Russian and Eurasian studies

Degree: Master of Arts in Russian and Eurasian studies
Mode of Study: Full-time
Duration: 1 year
Start date: September, February
Language of instruction: English
Location: Leiden
Croho/isat code: 60848
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This master’s is offered as of September 2012. If you wish to start in February 2012, please choose either the Slavic Languages and Cultures programme or the Russian Studies programme.


The Leiden MA programme in Russian and Eurasian Studies is unique in the Netherlands in that it offers students a well-balanced combination of several disciplines. You can study Russia and the Eurasian world from the perspectives of language, literature and culture, or instead focus on the political, historical and economic background of the region. You are at liberty to combine these two angles into an individual programme. Leiden University has been studying Russia and the Slavic world since 1913, which has earned us an excellent international reputation.

For most courses knowledge of Russian is not obligatory.

Reasons to study Russian and Eurasian Studies at Leiden University:

  • The programme offers a unique selection of courses found nowhere else in the Netherlands.
  • You have a broad range of options to customise your individual programme.
  • You will benefit from the expertise of specialists from the Leiden University Centre for Linguistics, the Leiden University Institute for History and the Institute for Cultural Disciplines as well as visiting professors and external specialists at the University of Amsterdam.
  • We offer an international study environment, including a limited number of competitive scholarship and internship programmes in Russia, Georgia and other countries.
  • Upon graduation, you will have a profound knowledge of either the linguistics, literature and culture, or the history, politics, international relations, and economy of the Russian and Eurasian region.

Prof. Jos Schaeken

Jos Schaeken

“There is a growing need for specialists in Russian language and culture.”

“I want to stimulate young people to make unorthodox study choices and to encourage them to study Russian Language and Literature or Russian Area Studies. There is a need for specialists in these areas. Russia is an emerging economy which is going to become a major player, just like China, India and Brazil. In addition to this, Russia is very close by and we are already partners in the sphere of culture. It is extremely important that people have knowledge of the language and culture of Russia if they are going to be coming into contact with the country.

A particular aspect of this master’s is that we also offer our students subjects from the master’s in Russian Area Studies, such as history, politics, economy and East European law. East European Law is offered hardly anywhere in Europe. Studying this complementary subject is a real challenge.

Leiden works closely with the University of Amsterdam. Both universities offer students a complete programme in Slavic Linguistics and Russian Literature. The timetables are geared to one another; students have to do at least one course at the sister university.

We also encourage them to spend part of their study time abroad, since the structure of our master’s is so international. Leiden offers students a very strong and broad academic tradition, with in-depth courses. Our target group is top students with a good knowledge of Russian and English.”