An interview with Kapitolina Fedorova, head of the programme of the new East European Studies major.
Tallinn University School of Humanities has launched a new major in East European Studies within the master´s programme in Estonian Studies. We spoke with the Head of Programme, Kapitolina Fedorova, about what makes this programme distinctive and why international students should consider it.
East European Studies is a new major at Tallinn University. What was the motivation behind creating it?
East European Studies was created to offer students a clearly structured, academically grounded way to study Eastern Europe. We created this major within our MA in Estonian Studies so now we have two separate programmes: Estonian Studies for those who are interested specifically in Estonia, its language and culture, and the one we are talking about here: East European Studies. Naturally, there are some intersections between these two programmes as Estonia’s historical experience, linguistic diversity, and geopolitical position make it a natural place to explore the region in depth. And not just one region - The Baltic countries, naturally, but also post-Soviet countries and Eastern Europe in general. As a new major, the programme responds to growing interest in Eastern Europe while offering a perspective that is both regional and comparative.
What makes East European Studies at Tallinn University different from similar programmes elsewhere?
Our key distinction is the Baltic vantage point. Instead of approaching Eastern Europe from a distant or abstract perspective, students study the region from within it. Estonia’s multilingual and post-imperial context offers an ideal environment for examining issues such as identity, memory, language contact, and post-socialist transformation.
What role does language study play in the programme?
Language study is an essential part of the curriculum. Students can study Estonian alongside other regional languages, such as Russian, Polish, or Ukrainian, depending on their background. We see language as a critical tool for understanding culture, history, and public debate, not simply as a practical skill but we give students the opportunity to choose the language or languages they will master. It means that the programme is suitable both for students with no previous experience of learning Slavic languages, and students who already have high level, in Russian or Polish, or some other Slavic language.
Who is this new major designed for?
East European Studies is designed for international students who want to understand Eastern Europe in depth. It suits those considering academic careers as well as graduates and professionals in fields like international relations, diplomacy, culture, or regional affairs who want a research-oriented, humanities-based education rather than vocational training.
What can students expect to gain from the programme?
Students develop strong analytical and interpretive skills, regional and linguistic expertise, and the ability to work critically with historical and cultural materials. The programme provides a solid foundation for doctoral studies, while also offering intellectual depth that can inform professional work in many international contexts.
What would you say to students who are considering applying?
If you are curious about Eastern Europe and want to understand the region through language, culture, and history, I warmly invite you to apply. As a new major, East European Studies offers a focused academic pathway in a close-knit learning environment, shaped by the Baltic experience and supported by Tallinn University’s strong expertise in regional studies.
Understand Eastern Europe from a Baltic vantage point.
East European Studies — a new major within the MA in Estonian Studies at Tallinn University.
Read more about the programme HERE.