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.​​​​​​

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 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.

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. 

Registration and placement

The registration period for a minor in the academic year 2025-2026 is 1 April - 13 May 2025.

This minor has a limited number of places available. If there are more applications than available places, a lottery will be held. The timing of your application within the specified period will not affect your chances of being placed.