Russian and Eurasian Studies (IMARES Plus)

For the official webpage of the Russian and Eurasian Studies (IMARES Plus) program at the European University at St. Petersburg, the following description is provided:

The Russian and Eurasian Studies (IMARES Plus) program at the European University at St. Petersburg offers a comprehensive interdisciplinary approach to understanding the complex social, political, economic, and cultural dynamics of Russia and the Eurasian region. This program is designed for students who are interested in gaining deep insights into the historical development, contemporary issues, and future prospects of this strategically significant area. Students will acquire a solid foundation in regional history, politics, economics, and international relations, complemented by language studies and cultural studies to facilitate a well-rounded understanding of the region.

The program emphasizes analytical skills, critical thinking, and research capabilities, preparing graduates for careers in academia, government, international organizations, media, and NGOs. Throughout the course of study, students will engage with a variety of learning formats, including lectures, seminars, workshops, and practical fieldwork, which foster active learning and real-world application. They will also have opportunities to participate in internships and international exchange programs, enhancing their professional experience and global perspectives.

Faculty members are distinguished scholars with expertise in Russian, Eurasian, and international studies, providing students with mentorship and guidance. The curriculum covers key topics such as Eurasian geopolitics, regional conflicts, economic integration, cultural heritage, media analysis, and human rights issues. Special emphasis is placed on understanding the processes of democratization, state building, and societal transformation within the region.

The program is tailored to develop multilingual competence; students are encouraged to improve their proficiency in Russian and other regional languages, ensuring effective communication in diverse contexts. Graduates of the program will be well-equipped to analyze regional issues critically, communicate effectively across cultural boundaries, and contribute to academic research or policy-making processes related to Russia and Eurasia.

Overall, the Russian and Eurasian Studies (IMARES Plus) at the European University at St. Petersburg offers a rigorous, interdisciplinary education for those dedicated to understanding this pivotal part of the world and shaping its future.

IMARES COURSE FORMAT

• lectures
• follow-up discussion sessions
• the language of instructions is English

To complete the MA degree, the student must have a total of 120 Credits (120 ECTS)

Additionally, a student may audit as many classes as his or her schedule allows.

Academic Courses

Vladimir Gel'man
Political Changes in Post-Soviet Eurasia

Ivan Kurilla
Russian-American Relations from the Historical Perspective

Alexey Miller
Empire and Nationalism in Russia and the Soviet Union

Ekaterina Stepanova
Russia and Armed Conflicts in and beyond Eurasia

Nikita Lomagin
Russian Foreign Policy

Sergei Podbolotov
Russian Political and Social History

Mikhail Troitskiy
Conflict and Cooperation in Eurasia

Gevorg Avetikyan
Between Russia and Iran: History of the South Caucasus in the 19th-20th Centuries

Darya Pushkina
Central Asia States: Making, Breaking and Remaking

Ilya Utekhin
Introduction to Soviet Civilization

Alexander Ivanov
Jewish Life under Bolshevik Rule: Politics, Ideologies, Representations, 1920s–1930s

Workshops with guest lecturers and experts

Russian Language

BA degree. No prior knowledge of Russian is needed.

In terms of backgrounds and prior experience, IMARES students are often as diverse as the topics they study at the EUSP. Whether you are a historian, political scientist, sociologist, journalist or language specialist, studying at EUSP will give you the opportunity to broaden your horizons and gain new perspectives in a career. 

The European University at St. Petersburg offers Russian and Eurasian Studies (IMARES Plus) as a comprehensive graduate programme designed to equip students with an in-depth understanding of the political, economic, cultural, and social dynamics of Russia and Eurasia. The financing of this program is structured to ensure accessibility and academic excellence through a combination of government funding, scholarships, and internal university support. The university actively participates in national and international scholarship programs, providing opportunities for talented students to receive financial assistance based on merit and need. These scholarships may cover tuition fees partially or in full, and some include stipends for living expenses.

Additionally, the university collaborates with governmental agencies, non-profit organizations, and private foundations to facilitate grants and sponsorships tailored specifically to students enrolled in area studies and regional disciplines. International students, in particular, may benefit from targeted scholarship initiatives aimed at fostering cross-cultural academic exchanges and widening access to higher education in Russia and Eurasia.

Students are also encouraged to seek external funding sources such as research grants, project-based financing, and fellowships offered by international organizations or diplomatic missions operating within Russia. The university provides comprehensive support services to assist students in identifying and applying for these funding opportunities.

It is important to note that tuition fees for the program are determined annually and are generally competitive relative to similar postgraduate offerings at Russian universities. The university also offers flexible payment plans to accommodate students' financial situations, alongside options for part-time study or work-study arrangements where possible.

Overall, the financing framework of the Russian and Eurasian Studies (IMARES Plus) program exemplifies a commitment to making high-quality education accessible while promoting international cooperation and academic research in the region. Students benefit from a combination of institutional and external financial support, enabling them to focus on their studies and research without undue financial burden.

You may start IMARES Plus program in Fall semester. The fall semester starts at the beginning of September. 

Admissions continue on a rolling basis. Early applications are strongly encouraged. Due to a somewhat lengthy Russian Study Visa issuing process, we ask to send the completed application form no later than

April 30, 2021, for enrollment in Fall Semester 2021 

In case you miss the deadline, please write to us to discuss the possibility of a late application.