International Relations – (M.A.)

International Relations 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. Issues as diverse as interstate peace and war, security and terrorism, international organisations and networks of global governance, processes of regionalisation and globalisation all fall under the expertise of IR. Their study inherently combines a range of theoretical approaches with a strong empirical foundation, offering tools for understanding and explaining issues and processes both from a historical perspective and concerning current international affairs.

Whom is the Master's in International Relations directed towards?

Students with a BA (or equivalent) degree in social sciences, strong proficiency in English and a keen interest in the field of International Relations are welcome to apply. Some prior familiarity with the field of IR is an advantage.

Why choose Tallinn University's International Relations programme?

The goal of the curriculum is to promote academic study of International Relations in Estonia, building on the rich traditions of both Anglo-American and continental European IR scholarship and education. Coursework offers an in-depth view of general aspects of the subject (IR theory, methodology, issues and processes in world politics, international organisations, international political economy etc.) and further allows for specialisation in one of two modules: Globalisation and Regional Cooperation, or International Security and Conflict Studies.
- The Institute of Political Science and Governance is the largest teaching institute in the field of government and politics in Estonia, boasting 5 professors and 22 teaching staff members.
- Teaching staff of the IR MA programme includes scholars of international origin who have graduated from top universities in Europe and the United States. Some of these include George Washington University in the U.S., St. Andrews University in the UK, Uppsala University in Sweden, Tampere and Helsinki Universities in Finland, Amsterdam University in the Netherlands, and more. Additionally, we have lecturers from near-by University of Tartu and from our own Tallinn University.
- The teaching staff demonstrates and conveys its passion for the discipline of international relations, with a combination of extensive teaching and research expertise fuelling their drive as educators.
- In addition to academic points specified in the curriculum, the programme includes extra-curricular activities such as visits to government institutions and roundtable seminars where distinguished speakers, guest lecturers, visiting scholars and policy-makers share their perspectives on current international issues.
- Classroom studies are supported by the e-learning environment, allowing a more flexible studying experience.
- The working language of the programme is English. Owing to an increasing number of Erasmus students, the atmosphere in the classroom is usually also highly international with students drawn from a variety of EU countries and beyond (such as Turkey and Japan).