Russian and Eurasian Studies Leiden University

Overview

This one-year master’s degree explores Russia and the Eurasian world from the perspectives of language, literature and culture, or politics, history and economics. Leiden University's Faculty of Humanities has been studying Russia and the Slavic world since 1913. Scholars from around the world come to Leiden University to study and teach this important field. You will learn from our faculty members as well as visiting international scholars who also devote attention to the most recent developments.

The MA in Russian and Eurasian Studies is a unique programme. It stands out from other programmes, and is seen as an asset by companies, non-profit organisations and government institutions. The impact of Russia in the current geopolitical situation, which has changed dramatically since the war that Russia started against Ukraine, also has led to a bigger demand for graduates with expertise in Russia and a solid command of the Russian language in governmental organisations and NGO’s.

An international classroom makes this a particularly rich learning environment for students. A competitive scholarship and internship programme also gives you the opportunity to study or do an internship abroad.

What you will learn

The development of in-depth knowledge in the field, and the ability to think critically and analytically are key goals of this programme. Upon graduation, you will have a profound knowledge of either the linguistics, literature and culture, or the history, politics, international relations, and economy of the Russian and Eurasian region.

The skills you may encounter in the various courses are:

• Collaboration
• Persuasion
• Research
• Self-directed learning
• Creative thinking

Career prospects

The master’s programme in Russian and Eurasian Studies degree is a qualification that will open doors to a wide range of careers. Exactly because the MA in Russian Studies is a unique programme which stands out from other programmes it is often seen as an asset by companies, non-profit organizations and government institutions. The impact of Russia in the current geopolitical situation which has changed dramatically since the war that Russia started against Ukraine also has led to a bigger demand for graduates with expertise in Russia and a solid command of the Russian language in governmental organisations and NGO’s. As a graduate of the master’s programme in Russian and Eurasian Studies, you will be qualified to meet this demand, with a range of career prospects that are both directly and indirectly related to your studies.

Examples of the diverse roles of our graduates include:

• Academic staff member for Eastern European collection
• Political editor
• Regional coordinator at a human rights organisation
• Librarian of Eastern European material
• Partner for management and business development
• Consultant
• Information manager at a network organisation of consultants and policy experts
• Project manager/policy advisor
• Communications officer at an NGO

Accreditation

Accredited by NVAO, the Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders.