MA/MS in English Studies

General Description: Objective(s) of a Study Programme: The Master of Arts programme in English Studies is crafted to cultivate competent, self-reliant, and innovative English literature, culture, and linguistics experts. Graduates emerge equipped with the skills required for professions connected to language, literature, and culture within the realm of public communication, encompassing domains such as the media, publishing industry, and cultural institutions. Our programme aims to foster graduates’ professional aptitude for research and teaching, both in educational and research institutions, while instilling a lifelong commitment to learning. The English Studies programme provides students with a platform to hone their capacity for contemplation on cultural traditions and to critically assess the diverse cultural landscapes and emerging trends in contemporary society. The specialisation in Media Discourse is designed to facilitate students in the application of cutting-edge theories and methodologies in the field of Critical Discourse studies. It further nurtures their communicative prowess in English, spanning various domains of public communication, and equips them with the ability to create modern media content. Learning Outcomes: Graduates of this programme will possess a diverse set of skills and competencies, enabling them to excel in various aspects of linguistics, culture, and literature. These skills include: Critical analysis: graduates will be adept at analysing, synthesising, and critically evaluating trends in linguistics, culture, and literature within social and research contexts. Problem-solving: they will possess the ability to logically and critically solve both theoretical and practical issues, offering innovative solutions while effectively communicating and collaborating as individuals or within teams. Digital literacy: graduates will be well-versed in the use of digital information technologies for research, including data collection and analysis. Strategic thinking: they will have the capacity to anticipate problem-solving strategies and propose viable solutions. Independent research: graduates will develop strong independent research skills, enabling them to study literature, analyse and synthesise theoretical frameworks, collect and categorise empirical data, and undertake medium and large-scale research projects. Cross-cultural understanding: they will be capable of comparing trends in literature, language, and thought across different cultural epochs and social groups. Application of knowledge: graduates will be well-prepared to apply their acquired knowledge and skills in their future professional careers or further research endeavours. For those specialising in Media Discourse, additional skills will be acquired, including: Media proficiency: graduates will gain proficiency in using English within contemporary media contexts. Language analysis: they will develop the ability to analyse language changes in various spheres of public communication. Professional language use: Graduates will evaluate the appropriateness of language use within professional environments. Media text creation: they will be skilled in using English to create effective media texts. These competencies will equip graduates to excel in diverse career paths and research pursuits within the realms of linguistics, culture, literature, and media discourse. Teaching and Learning Activities: The programme utilises various teaching methods and assessments, including interactive lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical tasks, written assignments, examinations, presentations, group discussions, critical-analytical reading, synthesis, reviews, and independent work. Throughout interactive lectures and seminars, students engage actively by participating in discussions, delivering reports, and composing papers on either self-selected topics or those proposed by the lecturer. Methods for Evaluating Learning Outcomes: A 10-point cumulative grading system is employed, incorporating continuous assessment methods such as research projects, tests, homework assignments, and presentations. The final grade is determined based on the evaluation of tasks completed throughout the course as well as the performance in the examination. Framework: Study Modules and Practical Training: The Master of Arts programme in English Studies comprises three core blocks of courses: literature, cultural studies, and linguistics. The language of instruction throughout the programme is English. This comprehensive programme equips students with an in-depth understanding of contemporary language research, English-speaking cultures, and literary analysis. It fosters their ability to navigate the diverse landscape of the Humanities and effectively apply their knowledge and skills in practical contexts. The seminars on literature from English-speaking countries and the history of English literature offer authentic and in-depth analyses of English literature, addressing key issues within contemporary Western literary studies. Additionally, the inclusion of cultural and media studies within the curriculum broadens the programme’s scope and enhances the philologist’s expertise. The programme begins with foundational courses and progressively introduces a wide range of subject-specific courses. As students progress, the number of compulsory courses decreases, allowing for a greater emphasis on elective courses tailored to individual interests and career goals. The culmination of the programme centres on the completion of an MA thesis (30 ECTS, in Semester 4), followed by a thesis defence, marking the conclusion of the academic journey. Specialisations: Media Discourse is a specialisation grounded in the emerging and ever-evolving field of applied linguistics within the framework of Critical Discourse studies. This discipline focuses on the study of language usage within various forms of media. Over the course of three semesters, students enrolled in the English Studies programme can opt for additional courses that delve into this field, including: Media Linguistics (three semesters, 5 ECTS per semester) Discourse Analysis Typology of Media Genres Political Discourse in the Media (5 ECTS for each course) These specialised courses offer students a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of language within the context of media, enabling them to explore and critically analyse various aspects of media communication and discourse. Elective Courses: Students have the flexibility to select elective courses, allowing them to expand their expertise in literary studies, cultural studies, and linguistics. Notable Characteristics of the Study Programme: The interdisciplinary nature of the English Studies programme offers an opportunity to attain specialised expertise in English literature, cultural studies, and linguistics. Graduates are well-equipped to compete with peers from both Lithuanian and international universities. The programme caters not only to Lithuanian students but also extends its reach to foreign students participating in the ERASMUS+ academic exchange programme at VU. English Studies encompasses a wide-ranging interdisciplinary curriculum, examining the theoretical and empirical dimensions of the English language, culture, and literature in contemporary society. Beyond developing subject-specific competencies, the programme equips students with versatile skills that are applicable across various fields of study. The programme is structured around three equally weighted blocks of general and subject-specific courses, covering linguistics, literature, and culture. The curriculum is closely aligned with the principles of individualisation and differentiation in the learning process, fostering the development of social skills, integrating study content, and implementing contemporary teaching and learning methodologies. A standout feature of the programme is the specialisation in Media Discourse, which is distinct in Lithuania. Unlike other universities, this programme offers a unique blend of English language studies and media-related content, setting it apart in the academic landscape. Access to professional activity or further study: Opportunities for Professional Engagement: Graduates of this programme are well-prepared to pursue a diverse range of career paths, including academic and non-academic fields, where the practical application of their knowledge is highly valued. Potential career avenues include: Academic roles: graduates can engage in academic research within the realms of literature, culture, and linguistics. They may also consider teaching literary and language courses at higher education institutions. Editorial and publishing: opportunities exist in editing, translation, lexicography, proofreading, and various aspects of publishing activities. This could involve work in publishing houses specializing in literature for the general public. Cultural institutions: graduates can explore roles in literary archives, museums, and public institutions or organizations focused on cultural preservation and promotion. Media and communication: their skills are also applicable in the media industry, particularly in roles centred on scientific, professional, and cultural topics. They can contribute as content creators, writers, or editors in media outlets. Translation: with their linguistic proficiency, graduates can pursue careers as translators, handling both fictional and scientific texts. Graduates are well-prepared to meet the expectations of employers, demonstrating their strong analytical and interpretative abilities, a deep understanding of contemporary and historical contexts in literature and culture, critical thinking skills, and subject-specific competencies, including the capacity to produce scholarly and professional texts. Access to further study: Upon successful completion of the study programme, graduates are eligible to apply for a PhD programme in the Humanities or opt for further second-cycle studies within the same field.