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Tallinn University’s MA in Literature, Visual Culture and Film Studies is for students who want to investigate how texts, images and films create meaning across historical and contemporary contexts. The programme brings together literary studies, film studies, art history and cultural theory, giving you the tools to analyse cultural works and the relationships between them.

You learn through close reading, screenings, discussion and analytical writing. Seminars address questions such as how culture represents identity, responds to environmental change or shapes collective memory. Working closely with academic staff, you develop your ability to compare perspectives, evaluate interpretations and build well-supported arguments.

Offered jointly by Tallinn University and the , the programme gives you access to expertise across both institutions. You begin developing your research interests early in your studies and gradually refine them into a master’s thesis.

You graduate with skills in critical analysis, research and writing that support further academic study and work in fields where interpreting and communicating culture matter.

This programme is right for you if you:

• are interested in literature, film and visual culture and want to understand how they interrelate;
• have a background in the humanities or social sciences and want to develop an interdisciplinary approach to cultural analysis;
• enjoy close reading, discussion and writing and want to strengthen your ability to interpret cultural works;
• want to experience how culture shapes social life through cultural festivals, readings screenings and exhibitions;
• are considering doctoral study or work in cultural management, curation, publishing, education, publishing or criticism.

At the core of the programme are:

• Cultural theory and analysis
• Literary studies, film studies and visual culture
• Narratives and adaptation across media
• Independent research and academic writing

Some of the courses include:

• Key Concepts in Cultural Analysis
• Key Concepts in Critical Theory and Visual Culture
• Word and Image
• Seminars in Literature, Visual Culture and Film I, II, III
• Narratology and Film Analysis
• Adaptation

Thematic seminars allow you to investigate cultural works through perspectives such as ecocriticism, affect, memory and trauma, postcolonial studies and dystopia. Topics vary by academic year. Electives provide further opportunities to shape your studies around your interests, while the master’s seminar supports the development of your independent research.

Put your knowledge into practice

Your studies connect cultural analysis with engagement in Tallinn’s literary, art and film scene. Practical training gives you opportunities to consider how culture interacts beyond the classroom, while developing your own research interests.

Practical training opportunities

During the second and third semesters, you take part in practical training organised by the school in cooperation with cultural institutions and international literary, art and film festivals in Tallinn. These experiences support your understanding of cultural institutions and connect your academic interests with their work.

Guidance on placements and further opportunities is available according to your interests and goals.

Erasmus+ and exchange opportunities

As a Tallinn University student, you can explore exchange opportunities to experience a different academic environment and bring new perspectives to your studies of language, culture and history. Find out more about exchange opportunities. 

Finishing your studies

At the end of your studies, you will complete and publicly defend a master’s thesis. The thesis gives you the opportunity to investigate a cultural research question in depth, critically analyse your chosen material and demonstrate your ability to conduct independent research.

You submit your research proposal and choose a supervisor at the end of the second semester. The fourth semester is dedicated to writing your thesis with support from your supervisor and the master’s seminar.
 

Career opportunities

Skills in cultural analysis, interpretation, research and writing can support careers across education and the cultural sector. Depending on your interests and previous experience, you can pursue opportunities in:

• Cultural management and organisation
• Publishing and editing
• Curation
• Cultural criticism and journalism
• Education
• Research and academia
• Literary, art and film festivals

After your master’s studies, you can also pursue doctoral studies in literature, film studies, visual culture, cultural theory or related fields, subject to the admission requirements of your chosen programme.
Explore our PhD programmes
 

Student life and learning environment

As a student on a joint programme, you learn within the academic communities of Tallinn University and the Estonian Academy of Arts. Small seminars bring together students with different backgrounds and interests, creating opportunities to share perspectives and develop your ideas through discussion.

You work with lecturers and researchers whose expertise spans literature, film, art history and visual culture. Close academic contact supports you in finding connections between fields and developing a research direction of your own.
Tallinn’s museums, archives, exhibitions and screenings provide resources and inspiration for independent study. Events such as the (PÖFF) and the offer further opportunities to engage with cultural life alongside your coursework.
 

Meet our Alumni

Read about Literature, Visual Culture and Film Studies alumni experiences

Meet our teaching staff

Admissions

General requirements

• Completed Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent
• Proof of English Proficiency
  Please see the complete overview of admission and application requirements for Master's level applicants.

Entrance exams

The admission exam consists of a written and oral part. The admission examination score is calculated as follows: 30% is based on previous study results, 30% on the motivation letter, and 40% on the interview.

• The written part is based on motivation letter (1-2 pages) [to be submitted to ] and previous study results [to be submitted to ]
• The oral part is an interview. The applicants who are accepted to the interview will be notified via e-mail. NB! Only applicants receiving the minimum required points for the motivation letter and previous study results will be invited for the interview.

For the purposes of identity verification at the admission procedure the Admission Committee has the right to record the oral part of the admission exam carried out via video bridge.

Assessment of the candidates

1. Previous study results: 30 points (min. required 21 points)
2. Motivation letter: 30 points (min required 21 points)
3. Interview: 40 points (min. requirement 28 points)

Important! Only applicants receiving the minimum required points for the first two components will be invited for the interview.

What we assess

How we assess

The examination board will assess each applicant individually based on the criteria. The board members go through the motivation letter and the previous study results and make a joint decision whether to invite / not invite an appicant for an interwiew. At least two board members must participate at the interview. One of the participating board members will be leading the interview, all members may ask questions. After each interview there is a discussion among the board members who were present at the interview. Points for all assessed components will be entered into the table which calculates the average of the points given and the final subtotal points.

Find more information about the deadlines here.

Scholarships

The tuition fee for the MA in Literature, Visual Culture and Film Studies at Tallinn University is €2,100 per semester. For students admitted in 2027, four 50% tuition fee discounts are available. With the discount, the tuition fee is €1,050 per semester. Starting with the 2027 intake, tuition fee discounts are awarded on a semester-by-semester basis, in accordance with the university’s applicable regulations. The deadline for applying for discounts is 6 September 2027.

Move to Tallinn

Studying in Tallinn, means studying at a compact European capital where education, technology and digital innovation meet. As an international student, you can benefit from Tallinn University's support and access practical information to help you settle into life in Estonia from the basics of accommodation to the details about working while studying and of course where to find the student support services. 

Find information about:

• Accommodation
• VISA information
• Healthcare and insurance
• Cost of living
• Public transport
• Working while studying
• Peer support and student buddies
• Student Support Centre

Explore more practical topics that might come up as you relocate.

Contacts

Elsi Vänto
Study Counsellor-Study Specialist

For additional guidelines regarding admission procedure please contact the international admission specialist:

For additional information regarding student life at Tallinn University please contact Student Ambassadors.