Here you can find a longer overview of the structure and content of the bachelor's, master's and doctoral study programmes. We have gathered the basic information that a student may need under this section.
General regulations and documents apply for all students in the University of Tartu. There are regulations and documents that are applicable on the level of the Faculty of Social Sciences. Besides these more general guidelines the School of Economics and Business Administration also has additional more specific guidelines applicable for the students on our study programs.
Fundamentals of Business (including Internship 6 ECTS) | 48 ECTS |
Business Environment and Management | 48 ECTS |
Speciality modules | 48 ECTS |
Elective business courses | 12 ECTS |
Optional courses | 12 ECTS |
Research paper and final BA exam | 12 ECTS |
TOTAL | 180 ECTS |
See detailed information here. |
In the course of preparing a research paper, students must acquire the skills and initial experience of scientific research and correct formalisation of the results of research. This includes the skill of formulating and outlining the researched problem, setting a clear research goal and the research tasks that arise from this, selecting suitable research methodology and empirical material, working with specialist literature that concerns the topic and finding answers to the research tasks set in the research paper as well as analysing and generalising the results of the research. The main part of a research paper should be about 25-30 pages long, plus the list of references, annexes and summary.
In order to register the research topic, the students must have an agreement with their supervisor.
Programme Director Diana Eerma
51009 Tartu, Narva Rd 18-4014
tel: 737 6344
e-mail: diana.eerma@ut.ee
Specialist for International Studies Maris Luhamets
51009 Tartu, Narva Rd 18-4002
tel: 737 6317
e-mail: maris.luhamets@ut.ee
Quantitative Methods in Economics, includes Practical Training | 36 ECTS |
Economic Models | 40 ECTS |
Elective Module: Special Topics in Economics or Financial and Actuarial Mathematics or Mobility module | 18 ECTS |
Optionals | 6 ECTS |
Master's thesis | 20 ECTS |
Curriculum structure here.
A Master's thesis for Quantitative Economics students means the completion of an independent research work in accordance with the master level degree paper requirements.
After completing the course, the student:
* is able to bring up research questions and choose eligible theoretical approaches and methods for researching, and does so within pre-set time limit;
* is able to structure research logically and rationally;
* is able to search and use appropriate sources;
* formulates own thoughts, argues and grounds own standpoints intelligibly and logically;
* draws conclusions basing on analysis and summarises according to the previous discussion done in the work
The aim of the practical training is to gain economic research experience by applying the theoretical knowledge obtained during the coursework to the empirical or theoretical study of a specific economic problem.
Learning outcomes
* Knowledge about requirements raised during the working in real work environment
* The ability to describe the considered (economic) problem
* Ability to collect and analyze information and empirical data
* Ability to work with academic literature
* The ability to apply various research methods in order to solve the particular research problem
* The ability to interpret and explain the obtained research results
* The ability to plan ones time and to report about ones activities
* Team-work experience
Students work in various institutions (ministries, Eesti Pank (central bank of Estonia), state agencies, international enterprises, etc) on the study of a research problem proposed by the particular institution or the student. The practical training will finish with the defence of the report of the research work. For the defence the student will submit the assessment by the institution on his/her performance during the practical training and the written report on the research work undertaken. The written research report should follow the normal structure of a research paper and include its standard parts, like motivation of the research problem, description of the employed methods (data, econometric or mathematical models), overview of the research results, conclusions together with possible implications of the research results.
Alternatively the report of the practical training may be in the form of a logbook that describes the activities undertaken and the skills applied during the practical training according to the sample given.
Programme Director Jaan Masso
tel: 737 6395
Narva Rd 18-4021
e-mail: jaan.masso@ut.ee
Specialist for International Studies Maris Luhamets
51009 Tartu, Narva Rd 18-4002
tel: 737 6317
e-mail: maris.luhamets@ut.ee
The CAMES programme adopts an interactive and non-hierarchical approach in teaching as well as every-day communication between students and teachers.
The programme uses active learning as its primary form of study, in addition to other more conservative forms of teaching (e.g. lectures). Active learning is a learning process in which knowledge is obtained through active participation and experience. All students are encouraged to show agency in all curricular as well as extracurricular matters. Such an approach helps students form independent perspectives, finding common ground between courses and the real world, while developing transferable skills (e.g. teamwork, analysis) which come handy once entering the job market.
Problem-based and project-based learning are subcategories of active learning and they can be successfully used for conducting interdisciplinary studies. Both of these techniques use previous knowledge and skills obtained throughout the course in order to solve a problem or create a project.
