Admissions are open for PhD in psychology at Tartu university. The general aim of the Curriculum is to raise the level of PhD students’ learning and skills to the standard expected of specialty professionals and recognized in the international research arena. PhD students are prepared for employment as teaching or research staff members of the University or other research institutions, or as lead professional specialists in non-academic establishments. The principal components of quality research-based education possessed by PhD-holding specialists are state-of-the-art knowledge in their specialty, specialty research skills, a comprehensive scientific worldview and competence in development work, management and teaching.
Learning Outcomes
Student who completed the PhD in psychology:
- is familiar with contemporary methods, theories and development trends of psychology and is able to analyze and evaluate them;
- is able to formulate, analyze and evaluate the essential psychological research problems;
- is able to formulate hypotheses , to plan and conduct research and see applications of the results of his/her research;
- is able to present his/her positions and results of research in a well-argued manner in domestic and international research communication (publications, conferences, seminars, etc) and participate in broader social discussions together with the representatives of other areas of research and professions;
- is able to set and to fulfil teaching, supervisory and managerial assignments.
Entrance Criteria
A master’s degree or an equivalent qualification is a prerequisite for applying:
| Admission requirement | Percentage |
| Doctoral thesis project and assessment of its feasibility | 50% |
| Entrance Interview | 50% |
Application timeline
- 10 September: application system opens
- 30 September: application deadline
- 15 October: final admission results
- 2 February: studies commence
Programme details
| Title | Psychology |
| Level of study | Doctoral studies |
| Degree awarded | Doctor of Philosophy (Psychology) |
| Faculty | Faculty of Social Sciences, Institute of Psychology |
| Duration | 4 years |
| Credits | 240 ECTS |
| Study form | Full-time regular studies |
| Language | English |
| Location | Tartu, Estonia |
| Tuition fee | No tuition fee |
| Scholarships | Scholarship opportunities |
Documents to Be Submitted
- application;
- official copy of the diploma and diploma supplement (transcript/mark sheet) of the preceding study levels (both bachelor’s and master’s) in the original language*;
- official translation of the diplomas and diploma supplements into English;
- copy of the passport page stating the applicant’s personal particulars;
- doctoral thesis project;
- curriculum vitae