MA Russian Studies and Social Policy
UCAS code: RL74
Duration: 4 years
Delivery: Full-time
School: Literatures, Languages and Cultures
College: Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
Introducing MA Russian Studies and Social Policy
Around 150 million people in the world speak Russian. It is the official language of four countries, is widely understood throughout Eastern Europe, and in the last thirty years has seen transnational mobility on an unprecedented scale.
As the world's largest country, Russia plays an important role in global cultural and political contexts. This makes Russian Studies and Social Policy an ideal joint honours combination.
Russian
On this joint honours programme, you will have the opportunity to develop advanced speaking, writing, reading, listening and translating skills in Russian.
Our Year 1 Russian courses are streamed according to how much of the language you already know, so it does not matter if you are a complete beginner.
Over the course of your four years, you will explore Russian literature and culture, past and present. You will also develop an awareness of Russia's international political and historical contexts.
Social Policy
You will focus on social and economic change, what causes it, and its consequences for society.
Our programme reflects how policies are developed; for example, you will learn about the policy-making process in the UK. You will also study the influence of international bodies such as the EU and OECD.
We deal with a wide array of policy areas, for example:
- health and welfare
- education and labour markets
- family and childhood
We work closely with:
- governments
- NGOs
- third sector and interest representation groups
- international organisations and other external actors
International comparative analyses are one of our main strengths, and we place a strong emphasis on providing our students with empirical research skills.
Why Edinburgh
Edinburgh is a world-leading festival city filled with cinemas, theatres, galleries, libraries and collections.
A cultural powerhouse, it is also a political city - seat of the Scottish Parliament, and home to a range of embassies and consulates.
Our four-year programme is flexible. In Years 1 and 2, as well as your core subjects, you will choose option courses from a wide range of disciplines. You will then specialise as you progress through your honours years.
When you graduate, you will have the combination of language and humanities skills, and the international perspective, valued by employers worldwide.
One of the most attractive characteristics of this four-year programme is its flexibility.
In Years 1 and 2, your pre-honours years, you will choose option courses from a wide range of disciplines in addition to your core subjects of Russian Studies and Social Policy.
As well as broadening your education and skill set, this may enable you to change the focus of your programme in Years 3 and 4, your honours years.
Year 1
Russian
If you have no previous knowledge of Russian you will take Russian Studies 1A, an intensive beginners Russian course. Through classes in grammar, speaking, listening, writing and reading, you will build the foundations of Russian language skills.
If you have studied the language before, you will take Russian Studies 1B which provides advanced Russian language study. The course will consolidate and build on your existing knowledge, with the focus on generating Russian through writing and speaking.
Both our language courses include a unit on Russian culture, with materials studied in translation. You will be introduced to the main historical events that have shaped Russia, and to the cultural and literary works of Russian speakers.
Social Policy
You will take Social Policy and Society. In this course, we will introduce you to core concepts in the analysis of key government policy areas. We do this by contrasting various lenses through which we can understand social policy. You will explore the consequences of different policy decisions by governments for different parts of society.
You will also study Politics of the Welfare State, which examines social policy as a political issue in the UK. It introduces you to the politics of the area that constitutes one of the largest sets of government expenditure.
Option courses
You will complete your Year 1 studies with option courses chosen from a wide range offered by the University.
You can, for example, opt to study another language. We offer one of the widest ranges of languages of any UK university. The majority are suitable for complete beginners and include cultural study.
Other options include, but are not limited to, courses in:
- business, economics and informatics
- politics, social policy, social anthropology and international relations
- art and architectural history
- history, classics and archaeology
- Celtic and Scottish ethnology
- linguistics and language sciences
- philosophy, divinity and law
Year 2
Russian
You will continue to study Russian language, expanding your range of vocabulary and using increasingly complex grammar.
You will practice translation and writing in Russian using extracts from literary texts and other media.
You will also choose one of the following three courses:
- Transnational Russian Culture
- The Golden Age of Russian Literature
- Utopia and Dystopia in 20th-century Russian Literature
Social Policy
You will take Comparative Social Policy: Global Perspectives. This course compares different approaches to social policy in European and non-European countries.
