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The minor in East European Studies concentrates on current events and includes both Russia and Central and Eastern Europe, with special attention for Southeastern Europe and the Caucasus in the electives. The first semester consists of introductions in Russian and Soviet history (twentieth century) and in the position of Central and Eastern Europe in International Relations. The second semester offers electives that focus on one of the regions of East European Studies.

This minor is offered by the Faculty of Humanities. The faculty’s minors consist of 30 ECTS credits and earn you a second qualification that will be listed on the transcript accompanying your degree certificate. 

Study programme

In the second semester, you can choose up to 12 EC from the courses mentioned in the schedule.​​​​​​

COURSES SEM 1 SEM 2 SEMESTER 1 SEMESTER 2 EC
  • 20th Century Russian and Soviet History
    Period 1
    6
  • The Trials of Communism: Justice and Ideology in Central-Eastern Europe
    Period 2
    6
  • Major Workshop East-European Studies
    Period 3
    6
  • Restricted-choice electives
    Period 4
    Period 5
    12

    You may choose two of the following courses: 'Russian pop culture', '"The ‘Russian World": Weaponization of Language and Culture in the Former Soviet Space', 'Post-Cold War Geopolitics and the Emergence of New States In Europe' and 'Sports in Europe: History, Identity and Politics'.

Compulsory course
Elective
UvA Course Catalogue: Minor East European Studies

Related Master's programmes

This minor may serve as a good preparation for academic Bachelor’s students who want to apply for admission to a Master's programme in European Studies, e.g.: East European StudiesIdentity and Integration or European Policy. If you meet the language requirements, you could also consider the Dutch-taught Master's programme Duitslandstudies. Always check the entry requirements on the Application and Admission page of the Master’s programme you are interested in.

Entry requirements

This minor is open for application to students who have obtained an academic first-year diploma or a positive Binding Study Advice from an academic Bachelor's programme. 

The minor is also open for application to students from a Dutch University of Applied Sciences (HBO) who have completed their propaedeutic year. If you are an HBO student and if you are looking to do a Master's programme at the UvA, please check out our pre-Master's programmes, as completing a minor is not enough to grant you access to Master’s programmes. 

Application

The registration period for a minor in the academic year 2025-2026 will start in Spring 2025.

Facts & Figures
Credits
30 ECTS,
Language of instruction
English
Starts in
September
Location
University Quarter