Russian, Central & East European Studies (MSc)

Student testimonials

Barbora Rackova (Slovakia) MSc in Russian, Central and East European Studies 2011-12

Why did you choose the University of Glasgow?
I moved to Glasgow because my husband had take up a job here but I was attracted to studying at the University of Glasgow because of the excellent academic reputation and impressive history. I had always wanted to progress professionally and academically, and to enrich my previous masters studies in my own country, Slovakia, by studying in the UK.

What do you like about your programme of study?
The wide range of experts who teach on this programme; being able to study in a truly international environment; and the objective and detailed feedback with I receive on coursework and class presentations.

What have you enjoyed most about your time at the School?
Learning how to study and do research independently; being exposed to the different perspectives of my peers; and participating in the School’s numerous and varied range of academic and social activities.

What have you enjoyed most about your time in Glasgow?
The friendliness of the people, people are straightforward like the weather, big patriotic feeling among them, natural mentality; the Glaswegian atmosphere and the vibrant nature of the city, the choice of live cultural events; the eclecticism of the city’s architectural styles, people, and academics; the weather contributing to the almost mystical atmosphere of the city; close to natural countryside.

Any advice for potential applicants?
It is a good idea to research the University and to get in touch with the relevant School and academics beforehand. I would definitely recommend the University of Glasgow for your Masters studies. Its staff is very supportive and will provide you with excellent feedback on your work, helping you to learn and improve in your studies constantly.

Jamie Allan (UK), MSc in Russian, Central and East European Studies, 2011-12

Why did you choose this programme?
I had a strong interest in this subject area and already had a knowledge of the teaching style here as I had been exposed to it as an undergraduate and really liked it. I was also aware that this School is particularly highly regarded for its strengths in Russian, Central and East European Studies. Both of these factors played a big part in my decision to stay on at the University of Glasgow to continue my studies instead of going to another university.

What were the best things about your programme of study?

• Meeting a wide range of students with very different backgrounds and nationalities; I really feel that I’ve learnt a lot from interacting with such a diverse group of students.
• Being taken me out of my comfort zone, for example some courses require you to do presentations, which I had never particularly enjoyed before but now I’m now much more confident and feel I have acquired important skills.
• The teaching on the programme: I am very interested in the subject of Stalinism and had studied it previously at another university, but I really like the approach taken by my professor at Glasgow and feel that I have gained new insights and really benefited from it.

What have you enjoyed most about your time at the School?

• The wide range of activities offered: the School has a diverse range of seminars, for example, which introduce you to different visiting academics.
• The Library is excellent, offering an extensive collection of books, journal and electronic resources in this my field of study.
• The CEES Student Society regularly puts on events and this is a great way to get to know other students. I know the international students on the programme really appreciate this.

What have you enjoyed most about your time in Glasgow?

• The very big social scene, for example, there are a lot of live music events in Glasgow
• Glasgow is a very good city to live in if you are interested in sports
• Close proximity to the more scenic areas of Scotland

How have your studies with us benefited you?
I gained a Masters degree from what is considered to be a very good university and feel that I have learnt a lot more from studying on a multidisciplinary programme than one which only introduces you to one perspective. I also feel I have gained a lot from studying with students from different backgrounds and with different perspectives especially those who grew up in the Soviet Union.

What would you recommend to a person thinking of studying with us?
I would recommend this programme even if you have only a slight interest in the subject area, or if your interest is quite narrow. I would recommend that you take a subject area you haven’t previously considered. I took a class on Post-Soviet Studies even though I had always only been interested in the Soviet period and I found that I emerged with a very strong interest in contemporary Russia.

Graham Donnelly (UK) MSc in Russian, Central and East European Studies, 2009-10

I would thoroughly recommend the MSc in Russian, Central and East European Studies to anyone with an interest in the region. I had a wonderful time on the course, with notable highlights including my four week language study trip to Ulyanovsk, in Russia, and my attendance with classmates to a conference on Central Asia at the University of St. Andrews. I found the content and format of the individual modules stimulating and informative, and over the course of the programme, I found a real niche focus for future study/work in the European Union’s engagement with minority rights issues in the post-Soviet space. The teaching and administrative staff at the Centre for East European Studies are, without doubt, the most helpful, approachable and friendly group of people I have ever worked with. They are an incredible asset to the University of Glasgow. I would encourage anyone interested in the course to drop me, or any of the other MSc graduates an e-mail to discuss the course.

Claire Thurman (US) MSc in Russian, Central and East European Studies, 2009-10

Studying for my MSc in Russian, Central and East European Studies at The University of Glasgow has been such a wonderful opportunity. The expertise of the teachers, the dedication of colleagues, the option to explore specific interests in class reading and papers, and lively debates and discussions both inside and outside the classroom, all created a wonderful place for academic growth. The environment in the department is exciting, engaging and inspirational. It is great to be in a supportive place with so many people who share similar interests, but often have very different points of view. As an international student, the UK academic system was completely new to me, but in the department they made a specific effort to make sure international students knew what was expected of them and there were always plenty of very kind people to answer my questions.

Charlie Fitzharris (UK) MSc in Russian, Central and East European Studies, 2009-10

The MSc Russian, Central and East European Studies course whilst covering a broad range of interesting and engaging topics of that region, also taught and prepared me for a role that involves a lot of responsibility and demands a high level of accuracy and time management. My current role as a Team Leader in a major high street bank means employing a multitude of skills: organisation, communication, presentation, training, analysis and presentation of data; these are some of the skills I have learned and enhanced on the MSc course. The course is engaging and interactive and offers students any number of opportunities to work collaboratively with others, explore new interests and research ideas with other students from around the world. In addition, the department staff are always there ready to guide and support when required and are happy to make the time to have informal chats. I truly feel that I have learned something new. Not just about the region, but about myself.

Kevin Bingham (UK), MSc in Russian, Central and East European Studies, 2008-09

The level of expertise offered by the lecturing staff is second-to-none!

M Bolstler (Canada), MSc in Russian, Central and East European Studies, 2008-09

Both the administrative staff and tutors were so helpful in answering any questions, even before classes had officially started.