Ukrainian and East European Studies

Ukraine is one of Europe's oldest and most complex countries. Its territory and history have constantly been occupied and rewritten. This programme offers the opportunity to gain excellent language skills and a profound knowledge of Ukrainian literature, history and culture that will prepare you for a wide variety of careers.

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 compulsory modules on literature and culture.

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 options for the Ukraine and East European Studies program at University College London (UCL) primarily include a combination of scholarships, bursaries, studentships, and loans. UCL offers a range of financial support to assist students with tuition fees and living costs, seeking to make their academic pursuits accessible and affordable. International students enrolled in the program are advised to explore the UCL Graduate Support Scheme and external funding opportunities from government and private organizations. Scholarships specifically targeted at students studying East European or Ukraine Studies are available through various channels, including the UCL Graduate Research Scholarships, which may cover tuition fees and provide stipends. Additionally, students might be eligible for the Chevening Scholarships, which are highly competitive awards funded by the UK government to support international students pursuing postgraduate studies in the UK, including programs at UCL. For UK residents, student loans provided by the UK Student Loans Company (SLC) are available to cover tuition fees, with eligibility depending on residency and financial circumstances. Some students may also access employer sponsorships or participate in bursary programs aimed at supporting students from specific regions or background groups. The university's financial aid office provides detailed guidance and application procedures for these funding sources. Furthermore, students are encouraged to seek external funding sources such as the Fulbright Program, Erasmus+ exchanges, and other international fellowships that support study in the UK. Cost of attendance includes tuition, which varies depending on whether the student is classified as home or international, as well as accommodation, supplies, insurance, and personal expenses. UCL also offers part-time work opportunities during the academic year, which students often utilize to help offset living costs. The university's dedicated financial aid team works closely with students to identify the most suitable funding options based on their individual circumstances. Overall, the financing landscape for the Ukraine and East European Studies program at UCL aims to provide comprehensive support, enabling students to focus on their academic and research objectives without undue financial burden.

The Ukraine and East European Studies program at University College London offers a comprehensive interdisciplinary approach to understanding the history, politics, culture, and society of Ukraine and the broader Eastern European region. This program is designed for students who are interested in gaining in-depth knowledge of the complex political developments, social transformations, and cultural diversity within this historically significant and geopolitically important region. Through a combination of lectures, seminars, and research projects, students explore various themes such as national identity, post-Soviet transitions, regional conflicts, economic challenges, and linguistic and cultural shifts. The program frequently incorporates language training in Ukrainian and other regional languages, enhancing students’ analytical skills and cultural competence. It benefits from UCL's extensive academic resources, including collaborations with regional experts, access to unique archives, and opportunities for fieldwork and internships. Graduates of this program are well-equipped for careers in academia, international organizations, government agencies, journalism, think tanks, and NGOs working on issues related to Ukraine and Eastern Europe. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, research methodology, and contextual understanding, enabling students to analyze contemporary developments with historical perspective. Additionally, the program may also include guest lectures from regional specialists, participation in conferences, and collaborative projects that foster cross-cultural engagement. Students are encouraged to study abroad at partner institutions within the region to gain firsthand experience and deepen their understanding of local issues. Overall, the program aims to prepare graduates to interpret and influence the rapidly changing political landscape and social dynamics of Ukraine and Eastern Europe with informed insight and cultural sensitivity.