Learning methods include the following:
1. Different approaches to active learning (including simulations, role-playing games, debates, discussions, study visits, case analysis, etc.);
2. Lectures, seminars, practicums, etc.;
3. E-learning and online education;
4. Independent work (including student-led activities in lectures, homework, etc.).
Through one-on-one mentorship the programme and its leadership support the personal development of each student. One-on-one mentorship is part of the Master’s Seminar course (see below).
The curriculum uses differentiated (A-F) and non-differentiated (pass/fail) grading.
In order to successfully graduate the programme a student must complete the curriculum in full (120 ECTS).
The programme entails five modules:
● Base module (39 ECTS)
● Elective course module (24 ECTS)
● Language module (12 ECTS)
● Optional course module (6 ECTS)
● Master's thesis module (39 ECTS)
See the full structure here.
Base module courses (39 ECTS) provide a multidisciplinary overview of political and economic developments, cultures, mindsets and demographic trends in Asia and the Middle East. Courses given in this module place developments in these regions in the context of Estonian and / or European society. But every student is encouraged to select their specific local setting (West or East) as early as possible.
RECOMMENDATION: Base module courses are all compulsory and recommended to pass as early as possible. The exception in this regard is Internship (6 ECTS) which is recommended to be taken in some later date, possibly on the 3rd semester or during summer vacation. (More on internship below.)
Elective course module (24 ECTS) allows students to specialize and get a deeper understanding based on their research interests and their chosen focus.
The courses in this module can be taken throughout the study period.
The Elective course module entails an optional Mobility module. Students are encouraged to use the opportunity to study abroad especially if a particular focus is not thought at the University of Tartu. Students can take up to 24 ECTS worth of courses during their mobility. The minimum amount of credits a student must bring home from his/her mobility is 15 ECTS.
Language module (12 ECTS) gives students a chance to learn one or several Asian or Middle Eastern languages. At least one language (which is not student’s mother tongue) is mandatory and should be related to student’s focus area.
RECOMMENDATION: If you plan to build a life in Estonia after graduation we strongly encourage you to take Estonian language courses.
Optional course module (6 ECTS) allows students to take one or more courses (up to 6 ECTS) on their own free choice without needing to explain it to the programme director.
Master's thesis module (39 ECTS) helps students achieve a successful defense of their Master’s thesis or Master's project. The module also aims to give students the opportunity to study one topic in depth in accordance with their discipline, interests and needs.
In this module students can choose between embarking on a Master's Thesis track or a Master’s Project track. Master’s Thesis track is recommended to students who aim to focus on fine tuning their theoretical knowledge and methodological skills, and plan to continue their studies as PhD students, work in a think-tank or as an advisor. This track entails a compulsory methods course (6 ECTS) of student’s free choice depending on his/her thesis’ focus.
Master's Project track is recommended to students who aim to develop their practical skills and upon graduation plan to find work in civil society, a government agency or business sector. The Master’s Project track entails a compulsory course in Project Management (3 ECTS) and 15 ECTS worth of additional courses that are related to student’s Master’s project. The choice of the additional courses must be explained to the project director.
The Master's thesis module entails a compulsory Master's Seminar course (3 ECTS) which explains and systematizes the basic knowledge and research methods for completing the Master's thesis or Master's project. This course is primarily conducted as one-on-one meetings with the programme director throughout the study period. In the seminar students develop a study plan which will guide their activities in all four semesters.
If students wish to add extracurricular courses (not offered by the programme and do not fall under the Master’s Project courses) at our home university that are related to his/her specialisation and comply with the curriculum outcomes, they are required to present an application to the programme director. The application must explain how are the learning outcomes of the specific course related to the student’s academic progress and Master’s thesis or Master’s project.
All students must write and successfully defend a Master’s thesis. The procedure of writing, defending and publishing of graduation thesis’ is regulated by the official procedure for publication of graduation theses and dissertations.
The tuition fee on this programme is 4,200 euros per year. Altogether 16 study places are available on the programme. Information about the rules and conditions for tuition fee payments is given here.
NB! Applicants who are not citizens of the member states of the EU, EEA or Switzerland and do not hold a long-term residence permit in any of these countries are required to pay half of the semester fee after they have been informed of the admission decision (offer) via DreamApply. The official admission letter (necessary for visa application) will only be issued once the University of Tartu has received this payment. The second half of the semester fee is to be paid after the studies have started, by 20 September.
There are no tuition waivers available for this programme. Information about other scholarships is available here.
Also, the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs offers two scholarships to Estonian citizens for the nominal study period together with an internship opportunity. All applications that have Estonian citizenship and apply before March 15 will automatically apply for the scholarship provided by the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. They will be contacted regarding the scholarship by the programme director after the application period.
