Educational Innovation and Leadership
Educational Innovation and Leadership (EduInno) is an international master's programme for people who want to initiate and lead meaningful change in education. You will develop the leadership, research and innovation skills to understand educational challenges, design evidence-based solutions and put new ideas into practice.
Study educational innovation and leadership in Estonia – a country internationally recognised for its education system. EduInno combines research and evidence-based approaches with hands-on learning, giving you opportunities to explore Estonian education first-hand and apply what you learn to real educational challenges.
You will learn from researchers and practitioners with experience in educational development and reform while studying alongside an international community of professionals from diverse educational and cultural backgrounds. Through study visits, collaborative learning and your own educational innovation project, you will develop the knowledge and skills to lead meaningful change in education – in Estonia, your home country or elsewhere in the world.
This programme is right for you if you are:
- An educator or teacher who wants to develop new approaches to learning and take a more active role in educational development and change.
- A school or education leader who wants to strengthen leadership skills and use research and evidence to support organisational development.
- An education specialist or policymaker who wants to better understand educational systems, policy, innovation and evidence-based decision-making.
- A professional working in educational development who wants to design, implement and evaluate initiatives that create meaningful and sustainable change.
- A career changer or professional from another field who wants to bring new perspectives into education and develop the skills to turn ideas into practice.
What will you gain:
- Leadership skills to guide people and organisations through change
- Research skills to design and evaluate solutions to real educational challenges
- Insights into how education policy and reform shape education globally and locally
- Practical expertise from Estonian education and from leading your own innovation project
What your studies will look like
During the first two semesters, you will study in Estonia, combining lectures and seminars with study visits to schools and other educational organisations. This gives you first-hand insight into the Estonian education system and shows you how innovation and leadership work in practice.
In the third semester, you will apply what you have learned through your own personal educational project. You will identify a real challenge in education and develop, implement and evaluate an innovative solution, whether by improving existing practices or creating something new. You can carry out the project in Estonia, your home country or another relevant context. Although much of the work is independent, you will receive guidance wherever you are.
In the fourth and final semester, you will focus on your Master’s thesis, it’s your chance to dive deep into a topic that matters to you and demonstrate the skills and knowledge you’ve picked up.
Curriculum Overview
The programme (120 ECTS) is built around three core modules that prepare you to lead responsibly in a changing educational landscape, design and conduct meaningful research for learning and development, and lead innovation in educational institutions. These are complemented by university-wide courses, electives and your Master’s thesis.
University-Wide Courses (6 ECTS)
Introduction to global futures and leadership (30 ECTS)
- Learning and Development
- Group Identity and Vision Building
- Introduction to Global Futures and Leadership (delivered in collaboration with the University of Oulu, Finland)
- Elective subjects
Research and practice in education (30 ECTS)
- Master’s Thesis Seminar
- Research and Academic Writing
- Research methods and Learning Analytics
- Personal educational project
- Internship – Evidence Use in Practice
Leadership in Education (24 ECTS)
- Learning Culture and Educational Leadership
- Innovation in Schools and Classrooms
- Innovation in Leadership
- Educational Policy and Leadership
Electives (6 ECTS)
Master's Thesis (24 ECTS)
Special webinar information
Mark your calendar for October 14th at 14:00 (UTC+3 / EEST) to join us for the webinar. Meet our team to walk you through the nuances of our programme and address any questions you might have.
Hear from Timo Tobias Ley, Head of the EduInno Study Programme!
Discover what our programme graduates have to say:
Internship opportunities
The programme includes an internship that connects academic learning with professional practice. It gives you an opportunity to explore how research and evidence are used to support decision-making, development and innovation in educational organisations.
The internship allows you to apply what you have learned in a real professional context and gain practical experience relevant to your interests and career goals. More about the internship possibilities
Erasmus+ and exchange opportunities
Gives students the ability to participate in exchange programs at partner universities in Europe and outside of the European Union. Exchange is possible with universities with whom Tallinn University has signed an Erasmus+ agreement. Erasmus+ programme offers different scholarships. More about the exchange possibilities
Finishing your studies
At the end of your studies, you will complete and defend a research-based Master's thesis. Your thesis gives you the opportunity to explore an educational topic or challenge in depth and connect research with your professional interests and practice.
Career Opportunities
EduInno graduates are prepared to lead and support educational development and innovation across schools, public institutions, NGOs and international organisations, in local and international contexts. Our graduates pursue careers in:
- Educational leadership and management
- Educational innovation, technology and entrepreneurship
- Education policy and public administration
- Project and programme management
- Training and professional development
- Educational consulting
- Research and academia
After graduating, you can also continue your academic pathway with doctoral studies at Tallinn University.
Meet our alumni
Student life and learning environment
Meet our teaching staff
Admissions
Application dates:
- international applicants: 1 November 2026 - 1 March 2027
- local candidates (Estonian citizens, long-term residence permit holders): 1 November 2026 - 29 June 2027
General requirements
- Completed Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent
- Proof of English Proficiency
- Please see the complete overview of application requirements and timeline for the master's studies.
Application process
We invite you to a two-round application process designed to assess your suitability and readiness for the MA in Educational Innovation and Leadership.
| Category | Evaluation criteria | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Motivation letter (50%) | 1. Motivation to study at this program 2. Personal characteristics to follow the programme 3. Relevance of the chosen educational problem 4. Proposed solution, including resources, stakeholders 5. Writing quality |
0-50 (min. 35 pts) |
| Interview (50%) | 1. Expertise, prior knowledge to follow the programme 2. Communication skills 3. Critical thinking and analytical skills 4. Clear answers to questions 5. Level of English |
0-50 (min. 35 pts) |
Total maximum points is 100. Enrollment threshold: 70 points out of 100.
First round
Online application – submitted online in .
Motivation letter - it should include your previous personal experience, where you feel an innovative approach in education might have solved the situation. The letter must feature at least one reference on (please use ). This letter should not be longer than 3 pages and must be submitted through DreamApply.
Second round
Interview - this is an opportunity to discuss your study motivation, clarify any questions from your application, and demonstrate your spoken English skills. Online interviews will be carried out by the main professors of this programme. For the purposes of identity verification at the admission procedure, the Admission Committee has the right to record or take a screenshot during the oral part of the admission.
Interviews are held once a month at times scheduled in advance by the admissions committee. Candidates will be notified of their interview date and time by email, and the interview link will be sent separately.
View detailed admission requirements and timelines for the applicants.
Tuition waivers
Ukrainian Students:
Eligible for a 50% discount for the nominal duration of their studies, provided they are enrolled full-time and maintain a minimum weighted average grade of 4.0.
International Students:
25% tuition fee discount for the second semester is available to the top three candidates, determined by their entrance examination results.
Move to Tallinn
Studying in Tallinn, means studying at a compact European capital where education, technology and digital innovation meet. As an international student, you can benefit from Tallinn University's support and access practical information to help you settle into life in Estonia from the basics of accommodation to the details about working while studying and of course where to find the student support services.
Find information about:
- Accommodation
- VISA information
- Healthcare and insurance
- Cost of living
- Public transport
- Working while studying
- Peer support and student buddies
- Student Support Centre
Explore more practical topics that might come up as you relocate.
Contacts
Brita Smitt
Study Specialist
For additional guidelines regarding the admission procedure, please contact the international admission specialist:
email usadmissions@tlu.ee
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