The Department of Turkish Language and Literature commenced its undergraduate education in 2003. Initially admitting 40 students in its first year, the Department has gradually increased its student intake over time and began admitting students to its evening education programme in the 2008–2009 academic year. The Department currently admits 80 students each year to its regular undergraduate programme. Applicants are required to have successfully completed secondary education or an equivalent qualification and to have obtained a sufficient score in the university entrance examination.
The Department offers a four-year undergraduate programme with a curriculum designed to meet the requirements of the programme and updated as necessary. In addition, the Graduate School of Hitit University offers a thesis-based Master's programme in Turkish Language and Literature and a Master's programme in Old Turkish Literature. The Department conducts academic studies in five fields: Modern Turkish Literature, Old Turkish Literature, Folk Literature, Modern Turkish Linguistics, and Old Turkish Linguistics. The academic staff consists of 13 members: 1 Professor, 6 Associate Professors, 2 Assistant Professors, 3 Lecturers, and 1 Research Assistant.
The Department aims to educate qualified specialists through the scientific examination, investigation, and evaluation of the Turkish language, which has a rich historical heritage, and Turkish literature produced in this language throughout its historical development. In this regard, the Department seeks to educate scholars who can use written and spoken Turkish proficiently; possess comprehensive knowledge of the fundamental concepts, major works, and historical stages of Turkish language and literature; evaluate primary sources; apply contemporary theories and critical methods alongside modern technologies; and produce original scholarly works in accordance with ethical principles.
Graduates of the Department may pursue Master's and doctoral studies in their fields, provided that they meet the relevant admission requirements, and may work as academic staff at universities. Graduates who complete the required pedagogical training may also work as Turkish Language and Literature teachers. In addition to educational institutions, graduates may find employment opportunities in libraries, media and publishing organisations, archives, and museums.
