Finnish and East European Studies

Degree programme description: Finnish and East European Studies at University College London (UCL) provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the history, politics, cultures, and societies of Finland and Eastern Europe. The programme is designed for students interested in gaining in-depth knowledge of the region's diverse national identities, political developments, and cultural dynamics within historical and contemporary contexts. Through a multidisciplinary approach, students explore key themes such as post-socialist transition, national identity formation, security issues, and regional cooperation. The curriculum includes courses on regional history, contemporary political issues, literature, language, and cultural studies, allowing students to develop critical analytical skills and regional expertise. Engaged teaching methods encourage research, fieldwork, and critical debate, preparing graduates for careers in academia, diplomacy, international organizations, journalism, or further research. The programme also offers opportunities for language acquisition and regional immersion, fostering intercultural competence and linguistic proficiency. Students benefit from UCL's strong ties with regional institutions and alumni networks, providing valuable internship and employment opportunities. A flexible structure allows for optional modules and dissertations tailored to individual research interests. Graduates of the Finnish and East European Studies programme leave equipped with an advanced understanding of the complex socio-political landscapes of Finland and Eastern Europe, as well as transferable skills in research, analysis, and cross-cultural communication. This programme is ideal for students passionate about regional affairs, international relations, and cultural exchange, who seek to make meaningful contributions to Europe's ongoing political, cultural, and social development.

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 language(s), 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 culture module each year. 
You will be 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.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

The financing of the Finnish and East European Studies program at University College London is structured through a combination of government funding, university scholarships, financial aid, and private sponsorships. The program benefits from UK governmental support aimed at promoting international studies and regional expertise, which ensures that domestic students can access subsidized tuition fees based on the UK's fee regulations. Many students also finance their studies through a variety of scholarships offered directly by UCL, including merit-based awards and need-based support aimed at both domestic and international students. In addition to institutional scholarships, students are encouraged to apply for external funding sources such as government-sponsored scholarship schemes, European Union grants, and private foundations dedicated to supporting area studies. International students especially benefit from various scholarship programs intended to facilitate their participation in the program and cover tuition costs as well as living expenses. Furthermore, students often utilize student loans available through UK financial institutions, which, under certain conditions, can be used to finance postgraduate studies. The university also provides information and guidance on part-time work opportunities, which can help students supplement their income while studying. The program's cost structure is influenced by the university's overall fee policy, with international students generally paying higher tuition fees compared to UK residents, although scholarships and financial aid can significantly reduce the net cost. UCL's commitment to diversifying its student body and enhancing access to its programs is reflected in the various financial support options, including the option to defer payments or to participate in optimized payment plans. Overall, financing for the Finnish and East European Studies program is designed to be flexible and accessible, encouraging students from diverse backgrounds to undertake their studies without undue financial hardship, thereby supporting the university’s broader mission of fostering international scholarship and cultural exchange.

The University College London offers a specialized programme in Finnish and East European Studies designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the political, cultural, and historical contexts of Finland and Eastern Europe. This multidisciplinary course combines language acquisition with critical analysis of the region’s socio-economic development, security issues, and diplomatic relations. Students engage with a diverse curriculum that includes regional history, literature, political science, and contemporary issues, fostering an in-depth understanding of the geopolitical significance of these areas.

The programme emphasizes language proficiency, with students having opportunities to learn Finnish or other East European languages, supporting their ability to analyze primary sources and engage with regional stakeholders directly. Courses are delivered by experts in the fields of regional studies, international relations, and area studies, utilizing a blend of lectures, seminars, and research projects. The curriculum is designed to enhance analytical skills, cultural awareness, and regional expertise, preparing students for careers in diplomacy, international organizations, research institutions, or further academic pursuits.

Students are encouraged to participate in internships, exchange programmes, and fieldwork wherever possible, to gain practical experience and build professional networks. The programme typically spans one academic year for taught master's degrees or longer for research-oriented pathways, offering a rigorous academic environment that fosters critical thinking and interdisciplinary approaches. Admission requirements generally include a relevant undergraduate degree, proficiency in English, and a demonstrated interest in regional studies.

Graduates of the programme often pursue careers in governmental agencies, international NGOs, think tanks, and media outlets, or continue their academic careers through doctoral research. The programme is characterized by its regional focus, linguistic skills development, and emphasis on understanding the complex dynamics of Finnish and East European societies within a global context, ensuring that students graduate with a nuanced perspective suitable for engaging with challenges and opportunities in these regions.