Political Analysis — Russia and Eastern Europe

This MA provides an opportunity to study political and social developments in post-communist Europe in breadth and depth, acquiring a mix of in-depth knowledge, analytical and research skills, and theoretical understanding. Regions covered include central and Eastern Europe, the western Balkans and most parts of the former Soviet Union.

The programme tackles issues such as democracy and authoritarianism, corruption, ethno-political conflict, foreign policy and security in both thematic and area/country-oriented modules. Students are able to either focus on one region or to study regions across the post-communist world. All students take a core module in political analysis and have the option of learning Russian or another East European language.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of two core modules (30 credits), optional modules (90 credits) and a research dissertation (60 credits).

Core modules

Students take two core modules of 15 credits each, one of which much be 'Political Analysis'

• Political Analysis
• And at least one chosen from:
• Qualitative Methods
• Understanding and Analysing Data
• Comparative Analysis in Social and Political Research
• Introduction to Discourse Analysis
• Quantitative Methods
• Advanced Quantitative Methods

Optional modules

Choose from a list including the following:

• Causes, Consequences and Control: Corruption and Governance
• Ethnopolitical Conflict in Central and Eastern Europe
• Informal Practices in Post-Communist Societies
• Making of Modern Ukraine
• Nation, Identity and Power in Central and Eastern Europe
• Russian Politics
• Security, Identity, Polarity
• Governance and Democracy in Central and Eastern Europe
• Russian Foreign Policy
• Baltic Politics and Society

Dissertation/report

All MA students undertake an independent research project, which culminates in a dissertation of 10,000-12,000 words.

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, laboratory sessions, workshops and classes. Students will be assessed by a variety of methods: unseen examinations, long essays, course work and the research dissertation.

Normally an upper second-class Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard.