Key information
- Duration: Full-time
- 48 months
- Start dates & application deadlines:
- Starting January 2027 — Apply before Dec 2026
Overview
Learning Outcomes
The graduates of the Psychology programme of Tallinn University:
- know new trends in psychology and deep knowledge in the field of doctoral theses;
- understand the role and meaning of psychology in a broad contex of social sciences;
- are able to analyze and critically evaluate different studies, paradigms, theories and models of psychology;
- are capable to plan and organize R&D activities, critically analyze and evaluate results;
- are competent in teaching psychology and supporting the students' learning process;
- are able to present results of scientific research in scientific communication;
- are able to introduce specific psychology related knowledge in the larger context of the society and culture, participate in discussions in the society and affect social decision processes;
- know ethical and professional standards in the field of practical psychology;
- are able to prepare and perform international research projects;
- know the deep knowledge of research methods, new trends and theories in psychology.
Conferred Degree: PhD (Psychology)
Why Study Psychology at Tallinn University?
The School of Natural Sciences and Health operates on the principle of academic freedom and supports the academic development of the doctoral student on an international level and with the presence of external supervisors also in fields not related to the institute’s research fields of priority.
What are the Career Options After the Studies?
A PhD in psychology enables the graduate to work primarily in three fields: a) as top specialists in various organizations that require analytical skills, the development of original solutions, and the usage of science-based arguments; b) as university lecturers; c) as heads of R&D projects or as a researcher in such a project.
Programme structure
Objectives of the Programme
- to create premises for acquiring the highest scientific qualification in psychology;
- to support the development of competence for working as an independent specialist in different areas of psychology that presuppose deep knowledge in psychology;
- to support the development of new generation of researchers, academicians, and specialist;
- to create premises for acquiring high level qualifications in psychology that are needed for composing psychological expertices, councel, and consult in different areas.
Admission requirements
Academic requirements
We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.
English requirements
- TOEFL iBT: 72
- PTE Academic: 59
- IELTS: 6
TOEFL iBT® is accepted by more than 13,000 universities and other institutions in over 160 countries. The test can be taken at a test center or at home. The test measures your English-language abilities in an academic setting. The score refers to the total score of 4 subjects (writing, listening, speaking, and reading), each subject has a range of 0 - 30.
PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English) is a language test that enables students to demonstrate their writing, listening, speaking, and reading skills when applying to study in English. The score refers to a total score which ranges between 10 and 90.
The International English Language Test System (IELTS) tests your English-language proficiency on a scale of 1 – 9. The score refers to the combined average score of 4 subjects (writing, listening, speaking, and reading).
Other requirements
General requirements
- Copy of a Bachelor’s degree certificate or certificate of a corresponding qualification + Transcript of Records/Academic Transcript (official translations are requested if the documents are not in English);
- Copy of a Master’s degree certificate or certificate of a corresponding qualification + Transcript of Records (official translations are requested if the documents are not in English);
- Copy of the identification page of passport;
- Proof of English language Proficiency;
- Curriculum Vitae;
- Thesis proposal signed by the prospective supervisor;
- 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 need.
Fees and funding
Tuition Fees
International tuition fees apply to students who are not citizens or permanent residents of the study country. In some regions, like the EU/EEA, or under certain agreements, students from partner countries may also pay domestic fees.
International: Free
EU/EEA: Free
PhD studies in Tallinn University are without tuition fees.
Living costs
Tallinn, Estonia: 968-1,534 AUD / month
The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.