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Ready to make a difference in tomorrow’s world?
Digital and green transitions are transforming every aspect of our society. This master’s programme prepares You to understand these changes and take an active role in creating technologies and policies that support a sustainable and fair future.
Learn at the Forefront of Digital Innovation
Leverage Estonia’s world-leading expertise in e-governance to tackle the most pressing challenges of our time, while also learning to anticipate future shifts driven by AI and the twin digital and green transitions.
Benefit from a Curriculum Years Ahead of Textbooks
Our curriculum is years ahead of standard textbooks, built on the latest findings from international research and innovation projects with the EU institutions, the Estonian government, and pioneering cities like Tallinn and Helsinki. You will learn the skills employers value today and will continue to look for in the years to come.
Solve Real-World Problems with a Critical and Global Perspective
Our teaching is interactive, and problem based. You will tackle real-life management issues and participate in projects where You can apply your knowledge. We foster rigorous academic debate that challenges conventional thinking. You will engage with diverse and often conflicting viewpoints – from Western versus non-Western governance models to green growth versus post-growth perspectives – equipping you with the critical skills to navigate complex, real-world problems.
Become a "Translator" between Technology and Governance
You will learn to speak the language of engineers, politicians, and communities, making You an indispensable link in executing large and complex projects.
Learn from and Network with World-Renowned Scholars
Our faculty includes internationally distinguished, award-winning professors and some of the most celebrated thinkers in the fields of innovation and governance, including Carlota Perez, Erik S. Reinert, Vasileios Kostakis, Wolfgang Drechsler, Jan A. Kregel, and Erkki Karo, among many others. You will also benefit from site visits and guest lectures from leading innovators.
Become Part of an Elite European network
Our programme is part of the prestigious ESST consortium, which connects Europe's leading universities in the study of technology and society. Doors are open for You to dozens of top universities across Europe through Erasmus mobility, e.g Oslo University, Maastricht University etc.
Create Your Own Professional Path
This programme lets you tailor Your studies to your interests. Combine academic courses with hands-on experience – take part in a consultancy project, join research activities, or contribute to civic initiatives to build a profile that truly reflects who You are.
Get Your Master’s Degree with an Exam Instead of a Thesis!
We understand Your time is valuable. That's why You can choose to focus on your courses and practical skills and complete Your degree with a comprehensive final exam.
Complete Your Master’s on your own timeline
You can finish the programme in 1.5 years, or even in one year if you’re ready to take on an intensive pace.
Overview
You will gain the unique ability to navigate the complex intersection of technology, governance, and societal change. Our interdisciplinary approach equips You with the knowledge and practical skills to lead sustainable innovations in the public and private sectors, leveraging technology for a better tomorrow. You will learn to analyse the evolving roles of government, firms, and civil society, and master the strategies needed for transformative governance.
CURRICULUM OUTLINE (120 ECTS): Your Pathway to Impact
Our curriculum is built on three foundational pillars, designed to move You from deep understanding to strategic action.
Pillar 1: Think – Master the Dynamics of Technology and Society
This pillar provides the analytical lens to understand how the modern world works. You will explore the interplay between technological advancements and societal structures, and critically examine how socio-technical systems can be steered towards a more sustainable future.
Pillar 2: Govern – Learn to Lead Strategic Transformation
This pillar focuses on the governance frameworks and strategies needed to manage large-scale transitions. You will learn how to build public sector capacity, utilize data for strategic decision-making, and design policies that effectively guide society through the digital and green transformations.
Pillar 3: Act – Drive Real-World Innovation
This pillar is dedicated to practical implementation. You will learn how to launch and manage responsible, sustainable innovations and foster community-driven grassroots initiatives. This is where theory is turned into action, equipping You with the skills to create tangible, positive impact.
Through this structured yet flexible curriculum – which includes space for electives to build a personal specialization – You will develop the holistic expertise necessary to become a leader at the forefront of technological and societal change.
