to the university.

All required documents must be uploaded with the application by the application deadline.

Applicants who have successfully passed their entrance exam, may be asked to send their educational documents to Tallinn University by post. Specific instructions will be given by the admission specialists to each applicant individually. Please do not send any documents by post until you have personally been asked to do so.

Whether any documents are required by post can also be determined by examining Tallinn University’s country-specific requirements. which may state, for example, that the applicant’s Transcript of Records must be sent to Tallinn University by the awarding institution or that a document needs to be certified in a particular way.

The entry qualification documents are accepted in the following languages: English.

Often you can get a suitable transcript from your school. If this is not the case, you will need official translations along with verified copies of the original.
You must take the original entry qualification documents along with you when you finally go to the university.

Language requirements	English Only applicants who have completed their previous levels of education or their previous studies fully in English in the United States, Canada, the Commonwealth of Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Switzerland or the EU/EEA countries (attested proof from the previous educational institution required), will be exempted from submitting an international language test as a proof of their English proficiency. The following tests with scores outlined are accepted: IELTS (International English Language Testing System) academic: 6.0 (with a minimum of 5.5 in each component). A copy of the IELTS test result is accepted as it will be verified online by Tallinn University. B2 First (First Certificate in English): 169 (with a minimum of 169 in each component) C1 Advanced (Certificate in Advanced English): 169 (with a minimum of 169 in each component) C2 Proficiency (Certificate of Proficiency in English) : 169 (with a minimum of 169 in each component) Candidates presenting Cambridge English tests should make their results available in the online system for Tallinn University to be verified. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign language) internet based (TOEFL iBT® Test): 72 (with a minimum result of 18 in reading, 17 in listening, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing component). The test result has to be sent directly to Tallinn University, by the test centre. It is also possible to order the test results to be sent to Tallinn University online (Tallinn University Code number is: 0449). PTE academic (Pearson test of English): 59 (with a minimum of 59 in each component). Test result has to be sent to Tallinn university through the secure PTE portal. Tallinn University only accepts English language test scores which have been taken no more than 2 years before the beginning of studies. Students graduated from International Baccalaureate studies with ENGLISH B Level HL at least grade 6 or ENGLISH A Level with at least grade 5 do not have to prove their English proficiency for B2 level. NB! Students coming from Finland do not have to prove their language proficiency for B2 level if they have at least “cum laude approbatur” (pitkä oppimäärä) as the result of the English language exam in their matriculation certificate. Students coming from Latvia do not have to prove their language proficiency for B2 level if the result of their Latvian Secondary Education State Exam in English is at least grade “A” or “B” or corresponds to B2 English proficiency level. Students coming from Lithuania do not have to prove their language proficiency for B2 level if the result of their Lithuanian Secondary Education State Exam in English is at least 70 points.

Language requirements

English

Only applicants who have completed their previous levels of education or their previous studies fully in English in the United States, Canada, the Commonwealth of Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Switzerland or the EU/EEA countries (attested proof from the previous educational institution required), will be exempted from submitting an international language test as a proof of their English proficiency.

The following tests with scores outlined are accepted:
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) academic: 6.0 (with a minimum of 5.5 in each component). A copy of the IELTS test result is accepted as it will be verified online by Tallinn University.
B2 First (First Certificate in English): 169 (with a minimum of 169 in each component)
C1 Advanced (Certificate in Advanced English): 169 (with a minimum of 169 in each component)
C2 Proficiency (Certificate of Proficiency in English) : 169 (with a minimum of 169 in each component)
Candidates presenting Cambridge English tests should make their results available in the online system for Tallinn University to be verified.
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign language) internet based (TOEFL iBT® Test): 72 (with a minimum result of 18 in reading, 17 in listening, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing component). The test result has to be sent directly to Tallinn University, by the test centre. It is also possible to order the test results to be sent to Tallinn University online (Tallinn University Code number is: 0449).
PTE academic (Pearson test of English): 59 (with a minimum of 59 in each component). Test result has to be sent to Tallinn university through the secure PTE portal.

