Cambridge Ukrainian Studies offers undergraduate and postgraduate students a variety of opportunities to explore the culture and society of Ukraine.

Paper Uk1: Introduction to the Language, Literature, and Culture of Ukraine

'Ukraine is a country that is "in between" in all possible ways,' according to the Ukrainian intellectual Mykola Riabchuk. Paper Uk1 introduces the student to the rich language, literature, and culture of Ukraine and seizes upon the 'in-betweenness' of the largest country within Europe - the historical permeability of its territorial, linguistic, and ethnic borders - as an opportunity to explore the interdependency of the cultures of Eastern Europe and the Black Sea region.

Paper Uk2: Studies in Twentieth-Century Ukrainian Literature and Film

Paper Uk2 explores the literary and filmic texts that accompanied the rise of Ukraine from imperial periphery to sovereign state in the 'short twentieth century' (Hobsbawm). Its chronological frame between the 1910s and 1990s, two periods marked by declarations of Ukrainian independence, offers the student a synoptic cultural history of Soviet Ukraine cast in relief. Each of the paper's five sections centres on a period of artistic flourishing and considers the implications of the intersection of aesthetic representation, signification, and political power from a broad theoretical perspective.

Open Ukrainian Language Courses

Since 2007, Cambridge Ukainian Studies has offered free beginner and intermediate courses in the Ukrainian language to all members of the University of Cambridge. Both courses consist of 20 weekly classes of one hour and start on the first Wednesday of Full Term.

The courses are open to all members of the University, subject to availability of places. Those interested in attending the classes should contact the Department of Slavonic Studies in advance.

Postgraduate Workshops in Ukrainian Studies

Cambridge Ukrainian Studies hosts a regular series of one-day workshops in the fields of Ukrainian history, culture, and society. Led by preeminent scholars from around the world, these special events are open to qualified postgraduate students and reseachers at the beginning of their careers throughout Great Britain by application only. They are held on the grounds of King's College, Cambridge. Click here for more information.

Ukrainian Studies Travel Grants

Photos by Uk1 student Lucy Chambers

For students in Papers Uk1 and Uk2 who wish to travel to Ukraine over the Christmas or Easter vacations to improve their Ukrainian language skills and explore contemporary Ukrainian culture first-hand, Cambridge Ukrainian Studies offers a select number of small grants to help defray the cost of airfare.

'My time in Ukraine was incredibly valuable in many senses and did not only back up the cultural knowledge needed for Paper Uk1. Talking to people personally helped me to understand the inequalities of European immigration legislation, which is biased against Ukraine; socio-linguistic issues; and the way politics impacts on everyday business decisions.' A travel grant recipient

Please contact Cambridge Ukrainian Studies for more information.

Ukrainian Language Cafés (Українські кав'ярні)

Cambridge Ukrainian Studies hosts a regular series of Ukrainian Language Cafés, where refreshments hit the spot and conversations are conducted entirely in Ukrainian. The Cambridge кав'ярня is designed to offer students of every level practice conversing with native speakers; all are welcome.