Key Features
Study Programme
- Degree: Master of Arts in Social Sciences (MA)
- Duration: 2 years
- Faculty: School of Business and Governance
- Study Load: 120 ECTS (view curriculum)
- Mode of Study: Full-time study
Study Information
- Language: English (view English language requirements)
- Tuition Fee: €3800 per year for EU/EEA and non-EU citizens
- Scholarships: Different options available
- Admission: General admission guidelines
Admissions
Candidates for this study programme are admitted based on the admission threshold. An online interview will be conducted only with the candidates who have passed preliminary evaluation (BA degree, GRE General Test and Motivation Letter). The maximum score for the admission is 10 points: 0-2 points for CV, 0-4 for motivation letter, 0-4 points for online interview. An applicant who receives the minimum of 5 points (in total) is admitted. Note that the online application form in DreamApply is being assessed as your CV, therefore please describe there your work experience and previous education in details.
Please find the programme specific admission requirements below:
In order to qualify for the studies in Tallinn University of Technology an applicant has to have at least 60% of the highest possible CGPA. If the average grade for your Bachelor's degree is below 60%, the requirement can be considered fulfilled upon the programme manager’s proposal if the applicant’s average grade from the applicant’s previous master’s studies is at least 60% of the maximum possible grade. Note that this principle can be implemented only if the CGPA of your Bachelor's degree does not fall under 50%.
In order to apply, a candidate is required to upload a Test-taker Score Report of the GRE General Test to the DreamApply application system. The test has to be completed but there is no threshold score required for this programme.
This is a prerequisite for qualifying and has to be fulfilled latest by the application deadline.
Candidates who have obtained a full Bachelor's degree (or subsequent higher education degree) in EU, EFTA or OECD member state are waived from the GRE requirement.
Please see more information about our GRE General Test requirement here, including the exact eligibility criteria for being exempted from this prerequisite and how to order the test result electronically to TalTech.
Motivation letter must address the following items:
- Provide an explanation, why you apply for Technology Governance and Sustainability programme – what are your interests; what are your professional goals and how the degree programme supports them; how does your academic and/or professional background fit into the programme. (0-2 points)
- Discuss in a 1-page long essay about the most pressing issues or challenges in the field of technology governance and sustainability in the context of Your country or on a global scale - what is the problem, what could be its causes, and how it could be solved. Use in-text references where appropriate. (0-2 points)
NB! It is important to properly cite and reference any sources used in your motivation letter (quotations, publications, ideas etc. that are not your own). Additionally, AI-generated text is not acceptable as the purpose of the motivation letter is to show the applicant’s genuine motivation. Neglecting the aforementioned principles will result in the disqualification of your application.
Topics covered during the interview:
- The interest in the specialty, where it comes from and why it is desired to study on the programme of Technology Governance and Sustainability. A motivation for passing the curriculum with the nominal period. Expectations regarding the studies, i.e. understanding of the knowledge and skills to be acquired. Perception of specific areas or topics for which the level of knowledge is inadequate. Expectations regarding the study process, the possibilities to combine work and study activities, preferences in teaching methodology, linguistic barriers, readiness for writing academic papers. (0-2 points)
- Previous exposure to topics covered in the curriculum, i.e. knowledge of the topics covered within the curriculum, and awareness of societal debates in the field of studies. (0-2 points)
Duration of the interview is 10-15 minutes.
Positive scale of 5-10 points for the admission:
- Applicant has a well-reasoned interest for studying on a TG&S programme, has a clear understanding of the essence of the programme and its focus. Candidate can explain, why he/she wants to study on this programme and its relevance for a prospective working career;
- Candidate is able to orient and discuss on different societal topics of high importance, in particular, in relation to pressing issues, challenges or recent developments in the economic sphere, field of technology and state governance. She/he can demonstrate of being familiar with a field-related literature that reveals his/her acquaintance with the field of TG&S. Candidate’s previous educational or working experience is related to the TG&S programme, or at least, he/she is able to bring out potential linkages between them and explain how they could supplement each other;
- Applicant is able to discuss on potential research field and real-life developments/current situation in this field. Furthermore, candidate is capable of presenting his/her expectations to studies – skills and knowledge to be pursued – as well as study organizational issues, i.e. to what extent he/she is able to dedicate to studies in order to graduate within a nominal period (2 years) and what would hinder the achievement of this aim;
- Applicant has a good idea of where he/she wants to end up working – mid- to long-term career perspective and specialization, and how TG&S programme could help in this regard;
- Applicant demonstrates a very good command of English.
