The English Studies programme provides students with an excellent opportunity to acquire a specialist qualification in English Literature, Cultural Studies and Linguistics with a special track in Media Linguistics. It is a broadly interdisciplinary programme that is concerned with both a theoretical and empirical analysis of the role of English Language, Culture and Literature in the modern society.
The programme consists of three equally balanced blocks of general and subject-specific courses in Linguistics, Literature and Culture. and includes a block of special courses in Media Linguistics that is designed to help students apply the latest theories and methods in this field, as well as to further develop communicative skills in English in various spheres of public communication and to create modern media products.
Be able to analyse, synthesise and critically evaluate the current trends in linguistics, culture and literature in the related social and research environments.
Be able to solve theoretical and practical issues critically and logically, generate ideas, predict problem-solving strategies and suggest new solutions to problems, as well as efficiently communicate and cooperate when working individually or in a team.
Learn to apply digital information technologies in their research (data collection and analysis).
Have acquired skills in the use of English in the contemporary media.
Be able to analyse changes in language in various spheres of public communication.
Be able to evaluate the adequacy of language use in a professional environment.
Be proficient in the use of English and able to create media texts.
Develop their independent research skills: in studying literature, analysing and synthesising theoretical frameworks, collecting and classifying empirical data, and conducting medium and large-scale research projects.
Be able to apply the acquired knowledge and skills in their future professional career or further research activities.
Completed university bachelor’s degree in humanities or social sciences and no less than 15 ECTS credits in Linguistics, Literature and/or Culture Studies course units.
English language proficiency (at a level no lower than C1 following CEFR), certified by one of the international exams: • IELTS: 7+; • TOEFL: 587+ (paper based) or 94+ (iBT internet-based test); • Pearson PTE Academic: 76+; • LanguageCert IESOL: C1; • Duolingo English test: 130+; Or other document certifying the English language proficiency at a level no lower than C1 following CEFR
Global outlook: 2000+ international students from 90 different countries.
Ranked among the top 500 universities worldwide (QS).
A European Union diploma.
What comes after?
A career in an academic field (research in literature, culture and linguistics or other teaching literary and language courses at higher education institutions).
Other diverse areas (editing, translation, lexicography, proofreading and publishing activities, work in literary archives and museums, and work in various other public institutions and organisations), in which a practical application of the acquired knowledge is required.
The qualifications acquired by the graduates of the programme can also be applied in broader areas, including employment in publishing houses specialising in literature for the general public, careers in the media focused on scientific, professional and cultural issues, as well as work as translators of fictional and scientific texts.
Our graduates meet the expectations of employers in the broader labour market by demonstrating their analytical and interpretative skills and knowledge of the contemporary and historical contexts of literature and culture. They also show their wide erudition, their ability for critical thinking, as well as the various subject-specific competencies they have acquired during their studies (e.g. the ability to create scientific and professional texts).
When I reflect on my time at Vilnius University, I can confidently say that it has helped me become a better teacher in many ways. Through the linguistics seminars, I was challenged to explore areas I had not considered in detail before, and the literature and culture seminars provided me with new perspectives, enabling me to take a closer and more critical look at literary texts and cultural phenomena. In my role as a teacher, I have been able to revise my teaching practice using these new values and develop a greater sense of confidence. In particular, I have been able to create more critical assessments and formulate new discussion topics for my students, providing them with fresh and interesting ideas to engage with. I believe that these are the ripples of studying at Vilnius University, and I am grateful for the knowledge and skills that I gained during my time there.
Zehra Yilmaz, English teacher in Turkey, English studies graduate