In addition, you will take two social policy courses, which are likely to focus on research skills and the use of evidence in politics and the economy. Further details are subject to our current review of our pre-honours curriculum for Year 2 students.
Option courses
As in Year 1, you will also choose option courses from a wide range offered by the University.
These option courses include a great selection in European languages and cultures that explore literature, film and theatre in themed and comparative contexts.
Typical options include:
- Cultural Responses to War
- Migration, Exile, Diaspora
- Crime and Detection in Literature
- Gender and Culture
- The Coming-of-Age Narrative
- Introduction to European Cinema
- Dynamics of Language and Power
- Languages Beyond University
Year 3
You will spend Year 3 in a country where Russian is spoken, improving your language and independent study skills, and engaging with Russophone, Eastern European and other cultures.
Living abroad will also give you the wider perspective, experience and skills to embrace the opportunities and challenges of life after university.
Although we are not currently sending our Year 3 students to Russia and Ukraine, we are still able to fully support them to spend the year studying abroad. This year, for example, we have students at Tallinn University in Estonia, and at universities in Kazakhstan and Armenia.
Coursework while abroad
We will aim to ensure your experience abroad is as beneficial as possible to your final year, as well as to your wider language learning and cultural awareness.
In addition to the coursework you do for your host institution, you will also complete work for both Social Policy and Russian Studies.
Social Policy
We will encourage you to think about social policy in the country or region where you are spending your year abroad. Typically, you will choose two topics - one per semester - from issues like health, education, the labour market, migration, and crime. You will follow guided reading and write a 4,000 word essay in English on each of your chosen topics.
Russian
You will take an e-learning language course which will count as part of your Year 3 mark and prepare you for your final year Russian courses. Depending on what you intend to do in Year 4, you might also start to prepare for your dissertation.
Keeping in touch
While you are studying abroad for credit, you are still a student at the University of Edinburgh.
The Year Abroad Office and your Student Adviser, both based in the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures (LLC), will check in with you at key points during your Year Abroad. Additionally, each language has a dedicated Year Abroad Coordinator for any academic queries, ensuring you are all set and ready for your final year in Edinburgh.
Just like any other time during your studies, you have access to all University services while you are abroad. These include our:
- Student Wellbeing Service
- Student Counselling
- Student Disability and Learning Support
- University emergency helpline (available 24 hours a day)
Well-being and safety
Your well-being and safety abroad is our first priority. If international travel is not possible or placements are disrupted, for example following travel advice from the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO),we will offer you alternative ways to engage with your subjects. We will support you to meet your learning outcomes for Russian and Social Policy, and prepare you for your final year.
Year 4
You will hone your honours-level language skills in Russian focusing on the core competencies of:
- reading and writing (including translation)
- speaking and listening
You will also take a course in analysing and communicating Social Policy.
In addition to core courses, you will choose from a range of specialist, honours-level option courses. For Russian, these courses cover topics such as:
- The Russian 19th-century novel
- Russian language in its social context
- Russian art
- Post-Soviet politics
- Culture and Power under Stalin
- The Post-Soviet Word, Image and Memory
Building on all the knowledge and skills you have developed over four years, including in independent research, you will complete your dissertation.
Programme structure
Find out more about the compulsory and optional courses in this degree programme.
To give you an idea of what you will study on this programme, we publish the latest available information. However, please note this may not be for your year of entry, but for a different academic year.
Our facilities
On campus
When you are on campus, you can expect to spend most of your time in the University of Edinburgh's Central Area - in class, in the library, or in one of the University’s many social and support spaces.
The Central Area is located on the edge of Edinburgh's historic Old Town, surrounded by lots of green space.
Take a virtual tour of the Central Area
Libraries and collections
The Main University Library holds academic books, journals and databases, films, newspapers and other media. Its holdings include around 14,400 titles in the Russian language, and extensive resources for the study of Social Policy.
The Library is also the home of the University's Centre for Research Collections which brings together:
- more than 400,000 rare books
- six kilometres of archives and manuscripts
- thousands of works of art, historical musical instruments and other objects
Many of the University's Special Collections are digitised and available online from our excellent Resource Centre, computing labs and dedicated study spaces in the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures (LLC).
