About the Institute
The University of Tartu’s Johan Skytte Institute of Political Studies is Estonia’s leading provider of research-based political education. Our bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programmes are designed so that academic knowledge goes hand in hand with students’ personal and professional development.
In addition to undergraduate studies in Politics and Government (in Estonian), the institute offers three international master’s programmes: International Relations and Regional Studies, Politics and Governance in the Digital Age, and Central and East European, Russian and Eurasian Studies. For Estonian-speaking students, the institute also offers a master’s programme in European Studies, available in a session-based format that allows professionals to continue working while studying.
At the master’s level, students from 35 different countries study at Skytte, making the institute’s learning environment highly international. Our students study in the Lossi 36 academic building on Toomemägi Hill. In addition to regular lectures and seminars, all Skytte students have the opportunity to participate in exciting field-related events, public lectures in the #SkytteTalks series, and experience multicultural life right here in Tartu.
At the Skytte Institute, knowledge is created not to gather dust on a shelf, but to help better understand and shape society. We study how states and international relations function, how political decisions are formed, and what role digital solutions and human behaviour play in societal development. Our researchers, analysts, and students work side by side — discussing, challenging ideas, experimenting, and seeking answers to questions that affect all of our daily lives. The Centre for Applied Social Sciences Research (RAKE), the Ukraine Centre, and several other working groups combine academic expertise with societal needs to provide clear, evidence-based solutions for decision-makers and communities.
Together with the Institute of Education, the Faculty of Law, the School of Economics and Business Administration, the Institute of Psychology, the Narva College, the Pärnu College, and the Institute of Social Studies, the Skytte Institute is part of the University of Tartu’s Faculty of Social Sciences.
As an institute bearing the name of Johan Skytte, we carry forward the legacy to which the former Swedish statesman, advocate of education, and expert in international relations dedicated his life. Johan Skytte was the initiator of the idea to establish a university in Tartu and, from 1632, served as the first Chancellor of the University of Tartu.
“At Skytte, we believe that truly strong political education emerges where a research-based approach, critical thinking, and a student’s desire to make the world a better place come together.”
Our People
At the Skytte Institute, research and teaching are carried out by some of Estonia’s leading experts in their fields, including Alar Kilp, who was named the University of Tartu’s Social Sciences Lecturer of the Year in 2019; Professor of International Relations Theory Eiki Berg; elections expert Martin Mölder; Associate Professor of European Studies and University of Tartu Good Teaching Ambassador Stefano Braghiroli; Professor of Political Theory Eva Piirimäe; and Professor of Comparative Politics Piret Ehin.
- Maili Vilson, Acting Head of Institute
- Piret Ehin, Professor of Comparative Politics
- Mihkel Solvak, Associate Professor of Technology Studies
- Stefano Braghiroli, Associate Professor of European Studies
- Eiki Berg, Professor of International Relations Theory
- Andrey Makarychev, Professor of Regional Political Studies
- Eva Piirimäe, Associate Professor of Political Theory
- Alar Kilp, Lecturer in Comparative Politics
- Heiko Pääbo, Lecturer in Baltic Sea Region Politics
- Martin Mölder, Associate Professor of Political Science
- Veiko Sepp, Thematic Lead (RAKE)
Üliõpilaste esindajad:
- Eneken Riin Salong, epresentative of Bachelor’s Students
- Roman Zolotarjov, Representative of Master’s Students
- Karl Lembit Laane, Representative of Doctoral Students
The Council of the Johan Skytte Institute of Political Studies operates in accordance with the Rules of Procedure of the Council of the University of Tartu Johan Skytte Institute of Political Studies.
Secretary of the Institute Council: Ene Tubelt([email protected])
Among our visiting professors are distinguished figures such as President Toomas Hendrik Ilves, diplomat Alar Streimann, and former Director General of the Estonian Internal Security Service Arnold Sinisalu.
The University of Tartu’s emeritus professors also include public figure and renowned scholar Rein Taagepera, who was named an Honorary Citizen of Tartu in 2017. Rein Taagepera was one of the key initiators behind the establishment of the University of Tartu’s Faculty of Social Sciences and served as its first dean. Alongside his academic work, one of his major missions has been contributing to the restoration of Estonia’s independence; since 1987, he has played an active role in Estonia’s public and political life.
Alumni
The alumni of the Johan Skytte Institute of Political Studies include all graduates of the University of Tartu’s programmes in Political Science, Public Administration, Political Studies, and the European College. We trace our origins back to the Faculty of Social Sciences founded by Rein Taagepera.
