Program Overview

Russian and Eurasian Politics and Economics MSc

Overview

The Russian and Eurasian Politics and Economics MSc is a flagship degree programme of the King's Russia Institute, designed to equip students with the tools and perspectives needed to understand the processes of political, economic, and social change in Russia, Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and the Caucasus.

Key Information

• Study mode: Full time, Part time
• Duration: One year full-time, two years part-time
• Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent): UK 180/ECTS 90
• Application status: Open
• Start date: September 2025

Course Essentials

• The course provides a thorough knowledge and understanding of the history of social, political, and economic transformation in post-Soviet Russia and Eurasia.
• Students will gain an in-depth knowledge of the interlocking social, political, and economic challenges that have faced Russian, East European, Central Asian, and Caucasian states and societies in recent decades.
• The course will emphasize a comparative perspective throughout, encouraging students to use their knowledge of the Russian and Eurasian case to challenge existing global theoretical and policy approaches.

Base Campus

• Strand Campus, located on the north bank of the River Thames, houses King's College London's arts and sciences faculties.

Regulating Bodies

• King's is regulated by the Office for Students.

Entry Requirements

UK Applicants

• Standard requirements: A minimum 2:1 undergraduate Bachelor's (honours) degree.
• Programme-Specific Requirements: Bachelor's degree with 2:1 honours degree in a relevant subject.
• Professional qualifications and experience may be taken into account.
• A working knowledge of Russian is welcome but not obligatory.

International Applicants

• Equivalent International qualifications: Select a country to view equivalent qualifications.
• English language requirements: English language band B.
• Nationals of majority English speaking countries (as defined by the UKVI) who have permanently resided in this country are not usually required to complete an additional English language test.

Teaching Methods

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Self-Study
• Face-to-face teaching will be complemented and supported with innovative technology.
• Students will be expected to undertake a significant amount of independent study.

Assessment

• Essays
• In-class quizzes
• Policy briefs
• Presentations
• Memoranda
• Scenario analyses and models
• Class participation
• Attendance
• Dissertation

Structure

• Courses are divided into modules, and students on this course take modules totalling 180 credits.
• Required modules:
  • Contemporary Russian Politics & Policy (30 credits)
  • Dissertation (60 credits)
  • The Practice of Policymaking in Contemporary Russia (15 credits)
• Optional modules:
  • Oil, Gas & Modernisation In Russia (15 credits)
  • Energy Security and Energy Transition in Eurasia (15 credits)
  • Governance and Economic Growth in Transition (15 credits)
  • Russia and the EU (15 credits)
  • New & Emerging Security Threats in Post-Soviet Eurasia (15 credits)
  • Clandestine Side of Globalisation (15 credits)
  • Contemporary Ukrainian Politics and Society (15 credits)
  • Russia’s War in Ukraine (15 credits)
  • Eurasian Perspectives: Understanding the Caucasus (15 credits)

Employability

• Graduates have gone on to careers in analytical, research, or strategic roles in business, particularly the energy sector, political risk analysis, consulting, in diplomacy, international civil service, non-governmental organisations, media, and journalism, and to further academic research.

Tuition Fees

UK

• Full time: £13,500 per year (2025/26)
• Part time: £6,750 per year (2025/26)

International

• Full time: £30,000 per year (2025/26)
• Part time: £15,000 per year (2025/26)

Deposit

• If you receive an offer for this programme, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your place.
• The Home deposit is £500. The International deposit is £2000.

Additional Costs

• Books if you choose to buy your own copies.
• Clothing for optional course-related events and competitions.
• Library fees and fines.
• Personal photocopies.
• Printing course handouts.
• Society membership fees.
• Stationery.
• Travel costs for travel around London, between campuses, and for project placements.
• Graduation costs.

Funding

• To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's, please visit the Fees and Funding section.