The MSc in Russian, Central & East European Studies is an advanced study of historical and contemporary developments in the economy, politics, culture and society of Russia and the countries of Central and Eastern Europe.

Programme overview

• MSc: 12 months full-time; 24 months part-time
• PgDip 9 months full-time;

You will examine the history of communism and why it collapsed.  You will learn about the impact of international organisations (eg the European Union, NATO) and of major world powers on the region as well as retaining an appreciation of the region’s internal diversity in a variety of spheres (cultural, economic, ethnic, political and social).

You will take two core courses, two optional courses and submit a 12,000-15,000 word dissertation. You can also participate in our extensive range of conferences, workshops, business days, seminars and networking activities involving representatives of the business, policy-making and third sector communities.

Core courses

• State and society under Communism in Russia, Central and Eastern Europe
• Language (Czech, Estonian, Hungarian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Polish, Russian or Slovak).

Optional courses

• Changing state and society in Central Europe
• Developments in Czech society since 1989
• Economic transformation in Central East Europe
• Gender and identity in Soviet and Post-Soviet Russia
• Globalisation and the new security agenda in Central and Eastern Europe 
• Society, environment and the concept of sustainable development in post-Soviet Russia
• Statehood and nationality in Central and Eastern Europe
• Stalin and Stalinism
• A maximum of one outside option from an approved subject.

Note: Some languages and courses might not be available every year. You may also be able to choose from courses in the other subjects in the School of Social & Political Sciences. Language training is offered over a range of levels from beginners to advanced. If you are a native speaker or have a degree in one of the region’s languages, you will take an additional course instead.

You can take part in the Collaborative Masters dissertation: this allows you to gain work experience while providing much needed research support to public and third sector organisations.

Career prospects

We place a strong emphasis on employability. You will be supported to secure internships and work placements at relevant organisations.

Many of our graduates have gone on to establish careers as lecturers and researchers at universities in the UK, Norway, Greece, Italy and Poland or have become secondary school teachers. Others have established successful careers in media, policy, lobbying, foreign affairs, defence, business and many other areas.

Academic entry requirements

Entry requirements for postgraduate taught programmes are a 2.1 Honours degree or equivalent qualification (for example, GPA 3.0 or above) in a relevant subject.

Applicants from other subject backgrounds, however, will be considered.

International students with academic qualifications below those required should contact our partner institution, Glasgow International College, who offer a range of foundation courses.

English language requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training):

• overall score 6.5
• no sub-test less than 6.0
• or equivalent scores in another recognised qualification (see below)
   

Common equivalent English language qualifications:

• ibTOEFL: 92; no sub-test less than 20
• CAE (Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English): B minimum
• CPE (Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English): C minimum
• PTE Academic (Person Test of English, Academic test): 60; no sub-test less than 59

Pre-sessional courses
The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the Language Centre Pre-sessional courses. We also consider other BALEAP accredited pre-sessional courses:

• Language Centre, University of Glasgow
• BALEAP guide to accredited courses 

FAQs

Visa requirements and proof of English language level

It is a visa requirement to provide information on your level of English based on an internationally recognised and secure English language test. All test reports must be no more than 2 years old. A list of these can be found on the UK Border Agency website. If you have never taken one of these tests before, you can get an initial idea of your level by using the Common European Framework self-assessment grid which gives you a level for each skill (e.g. listening B1/writing B2 etc.) However, please note that this is not a secure English language test and it is not sufficient evidence of your level of English for visa requirements.

If you require a Tier 4 student visa, your qualification must be one of the secure English language tests accepted by UK Border Agency:

• UK Border Agency Tier 4 English Language requirements
• UKBA list of approved English language tests [pdf]

For further information about English language requirements, please contact the Recruitment and International Office: pgadmissions@glasgow.ac.uk

Apply now

For 2013-14

MSc

PgDip