Skytte alumni are active members of society with broad perspectives, strong adaptability, the ability to see the bigger picture, and the confidence to engage in discussions on societal issues.
Our alumni include civil servants, diplomats, journalists, researchers, politicians, local government officials, and leaders of civil society organisations working in Estonia, across Europe, and around the world.
Among the more well-known alumni are television journalist Astrid Kannel, Member of the European Parliament Urmas Paet, Eesti Ekspress editor for social affairs Erik Moora, founder of the NGO Women Investors Club (Naisinvestorite Klubi) Kristi Saare, Head of the South Police Prefecture Vaiko Vaher, and Estonia’s Ambassador to the United States and future Ambassador to NATO, Kristjan Prikk.
Student Life
Two active student organisations for those interested in political science and international relations operate at the Skytte Institute.
The Society of Political Science actively works to ensure that every student is part of a close-knit community. The society showcases the ideas, activities, and experiences of political science students through its publication, Poliitikalabor (“Political Laboratory”). In addition, members of the Political Science Society contribute to organising public guest lectures, workshops, and conferences.
Many students also participate in the activities of the Society of International Relations, founded in 1963, organising public lectures, recording podcasts, and taking part in the Opinion Festival.
Traditions
At the Skytte Institute, we value shared events and the continuation of traditions in ways that involve both students and institute staff.
One of the institute’s longest-standing traditions is the Skytte Autumn School in Kääriku, where students from different years and study programmes, faculty members, and alumni come together. The event also features leading figures from politics and other fields who share their knowledge and experiences.
Among the institute’s most important traditions are:
- The Kääriku Autumn School
- The Tartu Conference
- The opening of the academic year with the entire institute at ULA Bar
- The celebration of St. Lucia’s Day
- The institute-wide Christmas party
- The annual spring football tournament between students and staff
- The annual strategy day for Skytte Institute staff
Research
Research conducted at the Johan Skytte Institute of Political Studies covers the core fields of political science as well as regional studies. The institute’s main research areas include international relations, comparative politics, political theory, Eastern European and Eurasian studies, Baltic studies, European Union studies, governance and public administration, e-governance and digital services, applied social sciences research, as well as behavioural policymaking and financial well-being.
To foster a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of society, the institute is home to, among others, the Centre for Applied Social Sciences (RAKE), the Centre for East European and Eurasian Studies (CEURUS), the Ukraine Centre, and several academic research groups. These groups analyse societal change and seek solutions to real-world challenges. Professors, analysts, and students work together to explore questions of why, how, and where society should move forward.
Read more about research at the institute.
Sotsiaalteaduslike rakendusuuringute keskus (RAKE) on Tartu Ülikooli koosseisu kuuluv erinevaid akadeemilisi ja praktilisi uurimisvaldkondi ja teadlasi ühendav organisatsioon.
Meie hulka kuuluvad analüütikud, projektijuhid, eksperdid ja teadlased. Me viime läbi Eesti-siseseid ja rahvusvahelisi uuringuid ja koolitusi tervise, hariduse, sotsioloogia, psühholoogia, majanduse, inimkeskse tehnoloogia ja teisi sotsiaalseid protsesse kirjeldavatel ja mõjutavatel teemadel.
The Centre for Eurasian and Russian Studies (CEURUS), located at the University of Tartu, Estonia, brings together scholars and experts who share an interest in the past, present and future of the Eurasian space, with a particular emphasis on contemporary Russia. The Centre’s flagship event is the Annual Tartu Conference on East European and Eurasian Studies. In addition, CEURUS coordinates and sponsors a variety of activities relating to research, teaching, and public outreach.
CEURUS webpage
The University of Tartu Ukraine Centre (UTUC) was established in 2023 in the midst of the Russo-Ukrainian war with the aim of facilitating support to Ukraine from the University of Tartu (UT) and its partners. UTUC aspires to be the focal point that attracts expertise, connects stakeholders, and consolidates the efforts of UT and its partners to raise awareness about Ukraine. The centre also aims to help the Ukrainian nation in building a secure, democratic and prosperous future.
Center of IT Impact Studies is an integrated teaching and research center at the Johan Skytte Institute of Political Studies of the University of Tartu, Estonia, founded in 2015. The core idea of this center is to use big data generated by various Estonian public e-services (like internet voting, mobile parking, e-health, digital ID, e-residency, etc) to estimate the impact those services have economically, politically and socially. In doing so, CITIS focuses on quantitative research methods and econometric modelling. Its team values measurement, precision, accuracy, and high scientific standards.
