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

The Master's study programme "English Studies" offers core courses shared by both subprogrammes, along with elective courses specific to each subprogramme.

The core course part offers all students the opportunity to gain an interdisciplinary understanding of the role of language, literature, and culture in various spheres of contemporary society. It enables them to deepen and broaden their knowledge of how these apsects shape meaning in both spoken and written discourse—for example, through strategies of linguistic politeness or expressions of patriotism, equality and inequality, power, and other social dynamics within the nuanced contexts of contemporary society. Special attention is also given to the influence of visual and multimodal elements in a wide range of print and digital texts. The core courses of the study programme also offer students the opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of the decision-making processes involved in translating texts across different genres, as well as a deeper insight into current trends in foreign language learning and their impact on teaching and learning, with a particular focus on modern digital technologies.

The elective component of the English Language, Literature, and Language Acquisition sub-programme provides students with an opportunity to gain in-depth theoretical and practical knowledge of how the structural elements of language interact, about peculiarities of language perception and contemporary trends in modern varieties of English. The sub-programme's course offerings also equip students with the knowledge and skills essential for teaching English for Specific Purposes and applying modern language assessment techniques. The literature strand of the programme enables in-depth exploration of the nuanced relationship between literature and culture, particularly within the frameworks of globalisation, media, gender and sexuality, and visual and mass culture. The elective courses on contemporary topics in digital humanities equip students with practical skills for working with digital language data—including digitisation, systematisation, data extraction and processing—as well as methods for developing specialised corpora and dictionaries. The courses also introduce foundational programming skills relevant to professional practice and research in the field of English language.
Language of instruction: English.

In the elective component of the 'Translation' sub-programme, students have the opportunity to develop practical skills in translating texts across a range of genres—including journalism, business, and fiction—as well as in various modes of interpreting—simultaneous and consecutive. The sub-programme courses offer in-depth knowledge of English and Latvian usage, focusing on the appropriateness of different language levels across various texts and contexts—from formal, high style to contemporary slang. Students will engage with diverse lexical registers, including those used in economics, finance, law, medicine, and other specialised fields. Students acquire skills in public speaking, terminology management, and the use of translation and AI tools.
Language of instruction: English.

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:
Jeļena Sevastjanova

• Phone: +371 67034924
• E-mail: jelena.sevastjanova@lu.lv
• Address: Visvalža iela 4a, Room 423