Negative scale of 0-4.9 points:
- The candidate has an interest in studying on the program, but there is no clear understanding of the content of the curriculum and its emphases. He/she cannot justify his/her wish to study on the curriculum and its need for professional or other activities. The candidate is not able to orient and discuss on various societal topics such as challenges or recent developments in the fields of economy, technology and state governance (either in his/her home country or at the global level).
- There is no contact with the specialty-related literature or previous contact with topics covered in the curriculum. The candidate has no idea about possible research topics and real-life developments/current situation. In other words, she/he is unable to demonstrate awareness of today's problems on potential research topics.
- The candidate has no idea about the prospective professional specialization in the medium term and how the curriculum can influence or direct his/her career path.
- There are clear shortcomings in terms of self-expression in English.
Future Career
Drive Change Where Technology Meets Society
This Master’s programme prepares You to become a globally sought-after expert capable of leading and managing sustainability transitions, technological change, and innovation. Our graduates possess a unique interdisciplinary profile that is in high demand across the public, private, and non-profit sectors. You will be equipped to build a career as a strategic manager, policy analyst, or innovation expert in organizations that are at the centre of shaping our future.
A World of Opportunity Awaits
Our alumni have built successful careers in diverse and influential roles. Based on their experience, You will find opportunities in:
- International Organizations and Government: Contribute to forming policies and leading projects in organisations such as the OECD, United Nations, European Union, and national ministries of economic affairs, finance, and digitalisation.
- Global Consulting: Apply your strategic insights as a consultant at leading firms such as J.P. Morgan, Parthenon-EY, and EY Innovalue Management Partner GmbH.
- Technology and Innovation Hubs: Work on innovative projects in the private sector at technology-intensive companies, R&D centers, and science parks.
- Civil Society and Think Tanks: Drive change and contribute to public discourse as an analyst at influential organizations like the Danish think tank Cevea.
A Proven Pathway to an Academic Career
This programme also provides a highly competitive foundation for a future in academia. Our impressive track record demonstrates that graduates are exceptionally well-prepared to pursue Ph.D. studies and build careers as researchers and professors at leading institutions, for example Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. Many of our own esteemed faculty members, including Prof. Dr. Vasileios Kostakis and Dr. Christos Giotitsas, are graduates of this very programme.
More to discover
- Christopher Fraser: Once I saw the names of the professors I was immediately sold
- Prof. Carlota Perez named by Forbes among the three female economists
- Prof. Vasilis Kostakis explains how to rethink economics and innovation
- Prof. Vasilis Kostakis and Karin Kruup on sustainability, technology governance and the commons
- A glimpse into a book by prof. Wolfgang Drechsler, Rainer Kattel and Erkki Karo that won the Academy of Management’s 2023 George R. Terry Book Award.
- See what our professor, one of the world's leading economic historians, Erik S. Reinert, has to say on uneven economic development.
- Is technology destroying us? The uncomfortable truths and surprising solutions You need to hear.
- Read about '5 Things to Do Before Class', by our student Katherine Fitch
Ask Us
TalTech international admissions office
TalTech international admissions office provides general advice to prospective Bachelor’s and Master’s degree applicants and their advisers about applying to and studying at TalTech.
Contact us via study@taltech.ee.
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Visit our website and follow us on Facebook or Twitter!
Student counsellor at School of Business and Governance
Student counsellor at the School of Business and Governance can help you with questions about the study programme.
Tiina Parve
(+372) 620 2647
tiina.parve@taltech.ee
Programme Director
Programme Director can help you with questions about the study programme.
Dr. Egert Juuse
(+372) 620 2657
egert.juuse@taltech.ee
What Students say
The inter-disciplinary Technology Governance programme at Tallinn University of Technology is taught by some of the world's leading scholars in the field, attended by a dynamic international student body, and conducted at one of the most exciting cities in the world at this time. There is certainly no other university in the world that could offer a world-class Technology Governance programme than TalTech. Bonn Juego (Philippines)
Studying at TalTech has given me the chance to express all my potential and this is very important. I can develop new fields from a different point of views and you can learn something new for your career every day. The professors are always helpful and ready for further explanations. Moreover, Tallinn is a very sparkling city and it's the perfect environment to develop your skills and knowledge. TalTech gives you the chance to be very close to the best companies settled in Tallinn, which usually offer very interesting job opportunities. Caetano Penna (Brazil)