Master of Arts (MA) with Specialisation

The Master of Arts allows students to acquire the knowledge and techniques required for a better grasp of of the contemporary world and of cultural production over time.

The Master’s course offered by the Faculty of Arts a wide range of disciplines, from historical studies to theoretical approaches in the human sciences, languages and literature.

The specialisation programmes are study plans worth 30 ECTS credits that, when added to the Master of Arts course, allow to obtain a Master of Arts with Specialisation. Through an interdisciplinary approach, they offer the possibility, as the case may be, to deepen your knowledge in a particular field, to get acquainted with academic research or to acquire a professionalising experience.

The Master of Arts degree offers training in the following disciplines:

• Classical Studies
• Computer Science for the Humanities
• English
• French as a Foreign Language
• German
• History
• History and Aesthetics of Film
• History of Art
• History of Religions
• Italian
• Linguistics
• Medieval French
• Modern French
• Philosophy
• Slavic Studies
• Spanish
• South Asian Languages and Cultures

At the end of the first year, you will choose the discipline in which you wish to write your dissertation, and this will then become your main discipline. You will also decide whether you are aiming for a Master of Arts for 90 ECTS, or a Master of Arts with a specialisation, for 120 ECTS.

Specialisation programmes

• African Studies: Textwork and Fieldwork
• Comparative European Languages and Literatures
• Culture, Civilisation and Resurgences of the Middle Ages
• Theatre Studies
• Education and Outreach Practices
• Focus on Interculturality
• French and French-Speaking Studies in the European Context
• History of Culture: texts, images and society
• History of Film Theory/Practice
• History of the Book and Critical Edition
• Literary Translation
• New American Studies
• Public Discourse and Communication Analysis
• Switzerland and the Arts: Boundaries, Territories, Identities
• Working in the Field of Archaeology and Historical Heritage

Thanks to the possibility of completing a work placement, this course offers you the chance to familiarise yourself with various areas of the arts (museums, theatres, festivals and foundations), communications, the media, events, translation, publishing, archives, cultural mediation or international organisations.

By the end of the course, you will have acquired skills that are useful in a range of occupations, from the ability to analyse and summarise, to a critical mindset, a rigorous approach to interpretation, independence, organisation, argumentation, excellent oral and written communication, and the ability to convey complex knowledge.

These assets are greatly appreciated and allow our alumni to have positions such as teacher, journalist, communications officer, editorial coordinator, cultural mediator, trans- lator, web and new media projects officer, arts festival programme coordinator.

Going on a university exchange is a unique and highly rewarding experience, provided you prepare well. The first thing to remember is that you need to start taking steps well in advance. Subject to the prior agreement of the Faculty, you can study for one or two semesters in another institution while remaining registered at the UNIL.