Events and activities
The Edinburgh University Students' Association (EUSA) supports more than 300 student-led societies and clubs, including the Russian Speaking Society. It also promotes opportunities with local charities through its volunteering centre.
From making friends in language cafes to campaigning on global issues, these student-led groups offer lots of ways to explore your subjects, interests and talents socially.
If you love to write, our online creative writing magazine Babble is the place to publish your:
- prose
- poetry
- drama
- non-fiction
Babble goes out twice a year and includes work written in Russian and eight other European languages. You can get involved in the editorial committee, and launch nights typically include readings and performances.
With the support of our students, one of our Teaching Fellows in Russian Studies has been leading activities to help displaced children from Ukraine with education and music tuition, and adults with language skills.
Read our interview with Ekaterina Popova about welcoming Ukrainian families to Edinburgh
In the city
Edinburgh is a world-leading festival city filled with cinemas, theatres, galleries, libraries and collections. A cultural powerhouse, it is also a political city - seat of the Scottish Parliament, and home to a range of embassies and consulates.
The city's resources for studying literatures, languages, politics and cultures are exceptional, and its world cinema scene is particularly strong.
Many national collections are located close to the University's Central Area, making them easy to access between classes. Highlights include the National Library of Scotland, which has significant Russian holdings.
Study abroad
You will spend Year 3 (a minimum of 30 weeks) in a country where Russian is spoken. This is your chance to immerse yourself in Russophone, Eastern European and other cultures, and to develop your broader life experience and skills towards life after university.
Although we are not currently sending our Year 3 students to Russia and Ukraine, we are still able to fully support them to spend the year studying abroad. This year, for example, we have students abroad in Estonia, Kazakhstan and Armenia.
We know that you are likely to have lots of questions about your Year Abroad. We’ve gone into lots of detail about where you can go and what you can do under ‘What you will study / Year 3’ above. You can also find out more through the University's Study and Work Away Service.
How will I learn?
University is a place to plan your own goals under expert guidance, study independently and in groups, and reflect upon your learning throughout your degree.
Our approach to learning and teaching is active, inclusive and question driven, so it may be different to your experiences at school. It will help you gain the skills for life after university, and we will guide you through the steps from one phase to the next.
Depending on the size of your year group, and which option courses you take, your classes will typically fall into three categories:
- lectures
- tutorials
- seminars
As well as these classes, to get the most out of your courses, you will need to read widely.
We make extensive use of our audio and visual resources, and you will also be encouraged to use online materials.
Lectures
Lectures are taken by all students on a course, typically at the same time. They are delivered as interactive presentations which may involve audio-visual material.
Lectures are given by an experienced academic. They are designed to guide you through the background, questions and debates related to the topic you are studying.
Tutorials
Tutorial groups are smaller. They are also led by an academic, but here the emphasis is more on what you think about the topic yourself. So, tutorials are your chance to discuss and expand upon what you have learned in a lecture.
Language tutorials give you the opportunity to develop your linguistic skills in a range of real-world tasks under the supervision of an experienced language teacher.
These classes typically cover skills such as reading, writing, listening and speaking – all of which involve learning and applying grammar.
Seminars
Seminars blend features of lectures and tutorials. Again, they are designed to encourage and enable your active participation in learning.
On some courses, you will have seminars instead of lectures, especially in Year 4.
Support
As well as the teaching staff, and other staff members you will meet day-to-day, there are lots of ways to get help with your learning, including through the University’s Institute for Academic Development (IAD).
How will I be assessed?
You will be assessed through a combination of coursework and exams. Coursework is generally completed throughout the year, while exams take place at the end of a teaching block.
Coursework may take a range of forms to give you the opportunity to practice different skills. For example, you may be asked to:
- write an essay, review, blog post, opinion piece or learning journal
- respond to a piece of writing, film, or other media, including through close reading
- give a short talk or presentation
- record a podcast or video
- design a poster or presentation
Exams will include oral exams to test your spoken language skills.
Depending on where you go and what you do in Year 3, the year may include being assessed, in part, by a host institution.
In your final year, you will also complete a dissertation.
Skills and experience
Combining a language with social policy demonstrates that you are a good communicator, and someone open to other cultures and new ideas – what employers value as Intercultural Competence.
