You will study the history, economics, politics and sociology of the countries of Central and Eastern Europe.

Programme structure

Year 1

Initially you will study the collapse of the Russian and Habsburg Empires and the emergence and expansion of the Soviet system after 1917. You will examine the origin, nature and consequences of communist and nationalist ideologies, as well as the culture, civil society, and the reasons for the collapse of communism in the region during 1989–91.

You will also study two other subjects of your choice in year 1: see Degrees in Arts, Science and Social Sciences.

Year 2

In the following year you will chart developments in the societies of the region from 1989 to the present day, including processes of economic, political and territorial change, aspects of social and cultural diversity, migration and the role of the media. You will examine the impact of the end of the Soviet Union on the development of ‘transition’ ideologies, the emergence of civil society, and the integration of the region into international organisations such as the European Union and NATO.

You will also study two other subjects in year 2: see Degrees in Arts, Science and Social Sciences.

Years 3 and 4

If you successfully complete the courses in years 1 and 2, you may move on to study for an Honours degree in your third and fourth years.

Our Honours courses utilise key historical and contemporary readings and frequently draw on our staff’s research expertise and publications. Honours options reflect a wide range of subject areas and topics, including

• Economic and social history
• Modern political history
• Security and international relations
• Civil society and the state
• Cultural politics and social change
• Identities and nationalism
• The environment
• European integration
• Society, culture and languages of the region.

Special features

Partner and industry links

Our international links

Career prospects

Glasgow International College

Academic entry requirements
for entry in 2014

MA (SocSci)

Highers: AAAAB (including English or a humanities subject) in first sitting = unconditional offer.

Applicants who achieved AAAA or AAABB (including English or a humanities subject) at their first sitting WILL receive an offer from the University. This offer may be conditional (on second sitting results) or unconditional, depending on how many applications are received from students who have attained these grades.

Additional offers, either conditional or unconditional, MAY be made to applicants who achieved AAAB, AABBB or AABB at their first sitting. A decision re these applications will be made in March 2014 once all applications have been reviewed. 

Applicants who receive an offer conditional on second sitting results will be required to study Advanced Highers in relevant subjects as an integral part of their conditional offer. 

A-levels: AAB.

IB: A minimum of 34 points is required to be considered for an offer. Actual offers will specify subjects and grades to be attained at Higher Level.

Advanced entry

If you have exceptional A-level or Advanced Higher grades it's possible to gain exemption from Year 1 study and enter directly into Year 2 or follow a faster route advanced entry programme, both of which allow you to complete your degree in one year less than usual. See: Advanced entry

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.

For further information about English language, please contact the Language Centre.

Tuition fees

How and when you pay tuition fees depends on where you’re from: see Tuition fees for details. If you’re from outside the EU, please see International students for more information.

Scholarships

We offer a wide range of scholarships to our undergraduates, including both home/EU and international students. The University is committed to supporting students and rewarding academic excellence. That’s why we’ve invested more than £1m in additional scholarship funding over the last year.
 
For a full list of scholarships including eligibility criteria and how to apply, please see:

• Scholarships