Learn about the Master’s Programme Disinformation and Societal Resilience online

The University of Tartu Virtual Open Day will take place on 15 January 2026. At 14:00 (GMT+2), prospective students will have the opportunity to explore the master’s programme Disinformation and Societal Resilience offered by the Institute of Social Studies and to learn more about the curriculum from a programme graduate.

During the information session for the one-year, English-taught master’s programme Disinformation and Societal Resilience, an introductory video presenting the curriculum will be shown. This will be followed by a discussion in which participants can ask questions about the study experience. Insights will be shared by Anna Danielyan, a graduate of the programme’s first cohort from Armenia, who has since joined the Institute as students' internship coordinator.

Anna Danielyan highlights that she wants to contribute to building systems that genuinely work — where education helps people understand each other, disagree respectfully, and base decisions on solid research rather than gut feelings. “I’m especially passionate about making social sciences more accessible in my country. Having faced both conflict and economic challenges, we need good research to make smart decisions, and I want to help create spaces where this kind of work can flourish,” says Danielyan.

According to Ragne Kõuts-Klemm, Head of the Institute of Social Studies and Associate Professor in Sociology of Journalism, information manipulation is a dangerous phenomenon that has manifested in recent years. “Unless we are aware of the dangers of the malicious dissemination of misinformation, democratic societies can be hit by unexpected changes. Disinformation can lead to wrong decisions, which may have dire consequences for individuals and the whole society,” says Kõuts-Klemm.

The one-year, student-funded master’s curriculum trains experts and officials working in communication, public administration and defence, as well as activists from NGOs and think tanks who are exposed to disinformation and information manipulation in their work. To date, one cohort of students has graduated from the programme, and the second cohort is currently halfway through the curriculum. Students have come from New Zealand, Georgia, Bangladesh, Belgium, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Estonia.

During the Virtual Open Day, participants will also have the opportunity to learn more about the University of Tartu, including admission requirements, the application process, student life, and programme-specific details. A general introduction to the University will take place on 15 January from 12:00 to 14:00, followed by individual programme information sessions.

Register and meet us online!

Learn about the programme