Study Guide: Politics and Governance in the Digital Age (PGDA)

NB! This is the digital handbook of the programme. For admissions information – entry requirements, deadlines, tuition fees and how to apply – please go to the official admissions page at the University of Tartu.

This Study Guide is your one-stop overview of the programme: how it is structured, how it runs, and what is expected of you at each stage. It is written first and foremost for students who are about to begin their studies, but it is also intended as a reference you can come back to throughout the two years – when planning a semester abroad, choosing specialisation courses, or working on your MA thesis.

Its aim is to help you tailor the programme to fit your goals, maximise your opportunities and make the most of your studies.

"Congratulations on taking an interest in this programme! Whether you are just about to apply or have already been accepted, you have made a clever choice. Estonia is one of the most digitally advanced societies in the world, and the University of Tartu is the ideal place to understand how democratic politics and public governance work in the digital age. Our international team is proud to welcome you, and we are confident that the knowledge and skills you gain here will open doors for you and allow you to make a difference in the world."

Maili Vilson
Maili Vilson
Maili Vilson
Acting Head of Johan Skytte Institute of Political Studies

"Dear current or perspective student, I am very happy that you are interested in our programme. We have worked hard to put together a curriculum that gives you an understanding of how democratic politics unfolds and the modern state functions in the current digital era. We hope that you find this journey of knowledge acquisition interesting, and that it gives you plenty to take along for your future endeavours!"

Martin Mölderi profiilifoto
Martin Mölderi profiilifoto
Martin Mölder
Programme Director

The guide describes the programme itself: its structure, its expectations and its rhythm. Because the academic cycle repeats in the same way each year, the deadlines and stages described here apply to every intake. Where a figure or a date is set anew each year – tuition fees, admission deadlines, the exact date of a defence – the guide points you to the University page that holds the current version rather than repeating it.

We invite you to explore the sections below and return to this guide whenever you need support during your studies. It is designed to help you make informed choices and get the most out of your experience in the programme.


Applying to the programme?

Official programme page

Starting your studies?

Start here

Already under way?

Find what you need

Dr. Martin Mölder Programme Director, MA Politics and Governance in the Digital Age [email protected]

Last revised: July 2026