International Relations and Regional Studies

The IRRS MA programme at the University of Tartu combines comprehensive study of international relations as an academic discipline and political practice with in-depth understanding of particular geographic regions, including:

- European Union 
- Russia and Eurasia 
- Baltic Sea region.

These regional foci grow out of our multinational faculty’s research interests and competences and reflects Estonia’s historical experience at the border of Europe and Russia - experience which is highly relevant to other countries located in-between bigger powers.

The programme provides in‐depth knowledge about:

- contemporary international relations 
- central principles and sources of international law 
- traditional and critical approaches in security studies 
- foreign policy analysis 
- conflict management and resolution mechanisms 
- politics, society, economics and international relations in the European Union, Russia and Eurasia, and the Baltic Sea region.

The programme is suitable for all those who plan a career with an international focus, be it in diplomacy, public service, private sector or with non-governmental organizations.

The international dimension of the programme is enhanced by wide-ranging study-abroad opportunities, study-trips, and the availability of tuition-waivers and scholarships to international students.

The learning outcomes of the IRRS programme include:

- comprehensive understanding of core IR concepts, approaches, and practices, including familiarity with international law, the global economy, and international security arrangements; 
- detailed knoweldge of a specific geographical region (European Union, Russia and Eurasia, Baltic Sea Region); 
- ability to identify and formulate meaningful research problems and/or questions in the field of International Relations, and the theoretical, analytical and methodological competencies to effectively address these; 
- specific knowledge, skills and norms relevant to the practice of international relations (e.g. conflict mediation, negotiations, - skills relevant to foreign and security policy formulation and implementation); 
- a range of general-purpose skills (e.g. effective oral and written communication skills, critical thinking, responsibility, initiative, leadership and teamwork skills); 
- an international perspective that will enrich career prospects both at home and globally.

DOCUMENTS TO BE SUBMITTED:

-  Online application;

- Motivation letter;

- Official copy of the Bachelor’s Diploma or its equivalent and Diploma Supplement (transcript/grade list) in the original language*

- Official, certified translation of the Bachelor’s Diploma and Diploma Supplement into English;

- Proof of English language proficiency (ut.ee/requirements, e.g. TOEFL iBT 75, IELTS 5.5, exceptions listed on web);

- Copy of the passport page stating the applicant’s personal details.

*All copies of education documents must bear an original seal and a signature of an authorized official of the issuing school or be certified with an apostille.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

- Submit the online application (relevant link available at a programme’s website);

- Mail the required and carefully prepared documents by the deadline to: International Student Service, University of Tartu, Ülikooli 18, Tartu 50090, Estonia

APPLICATION DEADLINE: April 16

Applicants who graduate or have their diplomas issued later than the application deadline (in July, for example) must send an application form and their most recent official transcript of records by the required deadline. 

Tuition fee is 3200 EUR/per year. The tuition-waiver scholarships are available for the best applicants.