Master's Programme in English Language and Literature, Master of Arts (2 years), Åbo Akademi University

About this programme

The study of English language and literature at Åbo Akademi University is broad in scope: encompassing linguistics, literature and culture. All our courses adopt an interdisciplinary approach to the subject area. The linguistic programme equips students with the basic concepts and terminology needed to describe the language and understand linguistic phenomena. Coursework involves linguistic studies, the analysis of different types of written and spoken texts in context, sociolinguistics and language history, as well as various aspects of language learning and teaching. The literary programme develops an awareness of the methods and terminology used in literary criticism; hones critical skills for readers of Anglophone literatures; and finesses students’ knowledge of literary history within English-speaking world. The study of culture and society critically examines the values, ways of life, media, political and social institutions in English-speaking countries including Great Britain and the USA. Since the understanding of a language is related to its socio-cultural context we consider that, rather than being peripheral, such cultural considerations are central to our programme. All students at the master’s level undertake a period of at least 8 weeks’ language practice abroad, in an English-speaking community of their choice, either for work or study.