The aim of the internship is to develop student's ability to solve practical problems related to the curriculum, and to apply skills and knowledge acquired during their studies in work environment.
During the internship students apply the acquired knowledge and skills to their work task(s). Students undertake a project which is related to their professional interests, Master's thesis or Master's project.
A student may write research and policy papers for state agencies or for civil society organisations, conduct market and background research for businesses, organize events related to Asia and the Middle East, translate and edit texts, etc. Exceptions are allowed if agreed upon in advanced with the programme director.
Internships at our faculty follow a clear step-by-step process. Read more about how to plan your Internship here.
Mobility means studying a period (from few weeks to few semesters) in a foreign university. Mobility is recommended to all programme students. Students are advised to embark on mobility during the 3rd study semester.
Opportunities to study abroad are multiple, but it's easier to organise and find funding for your mobility at one of our partner universities. See the list of partner universities here.
Funding your mobility may vary depending on your destination university, country of origin, country of destination, etc. Most common funding schemes are ERASMUS+ or scholarships offered by destination countries/universities.
Read more about mobility here.
Information about mobility options for the CAMES programme will be outlined here.
Before beginning studies in a foreign university students must submit an application, a study plan, and form a learning agreement. The study plan (entailing courses taken abroad) must be approved by the programme director. Students are advised to consult with the student coordinator or programme director before going to study abroad.
Courses (i.e. ECTS) taken during mobility can be transferred into your curriculum. Courses taken in a foreign country will generally be replaced by courses of the programme that have similar content and learning outcomes. If the student takes a course that cannot be replaced, they must provide an explanation letter that allows the ECTS to be carried over to the Base module or Elective courses module.
Dr. Eva Liias
Programme Director
eva.liias@ut.ee
Specialist in Academic Affairs Anneli Kütt
Tartu, Narva Rd 18-4002, 51009
tel: 737 6318
e-mail:anneli.kutt@ut.ee
Student Admissions
University of Tartu
Ülikooli 18, 50090 Tartu, Estonia
Contact form
Core module, includes Practical Training | 32 ECTS |
Digital Business Analysis module, allows tailored Mobility courses (0-15 ECTS) | 30 ECTS |
Innovation Management module, allows tailored Mobility courses (0-15 ECTS) | 30 ECTS |
Optional courses | 6 ECTS |
Master’s thesis module | 22 ECTS |
Programme Director Iuliia Trabskaia
+372 737 6330
Narva Rd 18-4048
iuliia.trabskaia@ut.ee
Specialist for International Studies Maris Luhamets
51009 Tartu, Narva Rd 18-4002
tel: 737 6317
e-mail: maris.luhamets@ut.ee
The curriculum consists of three elective modules (each module 15 ECTS) and the Master's exam module (15 ECTS). The objective of the curriculum is to train innovative and enterprising public sector specialists who have up-to-date economic knowledge and who can succeed in the changing society and economic environment, taking into account the future work skills.
See all the info about the modules here.
Programme Director Kadri Ukrainski
Narva Rd 18–4016
kadri.ukrainski@ut.ee
Specialist in Academic Affairs Anneli Kütt
51009 Tartu, Narva Rd 18-4002
tel: 737 6318
e-mail: anneli.kutt@ut.ee
Economics PhD programme or Business Administration PhD programme.
The doctoral programmes at the School of Economics and Business administration lasts for 4 years and requires a volume of 240 ECTS. The requirements include the completion of a dissertation and its defense.
The dissertation is defined as a scientific research paper with original outstanding results, which have been published in respected journals, and articles of which the candidate is the leading author.
After a successful defense, the candidate will be awarded a Doctor's Degree of Philosophy (PhD).
Read more here.
The overall objective of the Doctoral School in Economics and Innovation is raising analytical skills and administrative capacities for the Estonian public sector which are essential factors for fostering economic development and national competitiveness, and strengthening development of the knowledge-based society.
The main task of the Doctoral School is improving the competitiveness of the universities and PhD students involved in the Doctoral School project through improving the efficiency of the doctoral programmes related to economics and innovation (economics, public administration, human geography and regional planning). The Doctoral School in Economics and Innovation contributes to the quality of education, increasing the rate/amount of PhD graduates and the number of graduates employed in public and private sector. The Doctoral School project also aims at strengthening national and cross-border educational cooperation.
The Doctoral School in Economics and Innovation involves all of the PhD students studying in the fields of economics, geography at the University of Tartu, all of the PhD students studying in the fields of economics and public administration at Tallinn University of Technology, and all of the PhD students studying in the fields of management at Estonian Business School.