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Languages, Linguistics and Cultures

Germanic & Slavic Studies (GMST)

Two students are sitting solemnly holding hands at a memorial site, in front of a reflective pool.
Students visit a memorial site while participating in the I-Witness Holocaust field school.

Do you want to build your language proficiency in German, Russian or Ukrainian? Do you like exploring new cultures? Have you considered studying or working abroad? Germanic and Slavic Studies offers classes in German, Russian and Ukrainian, plus courses in film, literature and cultural studies. You'll also have opportunities to participate in study abroad or field school experiences.

Major programs

We offer a major in Germanic studies and a major in Slavic studies. In each of these programs, you'll take language classes, as well as classes in history, film, literature and popular culture. When you major in Germanic or Slavic studies, you'll have enough room in your university degree requirements to double major in a second field.

Major in Germanic studies

Major in Slavic studies

Minor & general programs

We offer minor and general programs in Germanic studies and Slavic studies. These programs offer flexibility in combining your interest in Germanic or Slavic languages and cultures with other areas of interest. 

General and minor in Germanic studies

General and minor in Slavic studies

Honours programs

For students who are interested in graduate study and research, we offer honours programs in Germanic studies and Slavic studies. In addition to coursework in language and culture, honours students will work closely with faculty to research and write an original thesis.

Honours program in Germanic studies

Honours program in Slavic studies

Certificates

Level up your degree by completing a Certificate in Language and Cultural Proficiency! In only 10 units of coursework, you'll develop language proficiency and explore diverse histories and cultures.

Certificate in Language and Cultural Proficiency: German

Certificate in Language and Cultural Proficiency: Russian

Micro-Certificate: Teaching the Holocaust

Cover of But I Live: Three Stories of Child Survivors of the Holocaust
But I Live: Three Stories of Child Survivors of the Holocaust (2022), edited by Charlotte Schallié and illustrated by Barbara Yelin, Gilad Seliktar and Miriam Libicki. Available for purchase at the University of Victoria bookstore.

Teaching the Holocaust

Preparing you to teach the Holocaust with confidence.

Given the alarming rise in antisemitism, both nationally and internationally, Holocaust education plays a vital role in countering hatred and historical misinformation. This program presents a critical pathway to contextualize traumatic histories and promote a more peaceful and equitable future. By exposing the dangers of dehumanization and discrimination, it provides an important platform for combating these threats and safeguarding democracies worldwide.Gain the skills to develop age-appropriate, trauma-informed teaching materials to convey the stories and voices of the Holocaust with empathy and sensitivity.

Explore the program

MA in Germanic and Slavic Studies

Our 2-year Master of Arts (MA) program in Germanic and Slavic Studies features seminar classes and a dual focus on academic and professionalization skills. We foster critical thinking and intellectual curiosity, maintaining a vibrant program that engages students to conduct original research. The unique Holocaust studies stream is the only program of its kind in Canada.

Our Streams

The MA in Germanic and Slavic Studies offers 3 possible streams of study, plus the additional option to pursue an interdisciplinary concentration in Cultural, Social & Political Thought:

Germanic and Slavic Studies Streams

Admissions to the MA in Germanic Studies and MA in Slavic Studies are currently on pause. We will post updates on this page once the next intake year for these programs has been determined.

Holocaust Studies Stream

The Holocaust Studies stream admits new students every two years. The next students will be admitted for September 2027. The application deadline will be January 15th, 2027.

Interested in Applying to Holocaust Studies?

Please join one of our Zoom information sessions:

Session 1: Monday Oct. 26, 2026 - 10:00am to 11:00am (PCT)

Session 2: Wednesday Nov. 25, 2026 - 12:00pm to 1:00pm (PCT)

Session 3: Tuesday Dec. 8, 2026 - 3:00pm to 4:00pm (PCT)

Contact Dr. Helga Thorson to register.

 Forms & resources

Extra-Curricular Learning

Germanic & Slavic Studies Course Union (GSSU)

The Germanic & Slavic Studies Course Union (GSSU) is a community of undergraduate students that hosts regular social events like arcade nights, pizza nights, tea and cake socials and more!

Students can also join their regular meetings online via Zoom.

Russian language Cafés

Russian Language Cafés offer the opportunity for complete beginners, with little to no Russian experience, to review vocabulary, Cyrillic script, and practice what you have learned in class.

  • Dates: Every Friday
  • Time: 1:30 to 2:30PM
  • Location: Clearihue (CLE) D358

Ready to apply?

Ready to apply to UVic? We'll walk you through the application process.

How to apply to UVic - Undergraduate Studies

 How to apply to UVic - Graduate Studies

Questions? Talk to a recruiter or attend one of our events.