European, Russian, and Eurasian Studies: European and Russian Affairs MA

Master of Arts

Program Description

The Master of Arts program in European and Russian Affairs (MA ERA) is designed to provide a well-rounded education in European, Russian, and Eurasian affairs for students who wish to pursue professional, non-academic careers in areas such as government and diplomacy, journalism, business, and teaching. The programs also enrich and broaden the base of knowledge of graduate students considering any PhD-level study with a specialization in the European and Russian areas.

The MA in European and Russian Affairs offers students:

  • the opportunity to study at the leading research university in Canada;

  • the chance to work with outstanding faculty in a wide range of disciplines with a research specialization on Europe, Russia, and Eurasia;

  • internships, exchanges, summer study programs, and research experience in the region;

  • access to one of North America’s largest research libraries;

  • participation in the rich academic programs of the Centre for European, Russian, and Eurasian Studies and the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy including specialized graduate workshops and courses offered by visiting professors;

  • a strong and vibrant learning community with individualized academic and financial support;

  • leadership roles in graduate student conferences, blogs, and journals.

The program requires a minimum of two academic years of full-time graduate study. For further information about graduate programs and study grants, please contact the Graduate Coordinator.

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Centre for European, Russian, and Eurasian Studies additional admission requirements stated below.

  • At least some of the work in the program is based on the study of original texts and presupposes a reading knowledge of a language relevant to the program. Preferably, applicants should have a minimum of one academic year of study in a relevant language and are urged to undertake additional language training in the summer preceding entry to the program.

Program Requirements

  • Coursework. Students must complete 6.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

    • 2.0 FCEs in the chosen primary discipline; for example, History or Political Science.

    • 2.0 FCEs must be drawn from any discipline(s) relating to the student's course of study other than the chosen primary discipline. Students can take courses in any department, with the approval of the instructor and Graduate Coordinator, provided that the student submits coursework related to the region.

    • ERE2001H (0.5 FCE), taken in Year 1 of the program.

    • ERE2000Y (1.0 FCE), the interdisciplinary core course, beginning in the second session of Year 1 and continuing into Year 2. As part of ERE2000Y, each student must write 10,000 to 12,000 words including references, based on original research.

    • At least 0.5 FCE must be earned either in an approved program-related internship or in an approved academic exchange abroad.

Program Length

6 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S/F/W/S)

Time Limit

3 years full-time