Program Overview

Introduction to the Master's Program in Letters

The University of Lausanne (UNIL) offers a Master's program in Letters, which includes various specializations. One of these specializations is the Analysis of Discourse and Public Communication.

Objectives of the Program

The program aims to respond to the demand of the job market by training future experts in public communication. The program has two main objectives:

• To acquire in-depth knowledge in the field of public communication (political and media-related)
• To foster reflection on the complexity of the relationships between discourse and communication cultures in a globalized world

Program Structure

The program offers two possible orientations:

• A practical internship of three to four weeks in the field of communication and public relations
• A first research experience, establishing a bridge between the Master's degree and a doctorate

Target Audience

The program is primarily aimed at students enrolled in the Master's program in Letters at UNIL, who have chosen as their main discipline:

• Language and communication sciences
• Modern French
• Medieval French
• French as a foreign language
• Italian
• German
• English However, it is also open to students from other backgrounds, subject to a duly motivated and evaluated application.

Admission Requirements

To enroll in the specialization program, students must:

• Not have submitted their thesis
• Have completed the integrated upgrading program, if required at the time of enrollment in the Master's program
• Be able to complete the specialization program within the maximum study duration

Plan of Studies

The program consists of 30 ECTS credits, including:

• Two compulsory modules (15 ECTS credits):
  • Analysis of public communication (political and media-related)
  • Analysis of multimedia communication (multimodal and multilingual)
• One elective module (5 ECTS credits):
  • Arguing in a professional context
  • Writing for and by the media
• One personal work module (10 ECTS credits), with options including:
  • Elaboration of a preliminary research work
  • Writing of a scientific article
  • Participation in a conference
  • Scientific improvement course
  • Practical internship in the field of communication or public relations

Program Responsibilities

The program is led by Marcel Burger.

Career Prospects

The program prepares students for various careers, including:

• Teaching
• Culture
• Communication
• Research
• Journalism
• Editing and translation
• Project management
• International cooperation
• Post-doctoral research