
Overview
Semiotics is the general study of sign processes, or semiosis. Semiosis makes the world meaningful.
Today's world, where processes have a disbalance of global and local dimension, challenges us to understand the need of individuals and societies for defining their identity. Semiotics is centrally relevant to achieve this understanding.
The 2-year Master´s programme in Semiotics provides interdisciplinary background and gives a theoretical base for application of semiotic ideas to a wide variety of disciplines and scientific study. The programme binds together the theory of semiotics and three core modules - cultural semiotics, biosemiotics and sociosemiotics.
Why study Semiotics in Tartu?
- The tradition of excellence in semiotic theory in Tartu was established by Juri Lotman, the founder of the semiotics of culture and the Tartu-Moscow Semiotic School, as well as the oldest journal of semiotics, Sign Systems Studies.
- The Department of Semiotics is one of the most important centres of semiotics in Europe, with deep roots for cultural semiotics and biosemiotics. UT is one of the few universities in the world teaching full master's and doctoral degree programmes in semiotics.
- UT collaborates with and is regularly visited by professors from all over the world.
- The finest collections of semiotics materials in Tartu include the memorial library of Thomas Sebeok and the Centre of Jakob von Uexküll.
- After graduation, you can work in semiotic consulting companies, marketing, media, translation, design and architecture, international organisations or continue studies on a doctoral level.
Excellent international career prospects
- Graduates can apply their expertise in the professions that require a complex knowledge of cultural analysis, i.e. semiotic consulting companies, marketing or media.
- Practical applications of semiotics include translation and science writing, design and architecture, advertising, and communication strategies.
- Employees of international organizations, e.g. embassies, where tolerance and conflict management skills are vital, can improve their professional education.
- Program graduates can continue on to doctoral studies and research. Semiotics is particularly relevant to advanced study in the life sciences, where biosemiotic understanding and semiotical interpretation is proving to be of remarkable value.
Accreditation
https://www.riigiteataja.ee/en/eli/ee/Riigikogu/act/503062019003/consolide?fbclid=IwAR0PF7m7zkg0E2aN3R1HZevzvYDqxzXYXzl4_uXgYC0XY90jxBpGZ-7OJGw
Get more details
Visit official programme websiteProgramme Structure
General module
- History of Semiotics: Basic Concepts and Classical Works
- Tartu-Moscow Semiotic School
- Readings of J. v. Uexküll and J. Lotman
- Methodology for Semiotic Analysis
Module - Semiotics of Culture
- Cultural Semiotics and Theories of Culture
- Semiotics of Translation
- Semiotic Analysis of Art and Multimedia
Module - Biosemiotics
- Biosemiotics
- Ecosemiotics: Cultural Interpretations of Environment
- Zoosemiotics: Umwelt and Animal Communication
Module - Sociosemiotics
- Sociosemiotics and Societal Theories
- Communication and Power
- Semiotic Analysis of Subcultures
Optional courses - can be chosen from courses currently available at the University of Tartu.
Master’s thesis - Individual research paper, written under the supervision of a professional semiotician.
TOTAL 120 ECTS
Audience
All students who have a Bachelor's degree in social sciences, natural sciences or humanities are welcome to apply.
Lecturers
Tiit Remm, Professor of Semiotics. Programme Director.
Key information
Duration
- Full-time
- 24 months
Start dates & application deadlines
- Starting
- Apply before
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Language
Credits
Delivered
Disciplines
Philosophy & Ethics General Studies & Classics Media Studies & Mass MediaAcademic requirements
We are not aware of any academic requirements for this programme.
English requirements
Other requirements
General requirements
- General requirement: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in social sciences, natural sciences or humanities. Previous studies in semiotics are not required.
- English language proficiency.
Tuition Fee
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International
4000 EUR/yearTuition FeeBased on the original amount of 4000 EUR per year and a duration of 24 months. -
National
4000 EUR/yearTuition FeeBased on the original amount of 4000 EUR per year and a duration of 24 months.
Funding
Tuition waivers are available.
Studyportals Tip: Students can search online for independent or external scholarships that can help fund their studies. Check the scholarships to see whether you are eligible to apply. Many scholarships are either merit-based or needs-based.
Fresh content
Updated in the last 9 months
Check the official programme website for potential updates.