Tallinn University only accepts English language test scores which have been taken no more than 2 years before the beginning of studies.

Students graduated from International Baccalaureate studies with ENGLISH B Level HL at least grade 6 or ENGLISH A Level with at least grade 5 do not have to prove their English proficiency for B2 level.

NB! Students coming from Finland do not have to prove their language proficiency for B2 level if they have at least “cum laude approbatur” (pitkä oppimäärä) as the result of the English language exam in their matriculation certificate.

Students coming from Latvia do not have to prove their language proficiency for B2 level if the result of their Latvian Secondary Education State Exam in English is at least grade “A” or “B” or corresponds to B2 English proficiency level.

Students coming from Lithuania do not have to prove their language proficiency for B2 level if the result of their Lithuanian Secondary Education State Exam in English is at least 70 points.

Other requirements	At least 2 reference(s) should be provided. A motivation letter must be added to your application. A motivation letter must be added to your application. Please submit a motivation letter in which you answer the following questions: The choice of the study programme: Why Tallinn University? Why IR programme? What courses and modules interest you the most? What do you plan to write in your MA thesis? Previous studies and work experience: What were your BA studies about? Give an overview of your BA thesis or discuss your overall academic writing experience. Describe your work experience if you have it. Having read the text (see below), what do you agree and disagree with and why? What are the two main points the author made? In what ways is this text relevant to studying international relations? If not, elaborate. How did you find reading this text? What were the positives and the challenges? Why did you choose this specific text? NB! Plagiarised motivation letters are not accepted in any form and will be failed. Entrance exams The entrance exam consists of a written assignment and an interview. All applicants must show an identification document (passport or ID card) at the interview. With international applicants, the interview will be carried out via Zoom and for the purposes of identity verification, the admission committee has the right to record the interview. The maximum number of points is 100 (50% written, 50% oral part). Students receiving at least 35 points for the written part are allowed to the oral interview. Minimum programme enrolment threshold: 70 points out of 100. Candidates are expected to bring to the admission interview the Bachelor’s thesis and the review(s). Written assignment. Please submit a motivation letter (850-1000 words) in which you answer the following questions: The choice of the study programme: Why Tallinn University? Why IR programme? What courses and modules interest you the most? What do you plan to write in your MA thesis? Previous studies and work experience: What were your BA studies about? Give an overview of your BA thesis or discuss your overall academic writing experience. Describe your work experience if you have it. Having read the text (see below), what do you agree and disagree with and why? What are the two main points the author made? In what ways is this text relevant to studying international relations? If not, elaborate. How did you find reading this text? What were the positives and the challenges? Why did you choose this specific text? Choose one of these four articles to read. These articles do not represent the views of Tallinn University, they were simply chosen for discussion. Sacred Struggles: How Islam Shapes Politics in Mali Assessing the European Union’s REPowerEU Plan Panda Power? Chinese Soft Power in the Era of COVID-19 Globalizing Political Theory and the Role of the Particular NB! Plagiarised motivation letters are not accepted in any form and will be failed. Students with long-term medical conditions may encounter obstacles in higher education. Aiming to provide equal education, students have the opportunity to apply for adjustments based on their condition. Lecturers have the right to give reasonable adjustments, but this is not an obligation. Applicants applying for adjustments to be made during the admission exams due to their physical or psycho-social special need must submit a copy of medical proof of their special need. Specific requirements for Non-EU applicants: Citizens of Non-EU/EEA countries are required to pay the first semester’s tuition fee before the beginning of studies.

Other requirements

At least 2 reference(s) should be provided.

A motivation letter must be added to your application.

