MA in English Language and Culture (120 ECTS)

This MA programme, taught entirely in English and aimed at international applicants, seeks to provide an opportunity to study English from a variety of literary and linguistic perspectives. The degree consists of coursework and a research thesis. The objectives of the programme include in-depth understanding of the multi-facetedness of contemporary English studies; increased awareness of key debates in contemporary linguistics and literary studies; and an ability to carry out independent research. The enrolment for this programme is limited to the maximum of four (4) international students per year.

During their studies, students will specialize on linguistics or literary and cultural studies. The Department has internationally recognized areas of strength in both linguistics and literary studies. In linguistics, these include dialectology, language contact, language variation and change, pragmatics, and bilingualism. In literary and cultural studies, the Department’s areas of strength include postcolonial and ethnic literatures, American literature, popular fiction, and contemporary fiction.

The MA consists of the following elements:

  • Coursework in English (40 ECTS) consisting of a research seminar (5 ECTS), an obligatory methodology course (5 ECTS) and optional courses (30 ECTS),
  • MA thesis (40 ECTS; ca. 20,000 words),
  • Other studies (40 ECTS). These may include extra studies in English, other studies offered by the University, or a work placement.

Admission requirements:

  • A recognized BA degree in the area of English Language and Literature, English Linguistics, or English Translation
  • English proficiency. Applicants must submit a recent TOEFL or IELTS test score. The certificate must be sent directly to the University Admissions Finland by the test administrator by the end of the application period. Applicants whose native tongue is English and who come from the so-called ENL countries (English as a Native Language countries) or who have completed their BA degrees in those countries, do not have to take the language test. These ENL countries are Great-Britain, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Ireland. Minimum requirements of the language tests are as follows:
    • TOEFL: 600 (Paper Based Test) / 100 (Internet Based Test)
    • IELTS (Academic): 7.0.
  • If the applicant has successfully completed studies in the English department at the University of Eastern Finland (formerly University of Joensuu) as an Erasmus exchange student previously, then s/he does not have to take the language proficiency test.
  • Motivation letter in which the applicant explains his or her educational goals and study objectives for the University of Eastern Finland and also explains why he or she has chosen to study in this programme.
  • Letter of reference from a former teacher or professor; not obligatory but highly advisable.

Applicants are placed in a rank order on the basis of their success in earlier studies, language test, and motivation.

Documentation of previous education

All documents (diplomas, transcripts, grade reports, etc., from upper secondary schools and university) must be officially certified copies signed by a representative of the issuing educational institution or by a notary public. Documents in any other language than Finnish, Swedish, or English must be accompanied by translations into one of these languages. Translations must be certified as to their accuracy by the institution or by a licensed translator.

The authenticity of transcripts and diplomas will be checked. The admission of a student who has submitted false supporting documents will be cancelled. Once admitted, the student must present the original educational documents upon registration at the University of Eastern Finland.

The application period is from February 1 until March 16, 2012. The application can be filled in during this period in electronic form on the following page: https://admissions.it.helsinki.fi/uaf/pages/uef.jsp The applicants must first register on this page and then the application form can be filled in. After that the application form itself with all its appendices must be sent to the following address:

University Admissions Finland
Yliopistonkatu 2
FI-00170 Helsinki
Finland

The IELTS or TOEFL language test results can be sent beforehand to University Admissions Finland. The closing date for applications for the academic year 2012-2013 is 16 March, 2012 at 16:15 (4:15 p.m.). The deadline will be applied to applications and their appendices delivered by mail or other means. Any application arriving after the deadline will not be considered.