Overview

A more general objective of the Linguistics programme of Tallinn University is to develop skills and abilities for independent research within a chosen field. Students should be able to conduct internationally relevant independent linguistic studies on the topic of the dissertation, to publish results in high-level scholarly journals and to present papers at international conferences.

The programme will be of interest for the candidates who have their MA or equivalent level of education in the field of linguistics or philology, and wish to engage in application of linguistic theories in research.

The main areas of expertise include: First language acquisition, Psycholinguistics, Cognitive linguistics, Second language acquisition, Translation studies, Sociolinguistics, Multilingualism and language contacts, Text linguistics, genre and discourse analysis.

Why study with us?

Courses are held in the School of Humanities in the form of seminars, lectures and independent work.

Doctoral students are expected to contribute to theoretical seminars during the whole period of studies; other courses are conducted mostly in intensive study cycles.

The syllabus is flexible and enables every student to organise his/her studies in close cooperation with the supervisor and to choose the optimal training in a given research topic.

Deadlines for exams and responsible instructors are appointed individually for each student.

In order to obtain international experience, it is possible to participate in conferences, seminars, summer schools and to take courses abroad with the support of the Erasmus programme.

Every doctoral student has to draw an individual study plan in cooperation with the supervisor.

Programme Structure

Programme structure:

PhD studies consist of a course component and a thesis component. Many of the courses are based on individual work and demand close co-operation with the supervisor.

Some subject courses and all general courses will have contact meetings. Not all the general courses will be offered in English every year.

PhD students must participate in the PhD seminars throughout their studies.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2025-08-26 00:00:00
- Apply before 2025-07-01 00:00:00

Language

Partially taught in English, Partially taught in Estonian

IELTS

6

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TOEFL^® IBT

72

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Credits

240 ECTS

Delivered

On Campus

Disciplines

Language Studies Linguistics

Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

IELTS

6

Schedule an IELTS test!

TOEFL^® IBT

72

Pass IELTS with Swoosh English! Sign up for a free writing masterclass or claim your exclusive 25% Studyportals discount and accelerate your preparation by taking a course designed by experts to get you the results you need.

Student insurance

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:

Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
Liability
Home contents and baggage
Accidents
Legal aid

We partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Get your student insurance now

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at Tallinn University and/or in Estonia, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Other requirements

General requirements

Proof of English Proficiency.

Copy of a Bachelor’s degree certificate or certificate of a corresponding qualification + Transcript of Records/Academic Transcript (official translationsare requested if the documents are not in English)

Copy of a Master’s degree certificate or certificate of a corresponding qualification + Transcript of Records (official translations are requested if the documents are not in English);

Copy of the identification page of passport;

Curriculum Vitae;

Thesis proposal signed by the prospective supervisor;

Copy of a Sworn Affidavit to Confirmation of Name if the applicant's name stated in his/her passport differs from the name on any of the other required documents;

Applicants applying for adjustments to be made during the admission exams due to his/her physical or psycho-social special need must submit a copy of medical proof of this special need.

Tuition Fee

To always see correct tuition fees

International

Free

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 0 EUR per year during 48 months.
EU/EEA

Free

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 0 EUR per year during 48 months.

PhD studies in Tallinn University are without tuition fees.

Living costs for Tallinn

598 - 948 EUR /month

Living costs

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.