Description
Discover the languages and people of Slavic Europe
Slavonic Studies degree programme is the perfect choice if you want to learn one of the Slavic languages—Czech, Croatian, Slovak, as well as Bulgarian, Macedonian, Serbian or Slovenian—and use it in real-life situations. It is a programme for those curious about the world, other cultures and working with people. If you are thinking about a future in translation, tourism, culture, media, diplomacy or in companies working with Slavic countries, this degree programme will be a good choice for you.
Learn languages through practical experience, not just from books
During your studies, you will study your chosen language intensively—that includes speaking, writing, listening and becoming increasingly comfortable with understanding spoken language. At the same time, you will learn about the history, literature and culture of Slavic countries, which will give you a better understanding of the language’s context and the people who speak it. We place great emphasis on practical classes, including translation and interpreting, also focusing on specialist texts. Classes are taught by practitioners—including sworn translators and native-speaking lecturers from Slavic countries.
Gain experience whilst you are still studying
During your studies, you will take part in real-world projects—translating films for festivals, collaborating on literary and cultural events, and attending workshops led by professionals in business and legal translation. You can also go on summer schools, internships and study abroad trips, including to Prague, Bratislava, Zagreb, Ljubljana or Split. This allows you to put your skills into practice and gain your first professional experience.
What’s next?
With a degree in Slavonic Studies, you can work as a translator, language teacher, international relations specialist, or in the fields of tourism, culture, media, or in companies operating in Slavic markets. This degree provides you with specific language skills, practical expertise and professional contacts that will help you enter the job market with confidence—both in Poland and abroad.
Rekrutacja rozpoczyna się 2 czerwca
Curriculum
Link to the curriculum and study plan
Duration of studies: 1st cycle – 6 semesters, 2nd cycle – 4 semesters
Number of ECTS credits: 1st cycle studies – 180, 2nd cycle studies – 120
Selected degree programme courses:
During 1st cycle studies:
- Slavic cultural texts analysis – you will learn the basic concepts and research tools, and discover how to critically interpret the meanings of works of Slavic culture.
- South Slavic Culture – you will learn how South Slavic cultures developed, discover their traditions, heritage and regional diversity, and understand how culture, history and contemporary social processes influence the language and literature of this region.
- Practical Slavic language – you will learn to understand written and spoken texts, speak and write fluently in various styles, and correctly apply grammar, vocabulary and linguistic rules in your chosen Slavic language.
During 2nd cycle studies:
- Translation of public service texts – you will gain practical experience in translating texts related to the public services sector. You will learn the basic terminology and how to grasp the meaning of a text, choose appropriate equivalents and convey the content clearly.
- Audiovisual translation – you learn audiovisual translation through practical experience. You translate dialogue for films and video material, create dialogue scripts and work with simple translation software. You learn how to synchronise text with image and sound, how to take the audience into account, select vocabulary from various fields and work with different styles of language.
Forms of classes:
- lectures,
- practicals,
- seminars – classes based on group discussions.
Majors
During your 1st cycle studies, you can choose from three majors:
- Czech,
- Croatian,
- Slovak.
From your very first class, you learn the language through practical application—you speak, write and gradually improve your understanding of spoken language. At the same time, you gain an understanding of the basics of the history and culture of the country the language of which you are learning.
Throughout your studies, you systematically develop your language skills. You also acquire a basic knowledge of linguistics, literary studies, history and culture.
In your second year, you begin studying a second Slavic language. As a result, upon graduation, you will be fluent in two Slavic languages and have a good understanding of the culture and realities of Slavic countries. This provides a solid foundation for further study and work with the language.
During the 2nd cycle studies, you can continue studying the language and culture of your chosen region, provided that a sufficient number of students enrol.
During your 2nd cycle studies, you can choose from two majors:
Slavonic Studies: Translation and Interpreting
This major is a good fit for you if you have completed a Bachelor’s degree (in Slavonic Studies or another programme) and can demonstrate proficiency in a chosen Slavic language at least at B1 level. During your studies, you will learn to translate literary and journalistic texts, as well as legal, marketing and official documents, and you will undertake courses in interpreting and audiovisual translation. You will develop both your target languages to B2+ level, familiarise yourself with the tools of the trade and learn the legal basics essential for this profession. After graduation, you can work as a translator and apply for certification as a sworn translator.
Slavonic Studies: Modern Languages and Cultures of South and West Slavs
This major is for you if you have completed any Bachelor’s degree and do not yet know a Slavic language—you will learn it from scratch. You will develop your language, communication and cultural skills, and explore the literature, culture, social realities, mythology and folklore of Slavic countries. At the same time, you will learn a Western European language. This provides excellent preparation for careers in culture, tourism, business and international organisations—wherever knowledge of the language and the realities of Southern and Western European countries is essential.
Graduation requirements
In order to take the diploma examination, you have to:
- achieve the learning outcomes provided for in the curriculum,
- receive a positive thesis grade.
You finish your studies with a diploma exam with at least a ‘satisfactory’ grade.
As a graduate, you receive a diploma that confirms your qualifications.
