Bachelor's programme
Types of modules of Bachelor's curriculum
The base module (24 ECTS) is a sum of courses for acquiring basic field-related and curriculum-based knowledge. Each curriculum contains two base modules (24+24 ECTS). The base modules are compulsory for the student.
A field module (24 ECTS) is a sum of courses for specialisation within the field. The student must choose and complete at least one of the two field modules of their curriculum. The other specialisation module must be chosen from the curriculum of the minor or by increasing the size of their major under the curriculum.
The specialisation module (24 ECTS) is a sum of courses by the time of completion of which the minimum knowledge, skills and competence required to work in a field of specialisation or to continue studying the specialisation at the Master's level are acquired. The student must choose and complete at least one of the two specialisation modules of their curriculum. The Bachelor’s thesis is prepared or the Bachelor's exam is taken on the basis of a compulsory specialisation module (as prescribed by the curriculum). The other specialisation module must be chosen from the curriculum of the minor or by increasing the size of their major under the curriculum.
An elective module (12 ECTS) allows for broader knowledge to be obtained in the student’s major or minor. One elective module must be chosen from the curriculum. If the student also wishes to complete a minor, one elective module must be selected from the curriculum of the minor (at the expense of optional courses).
Optional courses (6-18 ECTS) are courses freely chosen by the student to complete the curriculum In addition to various modules, the student can choose optional courses to the extent of 6-18 ECTS to complete the curriculum. Any course taught at the University of Tartu or another higher education establishment can be chosen as an optional course, provided the compulsory prerequisite courses have been completed.
Bachelor’s thesis / examination
The Bachelor’s level is completed with the taking of a Bachelor’s examination or defending a Bachelor’s thesis. Both may be worth 6-12 ECTS.
MAJOR
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:
- two base modules (24+24 ECTS);
- one field module (24 ECTS);
- one specialisation module (24 ECTS);
- one elective module (12 ECTS); and
- a Bachelor’s thesis or examination (6-12 ECTS).
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:
- Law 162 ECTS;
- Teacher of Pre-school Child Care Institution 162 ECTS;
- Physiotherapy 168 ECTS;
- School Music 162 ECTS; and
- Vocational Teacher 162 ECTS.
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:
- one field module (24 ECTS);
- one specialisation module (24 ECTS); and
- one elective module (12 ECTS) at the expense of optional courses.
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.).
ENHANCING A MAJOR
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:
- by one field module of 24 ECTS;
- by one specialisation module of 24 ECTS; or
- by one elective module of 12 ECTS.
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.