Maria Curie-Skłodowska University (UMCS) in Lublin and the Catholic University of Lublin (KUL) are planning to create a joint course of study called ‘Polish Studies’. A letter of intent in this regard was signed by the rector of the Maria Curie-Skłodowska University (UMCS), Prof. Radosław Dobrowolski, and the rector of the Catholic University of Lublin (KUL), Rev. Prof. Mieczysław Kalinowski.

The new course will be conducted remotely and would start in the academic year 2025/2026.

According to the UMCS, the project will initially involve the production of 10 multimedia thematic e-courses in English, covering issues from various areas (including: Polish history, Polish literature and art, the contribution of Polish scholars to technical thought and world science, Polish material heritage, modernity).

Each will conclude with an exam in an online format. Ultimately, they will be Bachelor’s and Master’s level distance learning programmes in English delivered at both universities.

The original concept of the programme was developed by Prof. Jan Pomorski, from the Department of Digital Humanities and Methodology of History at Maria Curie-Skłodowska University. In the long term, it is planned to launch studies (supervised by KUL and UMCS) conducted on one of the global educational platforms – COURSERA, which will ensure their international recognition and access to unique recruitment channels.

Polish Studies will be aimed mainly at foreigners who want to explore Polish culture, history and knowledge of Polish literature.

Together, KUL and UMCS are planning to seek funding for the project from the Ministry of Education and Science, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage and the Copernicus Academy.

Adrian Andrzejewski