Balkan, Eurasian and Central European Studies (BECES) is an interdisciplinary two-year master’s degree programme that focuses on modern history, politics, and diplomacy, as well as the social, cultural, and economic issues of Central Europe, the Balkan Peninsula, and the post-Soviet area, including the Caucasus and Central Asia. The programme equips students with essential tools for social science analysis, fostering critical thinking and intercultural competence.

BECES examines the unique and challenging political and social environment of the region. To enrich their curriculum, students choose between two regionally focused specialisations: Balkan and Central European Studies, and Russian and Eurasian Studies. Both specialisations analyse and integrate the political, social, economic, and cultural developments in the region, addressing broad thematic issues such as governance, security, nationalism, and ethnopolitical conflicts. They enable students to develop a blend of specialist area knowledge, analytical expertise, and language skills tailored to their personal interests and future career plans.

The BECES programme is highly flexible. Core compulsory courses focus on methods, languages, academic writing, and the main political and societal developments of the region, while elective courses allow students to shape their own academic and professional profile. Students may concentrate on a single country or a wider region from a thematic perspective, such as history, culture, political development, or environmental issues. They can study many languages connected to the region, including Czech, Russian, Polish, and Greek, among others, to gain a deeper understanding of local and regional debates and perspectives.

In addition, students have the opportunity to earn a Certificate in Digital Humanities alongside their degree by completing four specialised courses that provide essential data literacy and digital competencies. Another special option is the Certificate on Ukraine, awarded for completing specific courses on Ukraine, the Ukrainian language, and for engaging in closer cooperation with partner institutions in Ukraine.

The programme is delivered in an international environment, bringing together students and lecturers from a wide range of countries. Through BECES, students develop the tools to analyse regional challenges in their full context.

Graduates of the BECES programme will be well prepared for careers in international organisations, diplomacy, state administration, NGOs, think tanks, media, or the business sector. They will also be well qualified to pursue opportunities in academia and research, possessing a broad range of knowledge and skills relevant to various fields within the social sciences.

The BECES programme offers:

• Innovative and engaging courses
• Curriculum tailored to individual interests
• Supportive and international study environment
• Diverse student community from across the globe
• Small seminar groups and personalised academic guidance
• Opportunities for study abroad and internships
• Extracurricular activities and student-led initiatives

We welcome highly motivated students with a consistently strong academic track record in various disciplines within the social sciences and humanities. The admissions committee assesses applications based on the submitted documents and awards points (1-100) in the following categories: academic background, motivation, and extracurricular activities. The threshold for admission is determined by the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at Charles University.

Please visit the Faculty’s admissions website to find:

• A detailed overview of the BECES admission requirements
• Guidance for prospective students

The admission window for the study period 2026/2027 – 2027/2028 is now open.

Application submission deadlines:

• Early-bird deadline: 28 February 2026
• Regular deadline: 30 April 2026

For students from visa-seeking countries, we strongly recommend submitting the application by the early-bird deadline.

Apply now! You can access the ONLINE APPLICATION here.

We look forward to receiving your application.

For any questions regarding the Master in Area Studies programme or the admissions process, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are happy to assist prospective students with academic enquiries, application procedures, or practical matters related to studying at Charles University.

MAS Programme Coordinator:
Dr Petra Baštová
E-mail: study.ims@fsv.cuni.cz

The programme coordinator will be happy to answer your questions regarding the Master in Area Studies programme, its curriculum and courses, the study and research environment at our Institute, international mobility opportunities, and other related matters. She also offers individual online consultations for prospective students.

MAS Programme Director:
Jan Hornát
E-mail: jan.hornat@fsv.cuni.cz

The programme director is available to help with more specific matters, especially those related to special educational needs or transfers from another programme or university.

Admission officer:
Ms Marcela Vrbatová
E-mail: admissions@fsv.cuni.cz

The admissions team will support you throughout the entire admissions and enrolment process. Feel free to contact them with any questions related to general administrative procedures, visa issues, confirmation letters, financial matters, scholarships, accommodation at university dormitories, and more.