COURSE CURRICULUM

The MA in Russian and Eurasian Studies at Leiden University offers a flexible program structure, allowing students to tailor their studies according to their academic interests and career goals. The curriculum consists of core courses (30 EC), electives, and an MA thesis. Core courses include Eurasia and Eurasianisms (5 EC), a Research Seminar (5 EC), and the MA Thesis (20 EC), which provides students with an opportunity to conduct in-depth research under expert supervision.Students choose at least two electives from a wide range of topics, such as Post-Soviet Wars, Ukrainian Politics and International Relations, Old Church Slavic Language and Culture, Literary Translation Russian-Dutch, Culture and Conquest: The Mongols, Russia Revisited in War and Revolution, 1914–1921, and The War in Ukraine and the Language of Propaganda. These electives allow students to specialise in areas that align with their research interests or career aspirations.In addition, students can select an optional course (10 EC), which may include a third elective, an internship, or a course from another MA program, providing further flexibility and the chance to broaden their expertise.The program combines lectures, seminars, research projects, and independent study, enabling students to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deep understanding of Russia and Eurasia from historical, political, cultural, and linguistic perspectives.Graduates of the program are well-prepared for careers in government institutions, international organisations, non-governmental organisations, research institutes, and media, where knowledge of Russia and Eurasia and strong language skills are in high demand. The program also provides an excellent foundation for further academic research or PhD studies.