Creative Writing in Russian and Literary Translation (МА)

This is an innovative educational product, unparalleled in today’s market. 

The programme’s uniqueness stems from our distinguished experts, renowned not only in Russia but worldwide, and top specialists in their fields. The programme offers the rare opportunity to learn remotely from any location in the world from these outstanding professionals while earning a master’s degree from a European university.

The main goal of the MA program in Creative Writing in Russian and Translation is to prepare professional writers, writing in Russian, and professional translators from English to Russian language.

The programme aims to:

• provide students with sufficient creative writing skills in Russian language and basic skills in writing non-fiction texts in English. This includes the development of techniques, styles, and creative processes to produce high-quality literary works.
• enable students to explore and appreciate Russian and World’s literary traditions, culture, and history, which will deepen their understanding of the context in which they write and translate.
• train students to become proficient translators, particularly from English to Russian. This includes understanding nuances in both languages, mastering translation techniques, and being able to convey the essence and subtleties of the source text accurately.
• teach students to critically analyze literary texts they are translating. This includes understanding themes, literary devices, and the historical and cultural context of the texts.
• promote effective communication across cultures by training students to bridge the gap between international (English-speaking) and Russian-speaking literary communities.
• help students understand the process of getting their creative works published and to promote their writing and translation skills in the literary world.
• foster research skills in students, particularly in areas related to literature, language, and translation. 
• prepare students for careers in fields such as publishing, editing, freelance writing, literary translation, academia, and more.
• encourage students to experiment with different literary forms, styles, and genres, pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation in both their writing and translation work. As a result, graduates of the programme will have the necessary training to work in various creative fields (authors, screenwriters, playwrights), in the media and mass media (reporters, journalists, video game designers), in publishing (copywriters, editors), in schools and secondary education (teachers), in cultural institutions (staff of museums, libraries, cultural centres), in higher education (teachers and lecturers), as well as in advertising and communication agencies, and in analytical-consulting and research companies (copywriters).

Special emphasis is placed on extracurricular activities: regular open literary readings and discussions, master classes by renowned professionals, guest lectures by famous English and Russian-speaking authors and translators. 

The MA programme will admit 30 students each academic year.

The Programme is under accreditation by the Cyprus Agency of Quality Assurance and Accreditation in Higher Education and is expected to operate in Spring 2025.

1.5 academic year (3 academic semesters)

The Distance Learning Master program will be offered full-time and the program’s normal duration is 1½ years (18 months). Master students must complete 90 ECTS of coursework to fulfill the degree requirements. The first-year core program consists of six integrated thirteen-week modules, totalling 60 ECTS. Master students must also complete a 30 ECTS Dissertation to fulfill the degree requirements. The program will be delivered within three (3) academic semesters. During the 1st semester, a student has to take four (4) compulsory modules, totaling 30 ECTS and during the 2nd semester another two (2) compulsory modules will be provided and two (2) electives out of three (3), totaling 30 ECTS. After completing their first year in the Master program (60 ECTS), students shall take a compulsory Master Dissertation, corresponding to 30 ECTS. The Master Dissertation will consist of a fragment of fiction prose (50,000 characters) or a translation with analytical commentary (80,000 – 100,000 characters).

During the course, there will be a 10-12 day offline session, which will allow students to get to know the teachers better and establish professional interactions with their classmates. The offline session will take place on the university campus.

Furthermore, in accordance with the relevant announcements made by the Agency of Quality Assurance and Accreditation in Higher Education, students have the opportunity to complete their postgraduate studies in two academic semesters as long as they start the conduction of their Master’s Dissertation during the first or second semester of their studies, including the summer period. In this case, the completion of the Master’s Dissertation may be prolonged during the summer period, for one or two months. In any case, the total ECTS remain 90.

The University reserves its right to define the electives offered on an academic year basis.
The programme structure may change without prior notice, as a result of quality assurance procedures or/and programme recertification.

LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Russian

The programme refers to Russian speakers. For non-native Russian speaking candidates an interview with the admissions committee, chaired by the Programme co-ordinator, will be arranged to evaluate the level of knowledge of Russian language, in relation to the ability of the candidate to complete successfully the programme of study. 

English

Satisfactory knowledge of English is essential. 

Certificate of English proficiency –  international (TOEFL, IELTS, etc.) or other (e.g., high grades in a Russian Bachelor Degree diploma).
The minimum language requirement is a B1-B2 certificate for students specializing in Creative Writing and C1-C2 for students specializing in Translation.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

A student applying for the program should submit the following documents as soon as admissions open:

• Application form
• ID/Passport copy
• Secondary School Leaving Certificate
• Bachelor Degree and transcript
• A letter of recommendation
• English language certificate (or other confirmation of language proficiency)
• Personal statement / Motivation Letter (up to 500 words)
• Two passport-size photos
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)

The tuition fees are €6000 per academic year.
A number of scholarships (8 to 10) will be provided by Bright Era Education Ltd based on entrance review results (portfolio and interview).