Central & East European Studies/Psychology (SocSci) MA (Hons)

The 20th century witnessed dramatic changes in the fortunes of the countries of Central & Eastern Europe. War, revolution and widespread social & economic change resulted in a tumultuous period in the history of the region. The collapse of communism unleashed a process of profound social change that continues today in the rise of populism in Central and South-East Europe, the Russo-Ukrainian war and instability in the Caucasus & Central Asia. From the Baltic to the Balkans and from Berlin to Vladivostok, we chart the key issues in this crucial area. Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behaviour. It is about understanding how people think, act, react and interact; and how this understanding can help us, as psychologists, help people on an individual basis but also help address wider societal issues through academic endeavours and professional practice. <br/><br/><strong>Why study this course at the University of Glasgow?</strong> <br/><br/>You will gain valuable insights into issues of global importance. Recent events, particularly the Russia-Ukraine war – the largest conflict in Europe since the Second World War – have underscored the necessity of understanding the region not just for regional security, but also for wider European and global security. <br/><br/>For over 75 years, Central & East European Studies at the University of Glasgow has been at the forefront of theoretically-informed, methodologically-rigorous, and practically-relevant research relating to the countries of the Baltic States, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Central & Eastern Europe, Russia and Eurasia. <br/><br/>The University hosts the Centre for Russian, Central & East European Studies which is a national hub for scholars studying the region. It is home to the prestigious Europe-Asia Studies journal and the University’s Russian and East European library has a large and well-established collection. <br/><br/>It is not compulsory but you may wish to study one of the following languages: Czech, Polish, Russian, or Ukrainian. We bring together expertise in experimental psychology, cognitive science and cognitive neuroscience in order to advance the understanding of human and animal behaviour. <br/><br/>Our students enjoy an active social life, much of which revolves around the Psychology Society. Away days, evening events and team building exercises are held at various times throughout the year, at different levels. <br/><br/><strong>Career Prospects?</strong> <br/><br/>Graduates have developed careers in the European Commission, the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office, the Scottish Government, UK Department for Business & Trade, government ministries across Europe, government embassies, international development & non-governmental organisations, journalism, education, cultural industries, banks and the business community. The eastward enlargement of the EU and NATO, as well as ongoing developments in Russia, Ukraine, the other former Soviet states and the Balkans, mean there is a high demand for specialists in the field. Psychologists are probably best known for their work in the health and education services but psychology graduates can be found in almost any area of life. <br/><br/>A psychology degree opens up a wide range of career paths including educational, health, clinical, occupational psychology and counselling. <br/><br/>Increasingly graduates are also progressing to successful careers in allied fields such as data skills, teaching, social robotics & artificial intelligence and child & adolescent mental health professions, in addition to research and teaching careers in higher education.