Master in Russia, Eurasia, and Eastern Europe Studies
Helsinki, Finland
Master degree
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
TUITION FEES
EUR 18,000 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* for non-EU/EEA countries
Key Summary
About: The Master’s Programme in Russian, Eurasian and Eastern European Studies at the University of Helsinki offers interdisciplinary studies in history, politics, security, environment and identity. You’ll work with researchers at the Aleksanteri Institute and join an active student community. The programme is 120 ECTS, two years full-time, taught in English.
Career Outcomes: The programme builds research, analysis and project skills and offers traineeships. You can progress to postgraduate research or work in academia, diplomacy, government policy, international organisations, NGOs, consultancy or education. Graduates gain regional expertise, language and analytical skills. Career opportunities include policy analyst, diplomat, researcher and consultant.
Today There is Increasing Demand for Expertise in Russia, Eurasia and Eastern Europe
How does knowing Russia, Eurasia and Eastern Europe help you to understand global developments? Are you interested in learning about Russia, Eurasia, and Eastern Europe and advancing beyond stereotypes and cliches? Do you want to explore how societal, political, security, environmental or identity-related changes are impacting the world’s largest and most challenging region?
The Master’s Programme in Russian, Eurasian, and Eastern European Studies, MAREEES (previously the Master’s Programme in Russian Studies) will equip you with an in-depth knowledge of historical trajectories, and present and future challenges of countries anchored to an area-specific development. You have access to the latest research results delivered by leading academic experts in the field. You will be acquainted with a massive area, with which development is interlinked. The programme offers regional expertise and a great variety of opportunities after graduation.
Studying
The multi- and interdisciplinary approach of MARES will develop understanding and the ability to interpret complex area-specific questions and their global inter-relatedness. The programme will prepare you for an array of professional environments.
The MARES curriculum is directly related to ongoing research projects at the Aleksanteri Institute, one of the largest and best-known research institutes (s) for Russian, Eurasian, and Eastern European Studies in Europe. Studying in the programme means that you will obtain the most up-to-date knowledge available.
Students and student life
Student life and especially the student organisation culture is exceptionally rich and diverse in Finland. Also at the University of Helsinki, the student community is very active.
More than 250 student organisations operate within the Student Union of the University of Helsinki (HYY), ranging from faculty and subject organisations to political and societal organisations, and from choirs and orchestras to sports and game clubs. Their activities include anniversary celebrations, academic dinner parties, cultural events, get-togethers and excursions.
As a student and member of the Student Union (HYY), you are entitled to many benefits and services. For example, affordable student housing, basic healthcare services, sports facilities and student-priced meals. You also get numerous discounts, for example on public transport fees across the country.
The scope of the Master’s Programme in Russian, Eurasian and Eastern European Studies is 120 credits (ECTS) broken down into the following categories:
- Obligatory study units (75 credits) (discipline-specific advanced studies)
- Optional study units (15 credits)
- Master's thesis (30 credits)
The programme is designed so that if you study full-time, you will finish your studies in two years. At the beginning of your master’s studies, you will prepare a personal study plan (PSP) with your academic tutor. The aim is to tailor your studies according to your own goals.
Courses and teaching
The Master’s Programme in Russian, Eurasian, and Eastern European Studies approaches political and societal phenomena from a multidisciplinary perspective. Topics covered in the MAREEES curriculum include:
- Regional conflicts and sources of insecurity
- Global challenges and policy responses
- Inequality, social tensions and welfare provision
- Global migration, ideas and practices
- Relations between states, civil societies and religions
- Identities, nationalism and colonialism
- Governance, the rule of law and the transformations of political systems
- Environmental concerns, climate and energy politics.
In addition to thematic studies, the MAREEES curriculum also covers major theoretical paradigms and methodologies within the humanities and social sciences. These theories are applied in practicum workshops.
Master's thesis
In your Master’s studies, you focus mainly on discipline-specific advanced studies. During this stage, you deepen your knowledge of your chosen field through both studies and writing your Master’s thesis. The process of writing your Master's thesis also develops the basic skills required for conducting research.
Doctoral education
The Master of Arts degree provides general eligibility for postgraduate studies and a solid foundation for doctoral studies.
If you are interested in pursuing a career in research, you can apply to continue your studies as a postgraduate student in one of the doctoral programmes at the University of Helsinki after completing your degree. Successful completion of your postgraduate studies will provide you with the opportunity to pursue an international career in the academic world.
Our scholarship program is for students who are applying to the University of Helsinki. These scholarships are intended for excellent students from outside the EU/EEA, who wish to complete a Master's program at the University of Helsinki. Grants can be applied while applying to the University of Helsinki’s Master’s programs.
For more information about scholarships, please visit the university website.
The Master's Programme in Russian Studies prepares you for many different career paths. In the project courses, you will have a specific focus on working life skills, and you can apply for a traineeship. If you are interested in pursuing a career in research, you can apply to continue your studies as a postgraduate student. Successful completion of postgraduate studies will give you an opportunity to consider an international career in the academic world.