Baltic Studies is a philological discipline that focuses on Lithuanian and Latvian cultures in both research and teaching. It examines these cultures from various perspectives, such as linguistics, literary studies, folklore, and regional studies, with particular emphasis on the 19th and 20th centuries.

Baltic Studies is a theory-based discipline. Unlike Latvian Studies and Lithuanian Studies, it has a comparative aspect and is therefore not limited to the study of individual languages and literatures. Comparative interpretations are conducted not only within the narrower Baltic context but also across broader cultural areas, such as the so-called Baltic Sea region.

Individual interests and the chosen combination of subjects are crucial for your subsequent career path. At the University of Greifswald’s Faculty of Arts and Humanities, Baltic Studies can, be combined with one of the following second subjects: Fine Arts, German as a Foreign Language, History, Communication Studies, History of Art, Music, Musicology, Public Law, Private Law, Philosophy, Political Science, Economics and Business Administration, or another philology such as British and North American Studies, Finnish Studies, German Studies, Scandinavian Studies or Slavonic Studies. These combinations pave the way for careers in the tourism industry, culture and literature management, cultural news departments in various media, translation agencies, publishing houses, cultural departments of public institutions, museums, as well as in international law institutions, EU administration, and diplomatic missions. Study visits to partner universities in Rīga, Rēzekne, Vilnius, Kaunas and Klaipėda offer the best opportunities to gain relevant experience.

At the Department of Baltic Studies, students benefit from excellent learning conditions in small seminar groups and an international atmosphere. The modern Departmental Library, located on the new campus, is well-equipped with the German special collection Baltische Länder (‘Baltic Countries’). Thanks to the good infrastructure of the so-called ‘Cycling Capital of Germany’, all of the town’s locations relevant to student life can be quickly reached by bicycle. The beautiful location of the Hanseatic town on the Baltic Sea, with its offshore islands and the Bodden landscapes, invites you to enjoy nature and get stuck into outdoor activities such as sailing, surfing and water touring.