Detailed information on the rules for awarding diplomas and the requirements for the diploma thesis can be found in the Rules and Regulations of Studies at the University of Silesia and the Diploma Award Regulations.
Admission process
The admission process for studies at the University of Silesia is carried out via the Online Application System at irk.us.edu.pl (IRK).
You can enrol for a degree programme and find all the necessary information in the IRK system. You will find out how the admissions process works, what the deadlines are, how much the application fee is, and what documents you need to submit.
Questions? Feel free to write to the International Admissions Office or visit rekrutacja.us.edu.pl and irk.us.edu.pl.
Admission rules
Admissions to university for the 1st cycle studies is determined by the results of the Matura exam. We take into account the written examination in the selected subjects.
We take into account the following results:
- modern foreign language – weight 60%
- one subject of your choice with the highest score – weight 20%
- Polish language – weight 20%,
Limit of slots: 50
Admission to the 2nd cycle studies is determined by the grades on your undergraduate degree and your average grade from a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in any degree programme.
For the translation major, knowledge of the target language at a minimum B1 level is required.
Limit of slots: 25
Point thresholds
We do not set minimum point thresholds for any field of study at the University of Silesia. Committees create ranking lists during the admission process. Admission thresholds vary every year, as they depend on the number of candidates, their high school graduation exam results, and the applicable qualification rules.
Internships
There is no compulsory professional internship as part of this programme.
Cooperation
A big advantage of this programme is the opportunity to travel abroad. For example, as part of the Erasmus+ programme, you can:
- go on a scholarship or work placement to one of the Slavic countries,
- study for a semester at a partner university, including in Czechia, Croatia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Serbia, Bulgaria or North Macedonia.
You can also take part in summer schools, internships and study abroad programmes, for example in Prague, Bratislava, Zagreb, Ljubljana or Split.
In addition, the University of Silesia is a member of the Transform4Europe alliance. This allows you to study in an international environment, take part in joint projects and engage with different languages and cultures.
Our students participate in projects such as:
- workshops with business practitioners (PwC),
- workshops on legal terminology,
- film translations for the Cinema on the Border Festival,
- translations for literary festivals.
Contact
More information soon.
Co nas wyróżnia
01.
Elastyczność
Tworzysz własną ścieżkę dzięki różnym formom dydaktycznym oraz świadomemu wyborowi zajęć, opiekunów naukowych i specjalizacji.
02.
Praktyka
Stawiamy na praktykę: staże w firmach, warsztaty oraz zajęcia z ekspertami. Poznasz realia rynku pracy i zasady komercjalizacji badań.
03.
Rozwój
Realizujesz własne projekty badawcze pod okiem mentorów. Wspieramy koła naukowe oraz wyjazdy na wymiany w programach ERASMUS+ i MOST.
04.
JAKOŚĆ
Kształcimy na najwyższym poziomie, co potwierdza akredytacja PKA. Zajęcia prowadzi kadra o wysokich kwalifikacjach i uznanym dorobku naukowym.
Twój profil po studiach
Career paths
After completing your 1st cycle programme, you can continue your studies with a 2nd cycle degree in Slavonic Studies, or pursue an academic career through a PhD programme. Slavonic Studies offer a wide range of practical career opportunities. After graduation, you can, for example:
- work in foreign companies operating in Poland and in Polish enterprises cooperating with other Slavic countries,
- find employment in cultural, educational and research institutions, as well as in publishing houses,
- work in tourism, the service sector and customer service centres,
- pursue a career in diplomatic missions and public administration,
- work in translation agencies and in the creative and audiovisual sectors,
- work in non-governmental organisations and local government bodies cooperating with countries of the Southern and Western Slavic world.
Graduate knowledge
After completing your studies:
- you will be proficient in two chosen Slavic languages (e.g. Czech, Croatian, Slovak, Macedonian, Bulgarian, Slovenian, Serbian) and able to use them in various communicative situations,
- you will understand the mechanisms underlying related languages and the principles of communication between them,
- you will have a grasp of the basics of linguistics and literary studies and know how to apply them in practice,
- you will be familiar with the culture, literature, history and social realities of the countries of South and West Slavic regions,
- you will understand the relationships between language, culture and society,
- you will know the basics of copyright law, principles of ethics and professional conduct,
- you understand the role of the humanities in the modern world.
Graduate skills
After completing your studies:
- you will be proficient in two Slavic languages,
- you will analyse and interpret linguistic, literary and cultural texts,
- you will search for, evaluate and utilise information from books, the internet and databases,
- you prepare oral presentations and written work, including academic texts,
- use new technologies in your work with language and text,
- you work in a team, lead discussions and are able to plan your own learning and work.
Social skills
After completing your studies:
- you will be able to critically evaluate information and your own knowledge,
- you will appreciate the importance of knowledge and be able to seek expert advice,
- you act responsibly and adhere to professional ethics,
- you respect the cultural heritage of Slavic countries and engage in social and cultural life,
- you are able to set priorities, take responsibility for assigned tasks and collaborate with others.
