Undergraduate study - 2024 entry
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Undergraduate study - 2024 entry
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Subject area: Russian Studies

Why choose Russian Studies at the University of Edinburgh?

  • The oldest Russian teaching organisation in Scotland, we have been offering undergraduate degree programmes in Russian Studies since 1949.

  • We are ranked 3rd in the UK and in the world's top 10 for modern languages in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023.

  • You will study in a world-leading festival city filled with cinemas, theatres, galleries, libraries and collections. These include outstanding Russian-language holdings in both the University's Main Library and the National Library of Scotland.

  • From making friends in language cafes to campaigning on global issues, the Edinburgh University Students' Association (EUSA) supports more than 300 student-led activities, including the Russian Society. There's also a peer support scheme for Russian Studies and, if you love to write, a creative writing magazine especially for European languages.

Study abroad

Studying Russian at Edinburgh has been wonderful. The environment in the department is really friendly and welcoming, and teachers are very supportive and helpful in working with you to explore the parts of the subject that you find interesting.

Matt 3rd year MA (Hons) Russian Studies
Matt 3rd year MA (Hons) Russian Studies

Introducing Russian Studies

Spoken by millions of people in Europe, Central Asia and beyond, Russian is the language of some of the most iconic literary and cultural works in history. Study Russian with us, and you will learn the language while exploring its social, cultural and political contexts, including through literature and film.

We welcome students with varying levels of knowledge of the Russian language, including none at all. Even as a complete beginner, you can take Russian as a single honours degree programme, or jointly with one of a wide range of other subjects, including other European languages.

One of the most attractive characteristics of our four-year programmes is their flexibility. This means that you will engage with a number of subjects in Years 1 and 2, and specialise thereafter, choosing from a wide range of specialist options.

Teaching takes place in the University of Edinburgh's Central Area, which is located on the edge of Edinburgh's historic Old Town, surrounded by lots of green space.

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