Russian and East European Studies (Taught)

The information provided on this page was correct at the time of publication (November 2025). For complete and up-to-date information about this course, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas.

The MSc/MPhil in Russian and East European Studies (REES) provides the opportunity to study Russia, Eastern Europe and Eurasia across a range of disciplines including history, economics, politics, international relations and sociology.

MSc
During this nine-month MSc course you will study three core courses along with a course in Research Methods for Area Studies, and write a final thesis.

Courses are taught through a combination of lectures and classes. You will be required to submit essays or equivalent written work and to make class presentations. It is a full-time course with ample time for self-study.

The course hosts the Monday Seminar for the wider Oxford and UK academic community, which takes place at St Antony’s College. Student participation in research seminars is an important part of the course, providing opportunities to see leading international scholars present their work and for networking and scholarly development.

MPhil
This course requires proficiency in the Russian language at A1 level (the elementary level, equivalent to GCSE level in the UK academic setting). If you are unable to meet this requirement, you may wish to consider the MSc in Russian and East European Studies.

In the first year of the course you will study four core courses, along with Research Methods for Area Studies.

Courses are taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, and classes. You will be required to submit essays and make class presentations.

In the second year you will be able to specialise more narrowly through the choice of two option courses chosen from a list of options available for that academic year.

The Analysing Russian Discourse and Communication core course will continue into the second year, and you will also work on completing your thesis which must be submitted during Trinity term.

The department hosts the 'Monday Seminar' for the wider Oxford and UK academic community, which takes place at St Antony’s College. Student participation in research seminars is an important part of the course, providing opportunities to see leading international scholars present their work and for networking and scholarly development.

For the full description, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas