Programme description

New programme in 2026/27 academic year

Eastern Studies is an interdisciplinary area studies programme focused on the analysis of political, social and security processes in the eastern neighbourhood of the European Union. The programme is primarily grounded in political science and public administration, with significant contributions from international relations, security studies and history. Its central thematic axis is conflict-oriented reflection, encompassing the study of the origins, dynamics and consequences of internal and international conflicts, including contemporary forms of hybrid competition, information warfare and narrative influence.

At the first-cycle (Bachelor’s) level, students acquire broad and well-structured foundational knowledge of the region—from Eastern Europe through the Caucasus and Central Asia to areas shaped by the legacy of former empires (Mongol, Russian and Soviet). The programme emphasises an understanding of civilisational diversity, geopolitics, the role of religion, historical narratives and security threats arising from regional instability. These studies prepare students to analyse conflicts and political processes and to pursue further self-directed learning in a rapidly changing international environment.

The second-cycle (Master’s) programme offers an advanced and specialised course of study. It focuses on in-depth analysis of conflicts, socio-economic potentials and state policies in the EU’s eastern neighbourhood, including Russia, Belarus, Moldova, the Caucasus, Central Asia and the north-eastern flank of NATO. The programme develops advanced methodological, analytical and research competencies, enabling students to critically assess political narratives, geopolitical interests and the mechanisms of hybrid warfare.

Information regarding Faculty

The Faculty of International and Political Studies is the most international and interdisciplinary unit at the Jagiellonian University. It offers unique programmes conducted in English, many of which are delivered under agreements with foreign universities. The Faculty provides students with an opportunity to study in a nationally and culturally diverse environment, both in Polish and foreign languages. This creates the space for getting to know each other and supports students' development during their studies and in their professional careers. The Faculty’s complex structure reflects the diversity of scientific research conducted in this unit. Therefore, students have an opportunity to study among specialists dealing with matters from almost every corner of the globe. Eastern Studies are offered by the Department of Eurasian Area Studies.

The Faculty of International and Political Studies headquarters is located in a modern building near the Jagiellonian Library, Błonia, and Jordan Parks. The Faculty has moved to a new facility in 2021, providing students with comfortable conditions and surroundings for studying. The building has four large auditoriums on eight floors, several dozen lecture and seminar rooms, a student zone, and rooms for employees. There is also a Faculty library with a spacious reading room.

👉  Read more about the Department of Eurasian Area Studies

👉  Few reasons why you should choose the Faculty of International and Political Studies

Rankings, distinctions, accreditations

• Scientific category A in the main discipline of Political Science and Public Administration awarded to the Jagiellonian University in Kraków by the decision of the Minister of Education and Science

Curriculum overview

In the programme curriculum, you may find information about the subjects you will attend while studying this programme. The programme indicates which subjects are scheduled for each semester of the studies, which are mandatory, which belong to the group of elective subjects (so-called optional subjects), which of them end with an exam, and which do not. Each subject in such a programme curriculum has its syllabus, which is a description of what students learn within the scope of that subject.

Student’s life

Time spent at the university is not all about education and class participation; it is also an excellent opportunity to develop hobbies and interests. Many research societies and student organizations operate at the Jagiellonian University, including faculty- and university-wide ones. These societies allow students to spend their free time actively, gain knowledge, develop their talents, participate in engaging, unconventional projects, go on research and team-building trips, participate in conferences, and meet fellow students outside the lecture halls. There are many student associations at the Faculty of International and Political Studies.

Students interested in the international dimension of studying can participate in a wide variety of exchange programmes, such as Erasmus+, CEEPUS, Utrecht Network, bilateral exchange programmes, European university Una Europa, or the domestic mobility programme called MOST.

More than just studies

• Student associations at the Faculty of International and Political Studies
• Student Government of the Faculty of International and Political Studies

Admission to studies

Admission to study programmes at the Jagiellonian University is conducted electronically in the Online Application System: irk.uj.edu.pl. If you have any questions related to admission, please contact the Admissions Office directly or visit the websites: welcome.uj.edu.pl and irk.uj.edu.pl.

Detailed information about admission to this study programme, including information on the method of calculating the result, qualification criteria, fees, deadlines, and a list of required documents are available on the Online Application System (IRK): irk.uj.edu.pl

Transfer from other university or study programme

Transfer from another university, including a foreign one, or change of study programme within the University is possible with the dean's consent after completing the first year of studies and fulfilling additional requirements established by the Faculty Council. For inquiries regarding transfer, please contact the unit responsible for the specific study programme directly.

Graduates

A graduate of Eastern Studies possesses advanced knowledge of political processes, conflicts and security threats occurring in the eastern neighbourhood of the European Union, as well as the ability to analyse them in historical, cultural and geopolitical contexts. They understand the mechanisms underlying the emergence and persistence of conflicts, the role of political and historical narratives, and the specific nature of hybrid and information-based competition.

A first-cycle graduate is prepared for analytical and administrative work, particularly in public institutions, state services, companies operating in the field of information security, and organisations engaged with the eastern region. They possess language competencies in English and Russian, as well as the ability to further develop their knowledge independently.

A second-cycle graduate is a highly specialised expert capable of critically analysing complex political and security situations and working in analytical centres, public administration, security services, diplomacy and the business sector. They are prepared to work in an international environment and to pursue third-cycle (doctoral) studies in political science and public administration, security studies or international relations.

Further education possibilities

• Doctoral School, f.e. Doctoral School of Social Sciences
• Post diploma programmes
• Second-cycle programmes

Offer for school

The following events are conducted in Polish – to find out about the offer for English-speaking audience, please get in touch with the organizer directly. Additionally, due to the current pandemic, some faculty and university events may be canceled or conducted in a form other than that described below.

We invite all schools to take part in the cycle of meetings "University Closer to You – visits to the Jagiellonian University". The aim of the meetings during the tours is to familiarize students with the history of our University through a rich educational offer (lectures, workshops, laboratory classes, etc.). The current programme of the event is available on the organizer's website – the Centre for Communications and Marketing of the Jagiellonian University.

The Jagiellonian Library offers tours of both the old and new parts of the building. The tour programme includes presentations on the history of the Library and the building itself, as well as a visit to the Department of Depositories. The offer of the Collegium Maius includes lessons on "The Trail of Science" and "The Trail of History and Art," as well as interactive online classes. We also invite you to explore the educational offer of the Botanical Garden, the Nature Education Centre, the Confucius Institute, and the Museum of Anatomy.

Contact

The programme is run by the Department of Eurasian Area Studies, which is part of the Faculty of International and Political Studies. The Department is located at 4 Reymonta Street, in the Faculty’s new building, situated near the Jagiellonian Library, Jordan Park, and the Błonia meadows of Kraków. For any questions regarding the programme, you can contact us here:

bogda.sokolowska@uj.edu.pl
wsmip@uj.edu.pl

ul. Reymonta 4
31-010 Kraków, Poland
Phone: (+48) 12 663 25 81, 663 25 82

eurasia.wsmip.uj.edu.pl
wsmip.uj.edu.pl

Other programmes that may interest you

• Eurasian Studies (Faculty of International and Political Studies) – programme in Polish
• Middle East Studies (Faculty of International and Political Studies) – programme in Polish
• Asian Studies (Faculty of International and Political Studies) – programme in Polish
• Russian Studies (Faculty of International and Political Studies) – programme in Polish