European Languages and Cultures

The European Languages and Cultures master’s programme trains students to be cultural mediators (translators, administrators, editors, etc.) by providing knowledge and skills in a modern or classical language and culture. Students choose one of the following specialties:Classical philologyEnglish language and literatureFrench language and literatureGerman language and literatureRussian and Slavic philologyScandinavian languages and literatureSpanish language and literatureClasses in the speciality module are taught in the respective language (with the exception of Classical philology, in which the language of instruction is Estonian). That is, if you are specialising in English language and literature, your classes are in English, but if you are specialising in French language and literature, they are in French and so on. At the time of admission to the programme, being proficient in the language of the chosen specialty is expected and written as well as spoken language skills are to be demonstrated in the entrance exams (the essay is written and the interview conducted in the language of the speciality).Students can combine elective courses and practical training module according to specific future career paths. For example, somebody who wants to work in an international organisation can pick an elective module in international relations and do an internship in an international organisation; somebody who wants to become an editor in a publishing house can pick an elective module in translation studies and do editing training. Graduates will be ready to continue their studies in PhD programmes in all languages of specialisation.What will you get from this programme?After completing the programme, the student:Is proficient in either English, French, Spanish, Russian, German or a Scandinavian language, knows the culture and literature of the chosen language area and can compare cultures;Is able to choose appropriate registers when communicating in the language of the speciality in speech or writing;Has expertise in intercultural communication in its different forms (international relations, business, education, research, development or creative industries or other contexts);Is ready for independent research and practical work in the fields requiring foreign language skills and cultural competence;Has developed different transferable skills like intercultural communication competence, initiative, time planning skills, sense of responsibility, leadership and teamwork skills.