Before coming to Harvard to study political theory, Tivig studied within the Euromasters program (European politics) at the University of Bath, Sciences Po Paris, and Humboldt University of Berlin. She holds a first-class BA degree in politics and international studies from the University of Warwick. Tivig works within contemporary political theory on the question of freedom of movement and immigration, and the links to liberalism and democratic theory. She considers movement within states, across state borders, and within the framework of the European Union.