MA in Politics and Governance in the Digital Age
University of Tartu
Key Information
Select location
Campus location
Tartu, Estonia
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
2 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
EUR 4,200 / per year
Application deadline
Request Info
Earliest start date
Sep 2024
Introduction
Is democracy conquering the world as the single most accepted model for political and social development? Is democracy being overwhelmed by globalization, popular discontent with politics and renewed authoritarian tendencies? How can democratic political leaders govern and retain legitimacy in the world today?
These are the most important challenges to tackle as a professional in this field. The MA programme in Democracy and Governance offers you the knowledge and skills to be a part of this search for solutions.
Why study democracy and governance at the University of Tartu?
- Special emphasis on big data and digital method analysis.
- Estonia is one of the most dynamic reformers in Europe while maintaining a stable democracy and social environment. It is a leader in e-government, e-voting and other governance fields.
Admissions
Curriculum
The MA programme integrates an empirical and theoretical understanding of democracy and governance. Understanding them is the key to building a successful career in modern government, civil society, politics and international organisations.
The programme provides in-depth knowledge about the history of democracy, modern democratic institutions, public policy and governance, elections and political behaviour, ethnopolitics, and ethics.
The curriculum consists of:
- Methods module (18 ECTS)
- Core Competencies module (36 ECTS)
- Elective module with specialisation(24 ECTS)
- Optional courses module (6 ECTS)
- MA thesis module (36 ECTS)
Examples of courses:
- Comparative Politics
- E-governance
- Public Governance
- Cross-border E-governance
- Recent Issues in Governance
- Big Data and Society
- Political Theory and Ethics
Rankings
The University of Tartu belongs to the top 1.2% of the world's universities.
Program Outcome
Our learning outcomes include:
- integrated knowledge of core components of politics and governance as well as of digital transformation, including state-held e-services;
- data analysis skills using examples from digital services, the Estonian e-residency programme and the e-Estonia open data repository;
- media competencies and critical thinking;
- understanding of modern institutions and of how digital transformation shapes political processes;
- the ability to identify and analyse the key problems and processes of governance involving both government institutions and civil society;
- proper research skills to perform policy analysis and contribute to policy formation;
- solid writing and oral presentation skills to be effective in a professional career;
- an international perspective that will enrich career prospects both at home and globally.
Scholarships and Funding
There are 5 tuition waivers for citizens of EU/EEA/Switzerland, 5 for non-EU citizens
Gallery
Career Opportunities
The Politics and Governance in the Digital Age programme provides you with essential skills and knowledge both in comparative political science and governance. Combined with data-driven governance, e-democracy and critical thinking in the digital society, students can explain how digital transformation affects modern political processes and public administration. This opens up many possibilities for applying your skills and knowledge after graduation from this programme.
Political scientists study the structure and theory of government and seek practical and theoretical solutions to political problems. This MA programme prepares students for advisory positions, high-level positions in ministries and governments, or to be employed at the highest levels of administration. Similarly, it enables students to start a career in the private sector, e.g. in consulting, given the expertise in the digital transformation of the public sector.
Former students have been employed at international organisations such as the United Nations Development Programme, the European e-Government Programme in Luxembourg, the European Commission or an embassy in Washington D.C. as a technology attaché. Some have opted for academia and continued in doctoral studies. The master's programme in Politics and Governance in the Digital Age equips students to operate in vast arrays of professional fields.