About „Eastern Studies”

„Eastern Studies” (Regional Studies, Area Studies) combines elements of knowledge of the history and present day of the countries of the region, economy, culture, sociological, nationality, religious, ethnological and political issues. It is a field of study that trains, as part of undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate studies, specialists intending to deal with the problems of Eastern Europe, Russia, Central Asia and the Caucasus, as well as Central Europe and the Balkans. Graduates of Eastern Studies gain the opportunity to pursue careers in state administration, politics, research centers, media, among others.

The studies combine elements of knowledge of:

  • history and modernity
  • economy
  • culture
  • society
  • nationality issues
  • religion
  • ethnology and politics

Bachelor's Degree

3-year, bachelor’s degree „Eastern Studies” for those interested in the region of Eastern Europe, broadly defined.

We educate specialists intending to deal with the problems of Eastern Europe, Russia, Central Asia and the Caucasus, as well as Central Europe and the Balkans. The studies prepare for work in fields related to this part of the world – diplomacy, journalism, politics, non-governmental activities, science.

Read more about Bachelor’s degree program: link

Master's Degree

A 2-year, master’s degree „Eastern Studies” for those intending to deal with the issues of Eastern Europe, Russia, Central Asia and the Caucasus, and Central Europe and the Balkans.

With in-depth knowledge of Eastern Europe, specialization in the 2 regions and a good command of the regional language, graduates of Eastern Studies are well-trained specialists who can work in Polish and international institutions and companies dealing with Eastern issues.

Read more about Master’s degree program: link

Postgraduate Eastern Studies

The studies focus on theoretical and practical issues related to Eastern policy, such as: Polish eastern policy, Sovietology, nationality issues of Eastern Europe, the Balkans, Russia and the Caucasus, the history of Russia and the USSR, geopolitics, social, economic issues of post-communism, international relations in the region of Eastern Europe and Central Europe and the Balkans, political geography of Eastern Europe, Central Europe, the Balkans, Russia and the Caucasus, the system of power in the Russian Federation, military cooperation in the region, special services of the USSR and the Russian Federation or post-Soviet states.

Emphasis is placed on economic issues, energy security, practical elements of foreign service functioning.

Apply for Postgraduate Eastern Studies if:

  • you professionally deal with Eastern and Central Europe in government offices, administration, social institutions
  • you specialize in policies focused on the region of Eastern and Central Europe
  • you are an owner or employee of a company cooperating with Eastern and Central European countries
  • you work in the media, especially focused on the Eastern and Central European region
  • you plan to specialize in Eastern issues in government, politics, media or business
  • you want to deepen your knowledge of Eastern Europe

More about postgraduate studies: link

First foreign students of
First foreign students of „Eastern Studies” with prof. T. Świętochowski, 2001

The crowning achievement of the work of the Centre’s staff was the introduction of MA „Eastern Studies” in 1998. The inauguration celebration took place on 26 October 1998, and was attended by the Polish Prime Minister, Jerzy Buzek, who presented the first group of 17 students with their student registration cards. The Centre currently offers students specializations in 6 different areas: Eastern Europe, Russia, Central Asia, the Caucasus, Central Europe and the Balkans. Starting from the 2001-02 academic year, around 50% of the students of „Eastern Studies” are foreign exchange students from Eastern Europe, Central Asia and the Caucasus (initially also from Central Europe and Russia) who are recipients of the 25 Scholarships for Eastern Studies. The program’s goal is to train young specialists from other countries in Eastern Studies.

Garden of the Crimean Tatar Museum of Art in Simferopol during a field trip to Southern Ukraine, 2009
Garden of the Crimean Tatar Museum of Art in Simferopol during a field trip to Southern Ukraine, 2009

The „Eastern Studies” is a full-time two-year supplementary, master’s programme for students who have graduated from BA courses or those who have passed the third year of their MA studies. The program is designed to prepare specialists in issues related to Eastern Europe, Russia, Central Asia, Caucasus, Central Europe and the Balkans. The programme includes elements of fields of study as history and contemporary issues, economy, culture, and social, ethnic, religious, ethnological and political issues. Every year, almost half of the „Eastern Studies’” students are foreigners, grant-holders, most of whom come from Eastern Europe, Russia, Central Asia and Caucasus. Foreign students applying for scholarships in the programme are required to have obtained a degree in humanities in their home countries. As part of the programme, lectures are given by both Polish renowned specialists in Eastern issues and outstanding foreign scholars, who teach as guests or visiting professors.

„Eastern Studies” students , 2013

„Eastern Studies” graduates work for Polish and international institutions dealing with Eastern issues, and for Polish media, state administration and diplomatic service.

As of the 2000-01 academic year, the Centre also offers „Post-Graduate Eastern Studies” – previously consisting of two years, now one and a half year paid studies for individuals already professionally involved in Eastern and Central Europe in government agencies, economic, political or social institutions, the media, as well as anyone interested in the subject.

In 2011, the Centre was able to initiate M.A. “Eastern Studies” in Ukraine which is available to students attending Kiev-Mohyla Academy, the Ukrainian Catholic University in Lviv, Prykarpattia National University in Ivano-Frankivsk, as well as Ostroh Academy.

The culmination of the work concerning the overall structure and shape of „Eastern Studies” was the introduction of the 3-year B.A. in Eastern Studies program in 2012. The first B.A. degree theses were defended on the 25th anniversary of the founding of the Centre for East European Studies.