Egbert Fortuin

Professor of Russian Language and Linguistics

"Russian and Eurasian Studies brings together specialists with different disciplinary backgrounds, but with a shared passion for one of the most fascinating and culturally diverse regions in the world. While the programme offers two mandatory courses, one on research methods and a multidisciplinary course on a topical overarching theme, students enjoy considerable freedom to follow their own interests by selecting courses from the field of politics, history, culture, international relations and linguistics."

Critical thinking 

The ability to reflect critically on any information coming from the countries of the former Soviet Union is part of the toolkit that our students develop. Whether that information is presented in the form of news reports, scholarly articles or popular culture, students acquire the skills to deal with these sources while keeping an open mind and remaining conscious of their own positionality. To achieve this goal we seek to challenge our students in a variety of educational forms and genres, as well as through intellectually engaging extra-curricular activities such as guest lectures and film viewings.

Exciting environment 

At the MA Russian and Eurasian Studies students have the opportunity to work on exciting and topical themes that immediately align with the research interests of the staff who are all committed teachers and internationally respected specialists. The programme offers a warm and inspiring environment in which students can feel socially secure without compromising their commitment to academic excellence.