Baltic Studies

The Baltic Master’s degree study programme could be described as a kind of ‘upgrade’ of the Bachelor’s study programme: the structure is identical and concentrates on studies of Lithuanian, Finnish, Estonian, and Latvian and on philological approach to languages and texts, leading to what is called areal philology of the Baltics. The competencies of the students, however, are significantly broadened: not only must they possess a perfect knowledge of the studied language but they must also be capable of joining academic discourse on the particular language (Lithuanian, Finnish, Estonian, or Latvian) directly in that language (i.e. to publish there, take part at conferences there etc.). The Baltic Master’s degree study programme offers a deep knowledge of the contemporary philology and culture of the Baltics and aims to produce regional experts of the highest scientific rank, leading primarily to academic careers.

After successfully completing his/her studies the graduate is able to:

• speak Lithuanian or Finnish on a very good level and to use the language in any functional style
• to take actively part in the philological discourse concerning Lithuanian, Finnish (according to the specialization of the student)
• apply current theories of Linguistics or Literary Theory when analysing texts in the language of specialization
• read scholarly, journalistic texts and fiction in the second language of specialization (Estonian, Latvian, Finnish, Lithuanian)
• provide an informed description of philological and cultural situation in Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Finland in mutual comparison

Graduates of the Baltic Studies Master’s degree study programme are able to speak at least two of the languages of the Baltic region (Lithuanian, Finnish, Estonian, or Latvian) and are well educated in the theory of general linguistics and in literary theory. The study programme provides very good knowledge of history and contemporary culture of the entire Baltic region starting with Lithuania and Poland and reaching as far as all Scandinavian countries. Thanks to that, graduates are able to find at least two alternative fields of occupation: in the academic field, Baltic study programme graduates work in the field of general linguistics, Indo-European linguistics, Uralistics, and literary theory; in non-academic fields, a graduate of the Baltic study programme can work as an expert, translator, or interpreter, in Czech and EU institutions (e.g. in the field of the diplomatic and cultural relations). In the free market, graduates of the Baltic study programme can establish themselves in the fields of international trade (export and import, pharmaceutics, technology transfer) or tourism.

A standard scope of a Master's thesis ranges from 140,000 to 160,000 characters including footnotes, cover sheet, content, index, list of literature, and annotations. A Bachelor's thesis does not have the character of an independent empirical research (potential exception shall be approved by the thesis supervisor). Students can work with already published texts and data accessible for secondary analysis. They should demonstrate the ability to work critically with specialized texts, process the concepts and theories discovered there, and find relevant answers to the given question. Instructions for Final State Examinations and elaboration of the Bachelor's/Diploma thesis are regulated by FF Directive No. 6/2017 - O státních závěrečných zkouškách na FF MU.

After completion of the Master's studies of Baltistics, it is possible to continue further studies in Doctor's degree programme of general linguistics and indoeuropean studies (after satisfying the admission requirements).