East European Studies focuses on the historical, political and cultural diversity of Eastern Europe and on the relation between Eastern Europe and the West and the European Union.
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.
In the second semester, you can choose up to 12 EC from the courses mentioned in the schedule.
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'.
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 Studies; Identity 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.
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.
The registration period for a minor in the academic year 2025-2026 will start in Spring 2025.