English studies (Literature, Linguistics, Culture)

Identification

The second-cycle English Studies Programme is unique in the Baltic States. It covers three aspects of study: literatures written in the English language, English linguistics and culture of English-speaking countries, mainly, the United Kingdom, Canada, USA and Ireland. The three components are interrelated; however, students are provided with an array of optional courses, which helps them narrow down their area of study to one aspect, if they are inclined to do so.

The language of instruction is English. The programme is offered for those have completed their first-cycle university studies. The programme is taught in four semesters; it is completed by defending an MA thesis written in a selected field of study.

Programme description

• The objective

The basic aim of the programme offered at the Department of English Philology is to develop students’ critical and independent thinking and to improve decision making abilities, rather than to provide them with simple information and knowledge in the subjects studied. The courses are designed:

• to broaden students’ knowledge in the area of language, literature and culture studies;
• to enhance students’ awareness of interdisciplinary approaches and critical interpretation of primary sources;
• to provide students with an understanding of the everyday intellectual challenges of a multicultural society;
• to prepare students for positions that require cross-cultural understanding; linguistic, and literary analysis skills; creativity, critical thinking, analytical skills and decision making ability.

The style of teaching/learningis focused on the dynamic roles of both teachers and learners:

• interactive lectures, seminars, group work, case studies;
• individual/team presentations;
• thought-provoking and challenging assignments;
• ongoing assessment.

• Access to further studies

Key learning outcomes

All courses are assessed by either a written examination or an extended essay.
To qualify for the award of the Master’s Degree in English Studies, candidates shall have passed all examinations and the viva voce of the Master’s thesis.

Course information

The programme has the following structure

Graduation requirements

In order to obtain the Master's Degree in English Studies, all candidates must successfully complete 13 courses (8 compulsory courses: 54 ECTS and 5 optional courses: 22.5 ECTS) Research/Field Work (13.5 ECTS), submit a Master’s thesis written under the supervision of a member of the academic staff of the Department which is followed by the viva voce examination. Thus, to qualify for the Master’s Degree, a student must acquire a total of 80 credits (120 ECTS). Credits and marks are awarded for all successfully completed and passed courses.

Master’s programme is deemed completed after the viva of the thesis which is prepared during the entire period of study. In order to defend a thesis, a Board is established which is comprised of scholars from the relevant fields.
Specific admission requirements and selection criteria

Applicants for this master's programme should have at least a Bachelor's degree or an equivalent in a field related to the desired Master's Degree.

Applicants whose first language is not English and whose primary language of instruction of their bachelor‘s programme completed was not English are required to prove their English proficiency by submitting the results: 

• IELTS score: 6.5
• TOEFL score: 560 (paper based) or 90 (iBT internet –based test)
• CAE certificate (Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English)
• CPE certificate (Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency)
• ALTE (Association of Language Testers in Europe)

FOR ADMISSION ENQUIRIES
Ms. Ingrida Kelpsaite
Admissions Officer
Office of International Programmes and Relations
Vilnius University
Universiteto Str. 3
01513 Vilnius, Lithuania
Tel. (370 5) 2687183, faks. (370 5) 2687069
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

FOR ACADEMIC ENQUIRIES
Prof. Aurelia Usoniene
Programme coordinator
Department of English Philology
Faculty of Philology
Vilnius University
Universiteto 5
LT-01513 Vilnius
Tel. (370 5) 2687228
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.