Master of Arts in East European Languages and Cultures

In the master’s programme brings you sharpen your knowledge of Slavic languages through an in-depth study of the cultures and societies of Eastern European . Through an integrated study of languages and cultures, you will gain direct access to the historically evolved specificities of Russia, Ukraine and South-Eastern Europe. This will enable you to understand these regions and take an informed, position on issues related to their specific place in Europe and the world. This includes . a focus on broadening and an deepening knowledge acquisition in disciplines such as literary studies, linguistics, and history. The master's thesis is the final part of the programme. The programme is flexibly structured, allowing you to tailor the curriculum to your interests, with a focus on social engagement, academic research, international experience and/or a professional experience (internship).

The curriculum consists of three equal sets of course units: general course units, the Master's dissertation, and elective course units.

The set of general course units contains three types: thematic course units, a research seminar and a project-based course unit. You will have to combine these into a coherent whole. You take at least two thematic course units. These course units offer an in-depth focus on a number of topical Eastern European themes, i.e. language, memory and identity. These themes are then contextualized in the broader humanities. In the research seminar, you choose one of four tracks. Each of those research seminars ties in closely with our research expertise in Slavic and Eastern European studies. Your choice of elective track should tie in as closely as possible with your choice of Master's dissertation topic, and the research you set up in that respect. Finally, you also take a project-based course unit, in which you work on a topical issue from one of the thematic course units in an active and creative manner.

The Master's dissertation set contains the Master’s dissertation an sich, which involves conducting independent research guided by a supervisor and is the final component of the Master’s programme. The set also contains a methodology course unit that helps you prepare for the Master's dissertation and offers you the skills you need for science communication.

The set of electives contains a work placement module (preparation for the labour market), a research module (preparation for a research career) and a set of electives that can be chosen freely (further in-depth or broadening study, depending on your interests, plans for the future or your Master's dissertation). .

In addition to the (domain) Master’s programme described above, you can also choose a Master’s Programme in Teaching (in Dutch: Educatieve Master). Find out more at www.ugent.be/educatievemaster (in Dutch).

Our Master’s programme gives access to the same job opportunities as do similar Master’s programmes in languages (Linguistics and Literature, Languages and Cultures).

The master’s programme provides the same job opportunities as similar master’s programmes in languages. Its combination with a thorough study of cultures and societies of Eastern Europe offers a unique insight into important issues of today.

Our programme focuses on a region that holds a pivotal position in Europe and the world. Russia is the world's largest country and in the last two decades has emerged as a major geopolitical player, both on the European continent and beyond. As a result of the war in Ukraine, relations with the West have become seriously muddled. Therefore, the importance of graduates who know and understand Russia has never been greater than today. This offers job market opportunities, for example in journalism and diplomacy.

Our graduates find employment in companies who have business ties with Russia, South-Eastern Europe and Eastern Europe in general. They are recruited to assist on trade missions or to work at a company’s international branch. A Master’s degree in Eastern European languages also gives access to jobs in the cultural sector (theatres, publishers, libraries), the social sector (often after advanced studies), the media sector, or (inter)national organisations and government agencies.

After taking the Master’s Programme in Teaching (in Dutch: de educatieve master) you can start as a teacher in adult or secondary education. Some of our graduates also find employment as a translator and/or interpreter.
To graduates with a special interest in an in-depth academic study of the humanities (linguistics, literature, (cultural) history, philology) our programme offers attractive options for a research career, as well.