Slavic Languages and Cultures

Degree: Master of Arts in Slavic Languages and Cultures
Mode of Study: Full-time
Duration: 1 year
Start date: September, February
Language of instruction: English
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The MA in Slavic Languages and Culture is run by the Slavic Department at Leiden in co-operation with the University of Amsterdam. Each university offers differing specialisations, with Leiden concentrating on Slavic linguistics and offering optional courses in Russian Studies and Armenian, Albanian and Baltic languages. As well as a diverse array of courses, you will have access to Leiden’s world-renowned library collection of East-European Law.
The study of Slavic languages and cultures in Leiden date back to 1913. The academic staff has a very strong international reputation in teaching and research.

The information about this programme is available in the following languages:

As a Slavist—and graduate of the MA in Slavic Languages and Culture—you will have a good command of Russian and you will be capable of independently formulating problems for scholarly research in the fields of linguistics or language and culture, either for Russian or Slavic languages in general. In addition, you will graduate with a critical attitude in observing and solving academic issues.

Prof. 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.”