A major is a sum of specialised knowledge, skills and competence which serve as the prerequisite for commencing work in the respective field of specialisation and on the basis of which it is possible to continue studies in the same field of specialisation at the Master’s level. A major comprises:
The minimum volume of a major is 108 ECTS + graduation thesis / exam.
Many curricula contain more than one major and students can choose the fields in which they would like to obtain knowledge. For instance, in the curriculum of political science it is possible to choose between the specialisations of public administration, comparative politics and international relations.
The major must be completed to the minimum extent and in such an event a minor must be chosen.
The major may be completed to an enhanced extent, i.e. by increasing the volume of the major. Major choices are indicated in the Study Information System in the field ‘Requirements for completion of curriculum’ next to the curriculum.
By a resolution of the Council of the University of Tartu, the volume of the following Bachelor’s curricula has been increased and the students do not need to choose a minor:
A minor is a purposeful and integrated sum of courses amounting to 60 ECTS which a student can choose in addition to a major on the terms and conditions established in a curriculum. Curricula contain special modules for students of other curricula. From a chosen curriculum the following is completed as a minor:
The modules of the minor must differ from those of the major.
A student who has completed a minor is able to perform simpler employment duties in the specialisation, while studies in the same specialisation can be continued at the Master’s level on the basis of the minor.
The name of the minor is not indicated on the diploma; the acquired minor is indicated on the diploma supplement.
If the student opts for the minimum volume of the major (108 ECTS + graduation thesis / exam), the student must choose a minor.
If the major has been enhanced, choosing a minor is not compulsory (unless otherwise prescribed by the curriculum) and the missing module(s) can be chosen from the curriculum (curricula) of the student's preference.
Not all Bachelor's curricula include the option to choose a minor. A minor cannot be chosen from curricula where the total volume of the major has been enhanced by a resolution of the Council of the University (e.g. Law, Physiotherapy etc.).
The choice of a minor is not compulsory. Instead, students can focus on their major and choose field and specialisation modules from the curriculum of the major.
The major can be enhanced as follows:
In the event of partial enhancement of the major, the missing field or specialisation modules may be chosen from another Bachelor’s curriculum.
The major can be enhanced by the completion of a field module and a specialisation module, i.e. by completing all of the field modules and specialisation modules of the curriculum of the major.
Enhancing the major in full is not possible in all curricula. In some curricula, the major can be enhanced only by an elective module (e.g. the History curriculum, which comprises multiple majors).
The possibilities for enhancing majors are set out in the curriculum.
Base module 24 ECTS
This website uses cookies to improve your user experience. The university website does not process or collect personal data. This website uses Facebook Pixel and Google Analytics. Read more in the Data Protection Policy.