East European Studies (MRes)

The East European Studies MRes provides area-specific, language-oriented, advanced research training in the methodologies and approaches of economics, politics, sociology, history, culture and literature. The MRes offers two pathways: social sciences, and arts and humanities, enabling students to tailor the programme to suit their own experience and interests.

About this degree

Students develop generic research skills, interdisciplinary and discipline -specific research skills, area-specific research skills and language skills oriented towards carrying out research in the region. The programme produces multidisciplinary researchers specialised in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union, with language proficiency and cultural, historical and institutional awareness.

Students undertake modules to the value of 330 credits over two years: 150 credits are taken in year one and 180 in year two. Two pathways are available: social sciences, and arts and humanities.

The first year of the programme consists of a core language module (30 credits), optional modules (75 credits) and electives (45 credits). The second year consists of core modules (45 credits) including language (30 credits), electives (30 credits) and dissertation (105 credits).

Core modules

Year One:

• Beginner's New Language MA module offered at SSEES

Year Two:

• Intermediate Language MA module offered at SSEES
• Interdisciplinary Area Studies II

Optional modules

Social Science Pathway Year One

• A choice of 75 credits from:
• Quantitative Methods (15)
• Advanced Quantitative Methods (15)
• Qualitative Methods (15)
• Political Analysis (15)
• Political Sociology (15)
• Comparative Analysis in Social and Political Research (15)
• Understanding and Analysing Data (15)

Arts & Humanities Pathway Year One

• Literary and Cultural Theory (30)
• Political Analysis (15)
• Political Sociology (15)
• Comparative Analysis in Social and Political Research (15)
• Historical Methods and Approaches (30)
• Qualitative Methods (15)
• Understanding and Analysing Data (15)
• Both pathways take electives in years one and two and 30 credits of compulsory language in each year

Dissertation/report

All MRes students undertake an independent research project in the second year which culminates in a dissertation of 20,000 words.

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, workshops, seminars and language classes. Students will be assessed by unseen and written examinations, coursework assignments, essays and the research dissertation.

Detailed module information

See full details of modules for this programme.

Careers

With their specialist knowledge and language skills, SSEES Master's graduates can be found in business, finance, the media, international agencies, charities, diplomacy, international security organisations, the law, and academia.

Recent career destinations for this degree

• Sutton Scholars Officer, Widening Participation
• PhD in East European Studies, UCL
• Editorial Assistant, P Press
• Policy and Communication Assistant, Investment Management Association (IMA)
• Publisher, College of Eastern Europe

Employability

Graduates of the programme will possess the attributes to complete a PhD within three years or to enter the labour market directly with advanced analytical and research skills, regional expertise and proficiency in a language of the area. The rigorous exams we set for our language courses mean that potential employers or prospective PhD supervisors will know that our graduates can work effectively with the languages they have studied. 

Networking is facilitated by two major collaborations led by SSEES: CEELBAS and the International Master's (IMESS). Scholarships, internship opportunities and excellent links with other universities in the region provide further benefits.

Careers data is taken from the ‘Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education’ survey undertaken by HESA looking at the destinations of UK and EU students in the 2013–2015 graduating cohorts six months after graduation.

Why study this degree at UCL?

The UCL School of Slavonic & East European Studies (SSEES) is a world-leading specialist institution, and the largest national centre in the UK, for the study of central, Eastern and south-eastern Europe and Russia.

The SSEES Library is unequalled in Britain for the depth and breadth of its collections, the majority of which are on open access in the SSEES building.

Research Excellence Framework (REF)

The Research Excellence Framework, or REF, is the system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions. The 2014 REF was carried out by the UK's higher education funding bodies, and the results used to allocate research funding from 2015/16.

The following REF score was awarded to the department: SSEES - School of Slavonic & East European Studies

64% rated 4* (‘world-leading’) or 3* (‘internationally excellent’)

Learn more about the scope of UCL's research, and browse case studies, on our Research Impact website.

Visit the East European Studies (MRes) page on the University College London website for more details!