Czech with Slovak and East European Studies

The Master of Arts in Czech with Slovak and East European Studies at University College London offers an interdisciplinary and comprehensive exploration of the history, culture, politics, and society of Central and Eastern Europe, with particular emphasis on Czech and Slovak contexts. Designed for students interested in the complex dynamics that have shaped this region, the programme provides a deep understanding of the historical developments from the early modern period to contemporary times, alongside an analysis of current political, economic, and social issues. Students engage with a diverse array of coursework, including language instruction, cultural studies, modern history, and political science, enabling them to develop both regional expertise and transferable skills such as critical analysis, research, and intercultural communication. The programme emphasizes the integration of theoretical frameworks with empirical research, encouraging students to undertake independent projects and original research that contribute to a nuanced understanding of East European affairs. Collaboration with academic staff who are experts in Slavic studies ensures that students receive mentorship and support tailored to their interests. Additionally, the programme offers opportunities for fieldwork, internships, and participation in seminars and conferences, fostering practical experience and professional development. Graduates of this programme are well-prepared for careers in academia, international organizations, governmental and non-governmental agencies, cultural institutions, journalism, and consultancy, where regional expertise and language proficiency are highly valued. By combining linguistics, history, political science, and cultural analysis, the MA in Czech with Slovak and East European Studies at UCL equips students with the critical skills and regional knowledge necessary to understand and influence a dynamically changing Europe, making it an ideal choice for those seeking an in-depth, multi-disciplinary education in Eastern European affairs.

In each year of your degree you will take a number of individual modules, normally valued at 0.5 or 1.0 credits, adding up to a total of 4.0 credits for the year. Modules are assessed in the academic year in which they are taken. The balance of compulsory and optional modules varies from programme to programme and year to year. A 1.0 credit is considered equivalent to 15 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).

Your degree will train you to the highest level of proficiency in speaking, writing and understanding in your chosen languages, whether you begin with no prior knowledge or already have a good command of the language. As you progress through the degree, compulsory language modules are tailored to your existing knowledge. You will also take a compulsory literature module each year. 

You are encouraged to develop and pursue your own interests by choosing optional modules from within three pathways:

• Language and Literature
• Social Science
• History

Your third year is spent abroad. This will not only bring the language and culture you are studying to life, but also strengthen your resourcefulness and self-reliance. You will normally spend this year studying at a university in your chosen country, but alternatives, such as work placements, may be possible.

A levels

Grades

AAB-ABB

Subjects

No specific subjects.

GCSEs

English Language and a foreign language (other than Ancient Greek, Biblical Hebrew or Latin) at grade B, plus Mathematics at grade C.

IB Diploma

Points

34-36

Subjects

A score of 16-17 points in three higher level subjects, with no score lower than 5.

The financing of the Czech with Slovak and East European Studies program at University College London is primarily supported through a combination of tuition fees paid by students, government funding, research grants, and alternative funding sources such as scholarships and bursaries. Tuition fees for UK and EU students are set annually and contribute significantly to the program’s operational costs, including faculty salaries, administrative support, and academic resources. International students are subject to higher fee rates, which also help sustain the program financially. In addition, the university actively seeks research grants from national and international funding bodies to support faculty research activities, curriculum development, and student exchange programs.

Funding is additionally supplemented by scholarships and bursaries offered by UCL and external organizations to promote diversity and accessibility among students. For example, scholarships catering to students from East European countries or those with financial need help reduce economic barriers to entry and continuation in the program. The university’s partnership with governmental agencies, cultural institutions, and non-governmental organizations also provides specialized funding opportunities that enable students and faculty to participate in fieldwork, internships, and conferences covering Czech, Slovak, and East European topics.

Furthermore, the program benefits from university endowments and philanthropic contributions dedicated to supporting area studies. These funds are allocated to ensure high-quality teaching, maintain academic resources, and develop new modules that reflect current developments in the region. UCL’s commitment to internationalization and regional expertise helps in attracting funding aimed at promoting knowledge exchange and academic collaboration with institutions in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and neighboring East European countries. Overall, the financing model for this program is multifaceted, combining governmental, institutional, and private sector support to sustain high standards of education and research.

The University College London offers a specialized programme in Czech with Slovak and East European Studies designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the political, cultural, historical, and social developments of Central and Eastern Europe. This interdisciplinary course combines language acquisition with in-depth regional studies, enabling students to attain advanced proficiency in Czech and Slovak language skills alongside a broad knowledge grounded in regional history and contemporary issues. The curriculum typically includes modules in Central and Eastern European history, politics, economics, and cultural studies, with an emphasis on the post-communist transition, EU integration, and regional security dynamics.

Throughout the programme, students engage with a variety of learning methods including lectures, seminars, language training, and independent research projects, which develop analytical and critical thinking skills. The course often encourages cultural immersion through film, literature, and regional case studies, fostering a nuanced understanding of the diverse societies within the region. Additionally, students may have access to guest lectures from regional experts, opportunities for field trips, and collaborations with other departments at UCL, enriching their academic experience.

Graduates of this programme are equipped with a unique specialization that opens pathways to careers in international relations, diplomacy, journalism, cultural consultancy, and academia. The programme also emphasizes the importance of language skills in diplomacy and international cooperation, making graduates attractive candidates for roles within governmental agencies, international organizations, and NGOs working in Central and Eastern Europe. The interdisciplinary approach combined with linguistic proficiency ensures that students are well-prepared for careers requiring regional expertise and cultural sensitivity.

Overall, the Czech with Slovak and East European Studies programme at UCL offers a rigorous and wide-ranging education that combines language mastery with regional expertise, preparing students to contribute effectively in roles that require a nuanced understanding of Central and Eastern European issues on both a regional and global level.