The MPhil in Slavonic Studies at the University of Cambridge offers a comprehensive and rigorous postgraduate education for students interested in the languages, literatures, history, and culture of the Slavic world. This programme is designed to provide students with advanced knowledge and analytical skills necessary for a deep understanding of Slavonic languages, including Russian, Ukrainian, Polish, Czech, Serbian, Croatian, and other languages within the Slavic family. Students will engage with a diverse range of texts, both literary and historical, and explore the social and cultural contexts that have shaped the development of these nations and their languages from early periods to the modern era.

The course combines language acquisition with interdisciplinary studies, integrating linguistics, philology, history, literature, and cultural studies. Students have the opportunity to undertake advanced language training, develop critical research skills, and participate in specialised seminars led by world-class faculty members who are experts in Slavonic studies. The programme emphasizes independent research, culminating in a dissertation that allows students to investigate a topic of personal interest in depth, supported by expert supervision.

Throughout the programme, students benefit from access to extensive libraries and archives, and may participate in seminars, workshops, and conferences that enrich their academic experience. The curriculum is flexible, allowing students to tailor their studies according to their interests and career aspirations, whether in academia, cultural institutions, government, or other fields requiring specialist knowledge of the Slavic world.

The MPhil in Slavonic Studies prepares graduates for further research at the doctoral level or for careers in teaching, cultural exchange, diplomatic service, journalism, or international organisations. The programme's rigorous academic environment, combined with the University's vibrant intellectual community, ensures that students develop both the specialist knowledge and transferable skills necessary to excel in their chosen careers. As a prestigious centre for Slavonic studies, the University of Cambridge provides an extraordinary environment for exploring the languages, histories, and cultures of the Slavic nations and developing a nuanced understanding of their contemporary significance.

Feedback

Feedback on progress is provided through regular meetings with the Supervisor.  Termly supervision reports are written and are made available to the student online.  

Assessment

Thesis

There is a normal word limit for the thesis of 80,000 words (including footnotes and appendices but excluding bibliography). The thesis should represent a significant contribution to learning through the discovery of new knowledge or through the connection of previously unrelated facts, or the development of new theory, revision of older views or some combination of these. In writing the thesis you are expected to take account of previously published work on the subject and the thesis should be clearly and accurately written, paying due attention to English style and grammar. Candidates for the PhD in Cambridge are guided by a supervisor, though they will normally also discuss their work with a number of other experts in their field.

Following submission of the thesis, an oral (viva) examination is held.

Other

Annual progress interviews for all PhD students should normally take place between the start of the Easter term and the end of the academic year. The annual interviews constitute a system for the formal monitoring by the Degree Committee of the progress of all students working towards a PhD.

Graduate students are admitted in the first instance for a probationary period during which they are not registered as a candidate for the PhD degree. The first-year interview is the context in which registration as a candidate for the PhD is formally considered. Satisfactory progress is a condition for being registered as a doctoral student and for remaining on the register.

• Magistr (Master's Degree) at Pass level. Diploma Specialista (completed post-1991) with a minimum overall grade of good or 4/5 Bachelor's from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology and other prestigious institutions with an overall grade of 4/5 Bologna Bachelor's from other institutions with an overall grade of 5/5, Excellent
• Diploma Specialista (completed post-1991) with a minimum overall grade of Excellent or 5/5 Bachelor's from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology and other prestigious institutions with an overall grade of 5/5
• IELTS (Academic) 7.5
• TOEFL Internet Score 110
• £50 application fee
• First Academic Reference
• Second Academic Reference
• Transcript
• Research Proposal. 500-1000 word research proposal 
• Sample of Work. A sample of recent research writing of approximately 5,000-10,000 words.  The sample can be either an essay produced during masters-level studies or a section of a dissertation, and must be a single-authored work. 
• Personal Reference

The financing of the Slavonic Studies program at the University of Cambridge is structured through a combination of tuition fees, scholarships, bursaries, and government support, designed to make the program accessible and affordable for a diverse range of students. Tuition fees vary depending on the student’s nationality, with home/EU students benefiting from lower rates compared to international students. For the academic year 2023-2024, the tuition fee for home students enrolled in the BA in Slavonic Studies was approximately £9,250 per year, while international students paid around £25,000 annually. These fees are published on the university’s official website and are subject to annual review and adjustment.

Students may apply for various scholarships and financial aid options to offset the costs of their studies. The University of Cambridge offers numerous prestigious scholarships, such as the Cambridge International Scholarships and the Gates Scholarships, which provide full or partial coverage of tuition fees and living expenses. Additionally, colleges within the university often have their own bursary schemes and hardship funds to support students facing financial difficulties. International students are especially encouraged to explore external funding opportunities, including national government grants or private sponsorships.

Living costs are an important aspect of financing a Slavonic Studies program at Cambridge. Students are advised to budget approximately £12,000 to £15,000 per year for accommodation, food, study materials, personal expenses, and travel. Most students choose college accommodation, which can vary in cost depending on location and amenities. The university provides guidance and support in applying for part-time work opportunities, which can help students supplement their income.

Students are also eligible for government loans and financial support where applicable, including the UK Student Loans Company loans for home students. International students generally do not qualify for UK government loans but are encouraged to consider external scholarships or sponsorships.

To assist students in planning and managing their finances, the university offers dedicated financial advice services and bursary application guidance. Many students rely on a combination of personal savings, family support, and external funding sources to finance their studies. Overall, while the cost of completing a Slavonic Studies program at Cambridge can be significant, the university’s comprehensive financial aid framework aims to support talented students from all backgrounds in achieving their academic goals.

The University of Cambridge offers a comprehensive program in Slavonic Studies that provides students with an in-depth understanding of the languages, literatures, and cultures of Slavic-speaking countries. The program is designed to develop advanced language skills in at least one Slavic language, such as Russian, Polish, Czech, or Bulgarian, along with the study of the historical and contemporary contexts of these languages. Students engage with a wide range of academic disciplines, including literature, history, politics, and cultural studies, enabling them to gain a multidisciplinary perspective on Slavic countries.

The curriculum typically includes language courses aimed at achieving fluency, alongside modules on classical and modern literature, linguistics, and regional history. Students also have opportunities to undertake research projects, attend seminars, and engage with experts in the field, which enriches their theoretical and practical understanding of Slavonic cultures. The program emphasizes both linguistic proficiency and cultural literacy, preparing graduates for careers in academia, government, international organizations, translation, journalism, and other fields related to Slavic studies.

The program may be offered at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, with the possibility to focus on specific areas such as literary analysis, historical linguistics, or contemporary political developments. Students benefit from Cambridge's extensive resources, including its libraries and research centers specialized in Slavic studies. The program encourages immersion, often including study abroad opportunities for language immersion and cultural exchange, or work placements that improve employability skills.

Overall, this program combines rigorous academic training with cultural exploration, fostering a deep appreciation and understanding of the Slavic world, and equipping students with skills that are highly valued in many international contexts.