English Studies (English language, Literature and Language Acquisition, Translation and Interpreting) (EN)

English language, Literature and Language Acquisition:
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.

Translation and Interpreting:
The Master’s degree programme spans two years (four semesters) and comprises coursework and a research thesis. During the first three semesters, the emphasis is on deepening knowledge through a diverse array of courses. These include lectures, independent study, and seminars conducted in computer and interpreting labs, fostering a dynamic and engaging learning environment.

Core courses (54 credits) cover a broad spectrum of subjects such as Translation Theories and Practice, Discourse Analysis and Critical Discourse Analysis Studies, Literature and Society, Foreign Language Acquisition: Theory and Practice, and Research Methodologies. Elective courses (33 credits) allow students to specialize in specific areas, with options such as Translation of Journalistic Texts, Translation of Economics Texts, Translation of Legal Texts, Audiovisual Translation, Consecutive and Simultaneous Interpreting I, II, and III, and Introduction to Computational Linguistics.

An optional internship (3 credits) is available during the third semester, providing practical experience in the field. The fourth semester is dedicated to the research thesis (30 credits), allowing students to explore a selected area of interest in depth. Additionally, some components of the programme can be completed abroad through participation in student exchange programmes.

English language, Literature and Language Acquisition:
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.

Translation and Interpreting
The programme provides students with the skills and knowledge to pursue a wide range of career opportunities as translators or interpreters. Graduates can find employment in EU, international, and local institutions, public administration agencies, translation and terminology centres, non-governmental organizations, media, or publishing, or establish themselves as freelance professionals.

Additionally, the hands-on experience gained during the internship broadens students' understanding of the field and enhances their future employment prospects. For those interested in further academic pursuits, the Master’s degree also provides a strong foundation for continuing studies in a PhD programme.

Admission requirements (English language, Literature and Language Acquisition):

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. All grades must be passing (at least 4 in a 10 point grading system).
4. English language proficiency.

*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. 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.
 

Admission requirements (Translation and Interpreting):

1. Previous education:
   Version 1 of previous education: first cycle higher education* or equivalent higher education in linguistics and literary studies, other humanities or teacher education (language, literature and/or culture teacher education); maximum score for entrance examination - 1000, minimum score for admission in the entrance examination – 600. Additional condition for the entrance examination: a letter of motivation must be submitted;
   Version 2 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; maximum score for entrance examination - 1000, minimum score for admission in the entrance examination – 600. Additional condition for the entrance examination: a letter of motivation must be submitted
   Note: must submit curriculum vitae (CV) for confirmation of professional/creative experience
2. The average grade in study courses must be 60% of the maximum.
3. All grades must be passing (at least 4 in a 10 point grading system).
4. English language proficiency
5. Latvian language skills at least at level C1. The level of language skills is checked in the entrance examination.

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

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

1. Entrance examination results (maximum points are 1000, minimal points for admission are 600). 

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.

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

Programme assistant:
Kārlis Bušmanis

• Phone: +371 67034913
• E-mail: karlis.busmanis@lu.lv
• Address: Visvalža iela 4a, Room 329