The curriculum is directly connected to ongoing research at the Aleksanteri Institute, one of Europe’s most renowned research centers for Russian, Eurasian, and Eastern European studies. This integration ensures that you benefit from the most up-to-date findings, cutting-edge methodologies, and insights directly from experts leading projects in the field.
The MAREEES programme offers a unique opportunity to explore the connections and interactions between countries in Russia, Eurasia, and Eastern Europe, and their influence on global developments. Through this programme, you will uncover how geography and history shape societal, political, and cultural transformations, providing a deeper understanding of the region’s significance in today’s world.
As a MAREEES student, you will take core courses at the Aleksanteri Institute while also accessing a wide range of courses across the University of Helsinki. Throughout the programme, you will examine pressing issues such as environmental challenges, migration, legal systems, security concerns, identity and nationalism, political conflicts, and social tensions shaping the region. The MAREEES programme takes a thematic approach, connecting regional developments to global trends. This perspective equips you with the tools to analyze the region’s complexities and understand its significance in a rapidly changing world.
The MAREEES programme covers the regions of Russia, Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia. Together, study of these regions offers a comprehensive understanding of their interconnected dynamics and global significance.
In your master’s studies, you will mainly focus on discipline-specific advanced studies. During this stage, you will deepen your knowledge of your chosen field through both studies and writing your master’s thesis. The process of writing your master's thesis also develops the basic skills required for conducting research.
The programme's master's students have several times presented their thesis progress in poster sessions in the annual Aleksanteri Conference.
The Master's of Arts degree provides general eligibility for postgraduate studies and a solid foundation for doctoral studies.
If you are interested in pursuing a career in research, you can apply to continue your studies as a postgraduate student in one of the doctoral programmes at the University of Helsinki after completing your degree. Successful completion of your postgraduate studies will provide you with the opportunity to pursue an international career in the academic world.
The Master's Programme in Russian, Eurasian and Eastern European Studies works closely with other Russian and Eastern European study programmes. Read more about the co-operation partners below.
The MAREEES programme provides also opportunities to investigate Eastern European and Central Asian cultural and political phenomena on a grassroots level.
Students have for instance taken part in study trips to countries of interest where they have been given free hands to plan and arrange the travel programmes independently. Lately, the trips have taken our students to Estonia (2024), Latvia (2023, 2022) and Lithuania (2022).
Student life and especially the student organisation culture is exceptionally rich and diverse in Finland. Also at the University of Helsinki, more than 250 student organisations operate within the Student Union of the University of Helsinki (HYY) ranging from faculty and subject organisations to political and societal organisations, and from choirs and orchestras to sports and game clubs. Their activities include anniversary celebrations, academic dinner parties, cultural events, get-togethers and excursions.
As a student and member of the Student Union (HYY), you are entitled to many benefits and services. For example, affordable student housing, low-cost sports services and student-priced meals. You also get numerous discounts, for example on public transport fees across the country.