Degree finder

Find out more

Contact: College of Humanities & Social Science Undergraduate Admissions Office

Email: hssug@ed.ac.uk

Phone: +44 (0)131 650 3565

Web: www.delc.ed.ac.uk

Introduction

Russia is the world’s largest country and has the fifth most-used language in the world. After a period of political, social and economic transformation, Russia is playing an increasingly larger role in international politics.

Russian Studies at Edinburgh will give you a solid understanding of the Russian language and culture. You will study Russian literature, art, music and film and the country’s political history.

You will also have the opportunity to study in Russia to improve your language skills and experience Russian culture first hand.

You can study Russian with another European language or as part of a joint honours degree with business studies or European studies.

What you'll study

Year 1

If you have no previous knowledge of Russian you will study Russian Studies 1A. If you have studied the language before, you will take Russian Studies 1B. Both of these courses also explore Russian culture. During the break between first and second year you have the opportunity to spend a month at the Nevsky Institute of Language and Culture in St Petersburg.

Year 2

You will continue to study Russian language and culture and will take courses in Russian literature.

Year 3

You will spend your third year in a Russian-speaking country studying at a university or on a work experience placement. The University of Edinburgh has links with the Moscow Humanities Institute, St Petersburg State University and the Perm State Pedagogical University.

Year 4

In your final year you can choose to specialise in Russian literature, Russian language and society, Russian culture or Russian politics. You will also complete a dissertation in Russian.

Learning and assessment

Most courses are taught through tutorials and computer-assisted learning.

You will be assessed by a combination of coursework and exams.

Careers

There are a variety of opportunities for Russian-speaking graduates within Russia, the UK and other European countries. Russian is becoming an increasingly important language for international business, journalism and law as Russia begins to work more closely with Europe and the US.

Our facilities

Most of the teaching will take place at facilities located within the University’s Central Area. You will also have access to the School’s computer facilities, Russian television, language resources and libraries, as well as all of the University’s libraries and computer labs.

Study abroad

There are opportunities to work and study abroad between first and second year and in your third year.