MA Literature, Visual Culture and Film Studies

Programme Overview

The MA in Literature, Visual Culture and Film Studies at Tallinn University is a two-year, English-taught postgraduate programme designed for students interested in understanding how literature, film, and visual culture create and communicate meaning across different media and historical contexts.

Rather than examining literary texts, films, or images separately, the programme brings these areas together. Students explore how narratives, images, and cultural forms interact with one another, influence each other, and respond to wider social and historical changes. The programme develops advanced skills in interpretation, critical analysis, cultural theory, research, and academic writing.

The programme is offered jointly by Tallinn University and the Estonian Academy of Arts, bringing together expertise in literature, film studies, art history, and visual culture within an integrated curriculum.

Programme Details

• Study Level: Master’s degree
• Degree Award: MA
• Duration: 2 years
• Workload: 120 ECTS
• Study Type: Full-time
• Teaching Language: English
• Study Location: Tallinn, Estonia
• Tuition Fee: €1,900 per semester
• Application Fee: €100 one-time

What You Will Study

The programme focuses on the relationship between literature, film, visual culture, and broader cultural contexts. Students use theoretical approaches to examine complex cultural materials and develop the ability to interpret cultural forms critically.

The programme particularly emphasizes:

• Literature and literary studies
• Film studies
• Visual culture
• Art history
• Cultural theory
• Interpretation and critical analysis
• Research methods
• Academic writing
• Interdisciplinary approaches to cultural materials

Programme Structure

The programme is based on seminar-based learning and independent research.

First Year

During the first year, students complete core courses and thematic seminars introducing important concepts, theories, and analytical approaches. Alongside their coursework, students begin developing an individual research interest.

This research interest becomes progressively more focused throughout the programme. By the end of the second semester, students prepare and submit a Master’s thesis proposal and select a supervisor.

Second and Third Semesters

During the second and third semesters, students may participate in research-related activities organized in cooperation with cultural institutions and international literary, art, and film festivals in Tallinn.

These activities provide opportunities for students to engage more deeply with cultural contexts and materials. The activities are focused on critical and research engagement rather than vocational or production-oriented training.

Fourth Semester

The fourth semester is primarily dedicated to the Master’s thesis. Students develop their research within the framework of the Master’s seminar and bring together the analytical, theoretical, and research skills acquired throughout the programme.

At the end of the final semester, students publicly defend their Master’s thesis.

Admission Requirements

Applicants to the Master’s programme must have a Bachelor’s degree or corresponding qualification.

Students who are completing their final year of Bachelor’s studies and do not yet have their final diploma must provide a certificate showing their study results. The final diploma and transcript of records must be submitted no later than July 1.

Tallinn University expects applicants to have achieved at least 60% of the possible maximum results in order to qualify for studies.

Applicants must upload all required documents by the application deadline. Depending on the individual applicant and country-specific requirements, successfully admitted applicants may later be asked to send educational documents by post. Applicants should not send documents by post unless specifically instructed by Tallinn University.

Entry qualification documents are accepted in English or Estonian.

English Language Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate sufficient English proficiency unless they qualify for an exemption.

Applicants who completed their previous education or studies fully in English in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, or EU/EEA countries may be exempt from submitting an international English-language test, provided they submit attested proof from their previous educational institution.

Students who completed International Baccalaureate studies may submit their graduation documents as proof of English proficiency.

Accepted English-language tests include:

IELTS

• IELTS Academic: 6.0
• Minimum 5.5 in each component

Cambridge English

• B2 First: 169 overall
• C1 Advanced: 169 overall
• C2 Proficiency: 169 overall

Cambridge English results must be made available online so that Tallinn University can verify them.

TOEFL iBT

For examinations taken before January 21, 2026:

• Minimum total score: 72
• Reading: 18
• Listening: 17
• Writing: 17
• Speaking: 20

For examinations taken on or after January 21, 2026:

• Minimum total score: 4
• Reading: 4
• Listening: 4
• Writing: 4
• Speaking: 4

TOEFL results must be sent online to Tallinn University using institution code 0449.

PTE Academic

• PTE Academic: 59
• Minimum 59 in each component

The PTE result must be sent to Tallinn University through the secure PTE portal.

Submitted test scores must still be valid. Invalid language test results are not accepted.

Country-Specific English Exemptions

Certain applicants may qualify for specific exemptions from proving B2-level English proficiency.

Applicants from Finland do not have to prove B2 English proficiency if they have at least cum laude approbatur (pitkä oppimäärä) as the result of the English-language examination in their matriculation certificate.

Applicants from Latvia do not have to provide separate B2 proof if their Latvian Secondary Education State Exam in English result is at least grade A or B or corresponds to B2 English proficiency.

Applicants from Lithuania do not have to prove B2 English proficiency if their Lithuanian Secondary Education State Exam in English result is at least 70 points.

Programme-Specific Requirements

In addition to the general admission requirements, applicants must review the programme-specific admission requirements for the Literature, Visual Culture and Film Studies MA programme.

Applicants must ensure that all required assignments are submitted as part of their application.

Students with long-term medical conditions may apply for adjustments during the admission process based on their individual circumstances. Applicants requesting adjustments during admission exams must provide appropriate medical proof of their special need.

Tuition Fees

The tuition fee for the programme is:

€1,900 per semester

There is also a:

€100 one-time application fee

Applicants who are citizens of Non-EU/EEA countries are required to pay the tuition fee for their first semester before the beginning of their studies.

Career Opportunities

Graduates develop advanced skills in critical thinking, interpretation, research, and academic writing. These skills can be applied in areas where independent analysis, writing, cultural understanding, and judgement are important.

Graduates may continue to doctoral studies in areas such as:

• Literature
• Film studies
• Visual culture
• Cultural theory
• Related academic fields

Doctoral study opportunities may be pursued in Estonia or internationally.

Other potential areas where graduates may apply their skills include:

• Education
• Publishing
• Cultural journalism
• Research projects
• Cultural institutions
• Related fields involving independent analysis and writing

Guidance regarding internships and further opportunities is provided individually according to students’ interests and career goals.

Application Information

Applicants are required to complete and sign the application themselves. Tallinn University does not accept applications submitted by third parties.

Applicants are advised to submit their applications as early as possible so that admission specialists have sufficient time to provide feedback before the deadline and allow applicants to update their applications if necessary.

All required documents must be uploaded with the application by the relevant application deadline.

The source states that the application period has ended.