Russian and Slavic Studies (sub-programme of academic program Linguistics, Literature and Regional Culture Studies)

Degree to be achieved: Master in Humanities in Language Studies
Duration of studies: 2 years
Type of studies: Full time
Amount of credits: 80 credit points or 120 ECTS
European Qualifications Framework (EQF) level: Level 7
International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) level: Level 7
Language of instruction: Russian and English
Accreditation: The programme is accredited till 07.12.2029. 

Tuition fee 
EU/EEA/Swiss citizens and their family members; Long Term Resident EU - 2500 EUR per Year
Other сountry citizens - 3700 EUR per Year

Please note that the tuition fee may change in 2025. 

The sub-programme prepares highly qualified, competitive specialists in the field of Russian and Slavic linguistics and literary studies. The sub-programme focuses on regional and intercultural studies, special attention is paid to the functioning of the Russian language and literature in a broad socio-cultural context, the description of Slavic languages and literature at the theoretical level, as well as the interaction of Slavic language and literature with Latvian language, literature and culture.

Within the programme, students will study common study courses and specialization courses of the chosen sub-programme such as Contemporary Russian literature and culture, XX-XXI century current problems of the theory and history of Russian literature, Problems of modern Slavic folklore, Literature in Slavic countries and postcolonial studies, Russian language in theoretical and business aspect, History and theory of Russian and Latvian language contacts, Theoretical grammar of modern Slavic languages, Ethnopsycholinguistics and political linguistics of Russian and Slavic languages, Russian and Slavic literature in the Baltic region, Slavic literature in translations, Russian culture in the Baltic region at the beginning of the 20th - 21st century, Ethnocultural stereotypes in Slavic languages, literature and folklore, etc.

Study period and classes time

The full-time degree programme covers two academic years. Classes are in the evenings of working days from 4.30pm till 9.30pm. 

Career opportunity

Graduates of the study programme can work in various state, non-governmental and private institutions - diplomatic missions of Latvia and other countries, various Latvian and European institutions, including translation, universities and schools, research institutions, mass media and advertising agencies, editorial offices, libraries, language training centres, travel agencies, Latvian and world companies of various profiles, etc.

More information about study programme and Study plan

ERASMUS+ exchange possibilities

UL full-time students, regardless of their citizenship, have the opportunity to apply for the ERASMUS + exchange program for studies or/and traineeship.  

More information:

ERASMUS + study mobility 
ERASMUS + traineeship moblity   

Admission requirements

These following admission requirements are planned for the study program. They may be clarified after receiving the decision of the AIC Study Quality Commission. Please follow the current information on the portal www.lu.lv/en/

1. Previous education:
   Version 1 of previous education: first-cycle higher education* or equivalent higher education in linguistics, literature or cultural studies; persons who have obtained such education are admitted without an entrance examination
   Version 2 of previous education: first-cycle higher education* or equivalent higher education in other humanities or teacher education (language, literature and/or culture teacher education); Pass of entrance examination by submitting a written 1 page motivation letter
   Version 3 of previous education: first-cycle higher education* or equivalent higher education in another field and one year of professional/creative experience in a field related to the humanities; Pass of entrance examination by submitting a written 1 page motivation letter
2. The average grade in study courses must be 60% of the maximum. 
3. English language proficiency.
4. Russian language proficiency.
5. All grades must be passing (at least 4 on a 10-point scale).

*Bachelor’s degree or a diploma proving equivalent level of education

Enrolment criteria (for students competing for the state-financed study place)

For applicants who have completed previous education in linguistics, literature or cultural studies: 

1. The average grade obtained in final exams (40%);

2. The grade point average of undergraduate studies (60%).

For applicants who have completed previous education in other fields: 

1. The average grade obtained in final exams (35%);

2. The grade point average of undergraduate studies (30%); 

3. Entrance examination (35%)

Please note! Only EU/EEA/Swiss citizens and EU long-term resident status holders can compete for a state-financed study place.

As a part of the admission process applicants will be asked to participate in an online interview.

Autumn Intake (application start: 2 Jan 2025; studies start in Sept 2025) 

Full-time

Contact person for more information

Coordinator of the Programme           
Jeļena Sevastjanova
E-mail: Jelena.Sevastjanova@lu.lv
Phone: +371 67034914
Faculty of Humanities
4a Visvalža Street, Riga, LV-1050

The programme has been developed within the framework of the project "Design of Internationally Competitive Study Programmes Promoting the Development of the National Economy of Latvia at the University of Latvia" (project No. 8.2.1.0 / 18 / A / 015).