Please submit a motivation letter in which you answer the following questions:

The choice of the study programme: Why Tallinn University? Why IR programme? What courses and modules interest you the most? What do you plan to write in your MA thesis?
Previous studies and work experience: What were your BA studies about? Give an overview of your BA thesis or discuss your overall academic writing experience. Describe your work experience if you have it.
Having read the text (see below), what do you agree and disagree with and why? What are the two main points the author made?
In what ways is this text relevant to studying international relations? If not, elaborate. How did you find reading this text? What were the positives and the challenges? Why did you choose this specific text?
NB! Plagiarised motivation letters are not accepted in any form and will be failed.

Entrance exams

The entrance exam consists of a written assignment and an interview.
All applicants must show an identification document (passport or ID card) at the interview. With international applicants, the interview will be carried out via Zoom and for the purposes of identity verification, the admission committee has the right to record the interview.
The maximum number of points is 100 (50% written, 50% oral part).
Students receiving at least 35 points for the written part are allowed to the oral interview.
Minimum programme enrolment threshold: 70 points out of 100.
Candidates are expected to bring to the admission interview the Bachelor’s thesis and the review(s).
Written assignment. Please submit a motivation letter (850-1000 words) in which you answer the following questions:

The choice of the study programme: Why Tallinn University? Why IR programme? What courses and modules interest you the most? What do you plan to write in your MA thesis?
Previous studies and work experience: What were your BA studies about? Give an overview of your BA thesis or discuss your overall academic writing experience. Describe your work experience if you have it.
Having read the text (see below), what do you agree and disagree with and why? What are the two main points the author made?
In what ways is this text relevant to studying international relations? If not, elaborate. How did you find reading this text? What were the positives and the challenges? Why did you choose this specific text?
Choose one of these four articles to read. These articles do not represent the views of Tallinn University, they were simply chosen for discussion.

Sacred Struggles: How Islam Shapes Politics in Mali
Assessing the European Union’s REPowerEU Plan
Panda Power? Chinese Soft Power in the Era of COVID-19
Globalizing Political Theory and the Role of the Particular
NB! Plagiarised motivation letters are not accepted in any form and will be failed.

Students with long-term medical conditions may encounter obstacles in higher education. Aiming to provide equal education, students have the opportunity to apply for adjustments based on their condition. Lecturers have the right to give reasonable adjustments, but this is not an obligation. Applicants applying for adjustments to be made during the admission exams due to their physical or psycho-social special need must submit a copy of medical proof of their special need.

Specific requirements for Non-EU applicants:

Citizens of Non-EU/EEA countries are required to pay the first semester’s tuition fee before the beginning of studies.

International Relations programme is an interdisciplinary study within social sciences, defined by topics which vary from the complex and strategic relations of states to the various transnational forms and channels of non-state actors. The programme unites traditions of Anglo-American and continental European IR scholarship and education in reflecting the changing international system where the role of emerging states is growing.

The International Relations curriculum:
• Focuses on foreign and security policy (incl. the small-state perspectives) and globalization in world and regional politics.
• Gives in-depth knowledge of state relations, international organizations and the role of non-state actors.
• Is the only IR curriculum in Estonia that gives an overview on Asia and other new powers as well as the regionalization process.
• Allows for specialisation in one of two modules: “Globalisation and Regional Cooperation” or “International Security and Conflict Studies”.

Graduates will have developed familiarity with the key issues and debates in IR theory as well as the ability to apply this knowledge to a range of practical and analytical tasks.
Possible career options for graduates include positions in government structures, public service, diplomacy, European affairs, international and non-governmental organizations across the world. Graduates may also continue their academic career as doctoral students in Estonia and all over the world.

Apply now! Spring semester 2025

15 Dec 2024, 23:59:59
Eastern European Time

Winter intake

4 Feb 2025

Apply now! Fall semester 2025/26

This is a rolling intake - applications are accepted all year round.

16 Sept 2025

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Apply now! Spring semester 2025

15 Dec 2024, 23:59:59
Eastern European Time

Winter intake

4 Feb 2025