English language, Literature and Language Acquisition (sub-programme of academic programme English Studies)

Degree to be achieved: Master Degree in Humanities in Language Studies
Duration of studies: 2 years
Type of studies: Full time
Amount of credits: 120 ECTS
European Qualifications Framework (EQF) level: Level 7
International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) level: Level 7
Language of instruction: English
Accreditation: The programme is accredited till 07.12.2029. 

Tuition fee 
EU/EEA/Swiss citizens and their family members; Long Term Resident EU - 2500 EUR per Year
Other сountry citizens - 3700 EUR per Year

Please note that the tuition fee may change in 2025. 

This study programme seeks to provide an opportunity for in-depth understanding of English studies from literary, linguistic and language acquisition perspectives and ability to undertake independent research. These areas are in the focus of the core courses, while elective courses aim at enhancing the knowledge in particular areas. As English is the language of instruction and assignments, the study programme is fully accessible for international students.

Study period and classes time

The full – time degree programme covers two academic years. Classes are in the evenings of working days from 4.30pm (or 6.15pm) till 9.30pm.

Programme structure

The Master’s degree is completed in two years (four semesters) and it consists of coursework and a research thesis.  During the first three semesters the focus of attention is on deepening  the knowledge through course work.  It includes lectures, independent reading and  seminars in the stimulating environment of a whole range of core courses (54 credits), e.g.,  Literature and society, Discourse analysis and critical discourse analysis studies, Foreign language acquisition - theory and practice, Research methodologies and other courses as well as elective courses (33 credits), e.g., Literature and media, Postcolonial novel, Syntax, Introduction to computational linguistics and other courses. In addition to course work, an elective internship (3 credits) is available during the third semester.  The fourth semester is devoted to writing the research thesis (30 credits) in the selected area  of interest. Some of the studies can be completed abroad by taking part in a student exchange programme.

Career opportunity

Studies enable students to consider a whole range of employment options - at educational institutions, public administration agencies, translation and terminology centres, non-governmental organizations, the EU structures as well as in media or publishing, business or international organisations. In addition, students’ exposure to job situations related to MA students’ study fields and consolidation of skills in these fields during their internship, expand their future employment opportunities. Master’s degree holders can also continue studies at the PhD programme.

More information about study programme and Study plan

ERASMUS+ exchange possibilities

UL full-time students, regardless of their citizenship, have the opportunity to apply for the ERASMUS + exchange program for studies or/and traineeship.  

More information:

ERASMUS + study mobility 
ERASMUS + traineeship moblity  

Admission requirements

1.Previous education:

Version 1 of previous education: first-cycle higher education* or equivalent higher education in linguistics, literature or cultural studies; persons who have obtained such education are admitted without an entrance examination

Version 2 of previous education: first-cycle higher education* or equivalent higher education in other humanities or teacher education (language, literature and/or culture teacher education); pass of entrance examination by submitting a written 1 page motivation letter

Version 3 of previous education: first-cycle higher education* or equivalent higher education in another field and one year of professional/creative experience in a field related to the humanities; pass of entrance examination by submitting a written 1 page motivation letter

2.The average grade in study courses must be 60% of the maximum. 

3. English language proficiency.

4. All grades must be passing (at least 4 on a 10-point scale).

*Bachelor’s degree or a diploma proving equivalent level of education 

Enrolment criteria (for students competing for the state-financed study place)

For applicants who have completed previous education in linguistics, literature or cultural studies: 

1. The average grade obtained in final exams (40%);

2. The grade point average of undergraduate studies (60%).

For applicants who have completed previous education in other fields: 

1. The average grade obtained in final exams (35%);

2. The grade point average of undergraduate studies (35%); 

3. Entrance examination (30%)

Please note! Only EU/EEA/Swiss citizens and EU long-term resident status holders can compete for a state-financed study place.
    
As a part of the admission process applicants will be asked to participate in an online interview.

Autumn Intake (application start: 19 Nov 2024; studies start in Sept 2025)

Full-time

Contact person for more information

Director of the Programme                            
Assoc. prof. Zigrīda Vinčela
E-mail: zigrida.vincela@lu.lv

Coordinator of the Programme
Jeļena Sevastjanova
E-mail: jelena.sevastjanova@lu.lv
Phone: +371 67034924
Faculty of Humanities
4A Visvalža Street, Riga, LV-1050

The programme has been developed within the framework of the project "Design of Internationally Competitive Study Programmes Promoting the Development of the National Economy of Latvia at the University of Latvia" (project No. 8.2.1.0 / 18 / A / 015).