The “Russian Studies (Media Linguistics)“ programme aims to train specialists with a strong command of media language and solid expertise in the ever-evolving digital media landscape. This program is designed for those looking to deeply engage in analysing and interpreting media texts across various platforms, utilising cutting-edge media linguistic methodologies. At the same time, awareness of Russia's cultural nuances and historical contexts enhances one’s ability to decode hidden meanings and intentions embedded in media content, making this program vital today.
The programme is open to graduates from all disciplines with proficiency in Russian at the B2+ level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. All courses in the programme are taught in Russian.
Effectively communicate in Russian in writing and orally, considering the communication situation.
Analyze and evaluate media language phenomena and explain these features within a broader linguistic, cultural, and intercultural context.
Effectively interpret media texts, learning to "read between the lines" and gaining skills in deciphering nuanced meanings in multimodal media content.
Understand and evaluate the role of generative AI in transforming the field of mass communication. Gain insights into creative thinking by experimenting with different prompt formats and concepts to optimise AI performance.
Independently select topical media linguistic, cultural, or interdisciplinary problems, conduct research, and present findings to various audiences.
Debate and discuss the processes and challenges of media language and communication in contemporary society, enhancing their capabilities in reasoned argumentation.
Identify cultural identities and differences and collaborate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds to achieve common objectives in media-related fields.
Take responsibility for the quality and improvement of their work, aiming to excel in fields such as academic research, media content creation, and roles within linguistic consulting and digital media startups.
The entry requirement is a B2 level knowledge of Russian.
Submit one of the following: (IELTS Academic 4.5+, TOEFL iBT 32+, Cambridge English exam 140+, Pearson PTE Academic 43+, LanguageCert IESOL B1, Duolingo English Test 65+) or other English proficiency document confirming that the applicant has achieved B1 level according to CEFR.
Applicants can be exempt from providing a level confirming certificate in cases described in the General admission requirements.
Media Linguistics reveals how Russian functions in contemporary media and mass communication, and how media texts and other media products are produced.
What's after?
Graduates can work in cultural, educational and scientific institutions, state and public institutions, international organisations, business and service companies, media, publishing, and public spheres related to contemporary art and media, as well as in the academic sphere and do research work in higher education institutions in the field of the Russian language, literature, culture, text production and (inter-)cultural communication.
They can also become freelance or self-employed content creators, publishers and creative communicators.
"Vilnius has historically been a center of intersection for languages and cultures, and studying within the walls of Vilnius University is a true happiness and a great honor. I enrolled in the Faculty of Philology intending to obtain a systematic humanities education, touching the tradition, and getting acquainted with innovative research in the field closest to me: Media Linguistics. The Russian Studies MA programme may seem an unexpected choice in our challenging times. Still, it led me to immerse myself in a unique – some might say nourishing – environment, which fully met my expectations. The Russian language still serves as the lingua franca for a huge number of people, and the Russian Studies MA program covers the widest range of disciplines: from the Methodology of Literary Studies to Typological Linguistics, from the History of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, to such an exclusive and topical course as East-West in Russian Culture, from Semantics and Pragmatics to Cognitive and Media Linguistics, and much more. The program is very intensive, and the two years of study were challenging. However, the ongoing support of the professors, the true spirit of academic freedom, and the amazing atmosphere of the ancient corridors of Vilnius University – combined with progressive educational technologies – it all facilitated my studies and inspired me to overcome difficulties. But the most important thing you get after graduating from the Program, in addition to new knowledge, research skills, experience of communication with endlessly dedicated professors and lots of student emotions, is motivation. Motivation to move forward, to learn more, and to try to explore our complicated world in our challenging times."
Grigory Skomorovskiy (Producer, Lecturer in Media production)
"Vilnius has historically been a center of intersection for languages and cultures, and studying within the walls of Vilnius University is a true happiness and a great honor. I enrolled in the Faculty of Philology intending to obtain a systematic humanities education, touching the tradition, and getting acquainted with innovative research in the field closest to me: Media Linguistics. The Russian Studies MA programme may seem an unexpected choice in our challenging times. Still, it led me to immerse myself in a unique – some might say nourishing – environment, which fully met my expectations. The Russian language still serves as the lingua franca for a huge number of people, and the Russian Studies MA program covers the widest range of disciplines: from the Methodology of Literary Studies to Typological Linguistics, from the History of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, to such an exclusive and topical course as East-West in Russian Culture, from Semantics and Pragmatics to Cognitive and Media Linguistics, and much more. The program is very intensive, and the two years of study were challenging. However, the ongoing support of the professors, the true spirit of academic freedom, and the amazing atmosphere of the ancient corridors of Vilnius University – combined with progressive educational technologies – it all facilitated my studies and inspired me to overcome difficulties. But the most important thing you get after graduating from the Program, in addition to new knowledge, research skills, experience of communication with endlessly dedicated professors and lots of student emotions, is motivation. Motivation to move forward, to learn more, and to try to explore our complicated world in our challenging times."