Beyond the language skills you will develop, you will also gain a nuanced understanding of other cultures, societies and political systems.
Graduating with a four-year Master of Arts degree from the University of Edinburgh shows intellectual maturity, resilience, and flexibility.
The skills you will be able to demonstrate to employers when you graduate include the ability to:
- understand, analyse and articulate complex issues and concepts
- manage your time to meet deadlines on different types of projects
- work independently and as part of a group
Opportunities across sectors
This joint honours programme is an ideal primer for a career in politics, policy work, diplomacy, civil service and law.
An understanding of the Russian language and Russophone culture also opens many other doors. As well as the political sphere, previous graduates have gone on to work in:
- business, finance and commerce
- communications, marketing, advertising and public relations
- education, outreach, advocacy and training
- journalism, broadcasting and media
- leisure, tourism and travel
- publishing, culture, heritage and the arts
- research, development and venture acceleration
- translating and interpreting
Careers span the private, public, not-for-profit, and for-benefit sectors.
Local and global opportunities
With increasing migration in response to changing global dynamics, there is demand for our graduates in Scotland, the UK and abroad.
Wherever you are based in the world, the ability to communicate in another language, and to understand the cultures to which it opens doors, will make you stand out.
If you are keen to work abroad, it’s good to know that around 150 million people in the world speak Russian, which is widely used in global cultural and political contexts. It is the official language of four countries and is commonly understood throughout Eastern Europe. There are also large communities of Russian-speakers in China, Central Asia, the United States, France, Germany, Spain, Norway and the UK.
Further study
The enhanced research skills you will develop on a four-year programme, particularly in your honours years, are a valuable asset if you wish to continue studying at postgraduate level.
At the University of Edinburgh, we typically offer Masters by Research degrees in Russian Studies and in Social and Political Science. These programmes are a good foundation for a PhD, but are equally of value as stand-alone qualifications.
Our portfolio of taught MSc programmes typically includes:
- Global Environment, Politics and Society
- Social Justice and Community Action
- International Relations
- Comparative Literature
- Intermediality
Careers advice
Throughout your time with us, we will encourage you to identify and hone your employability skills.
LLC has a dedicated Careers Consultant within the University's excellent Careers Service.
Through our careers service, you can:
- book one-to-one appointments and practice interviews
- access a range of online resources
- attend themed fairs such as the Creative and Cultural Careers Festival
Popular peer support includes Life After LLC, a panel event where you can draw inspiration from our recent graduates.
Standard entry requirement
The standard entry requirement is:
- SQA Highers: ABBB by end of S5 or AABB/ABBBB by end of S6. BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6.
- A Levels: AAB.
- IB: 36 points with 665 at HL - 34 points with 655 at HL.
Minimum entry requirement
The minimum entry requirement for widening access applicants is:
- SQA Highers: ABBB by end of S6. BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6.
- A Levels: ABB.
- IB: 34 points with 655 at HL.
More information for widening access applicants
Required subjects
The grades used to meet our entry requirements must include:
- SQA: Highers: no specific Higher subjects required. National 5s: a language other than English at B and English at C.
- A Levels: no specific A Level subjects required. GCSEs: a language other than English at B or 6 and English at C or 4.
- IB: HL: no specific subjects required. SL: a language other than English at 5 and English at 5.
Additional requirements
Language requirement
For degrees that have a subject requirement of a language other than English, students may not use their own native language to meet this requirement. In these instances, English or an alternative language other than native will be acceptable.
Find out more about entry requirements
International applicants
We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.
International Foundation Programme
If you are an international student and your school qualifications are not accepted for direct entry to the University you may be eligible for admission to this degree programme through our International Foundation Programme.
International Foundation Programme
Mature applicants
We welcome applications from mature students and accept a range of qualifications.
Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency which will enable you to succeed in your studies.
SQA, GCSE and IB
For SQA, GCSE and IB students, unless a higher level is specified in the stated entry requirements, a pass is required in English at the following grades or higher:
- SQA National 5 at C
- GCSE at C or 4
- Level 2 Certificate at C
- IB Standard Level at 5 (English ab initio is not accepted for entry)
English language tests
We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:
- IELTS Academic: total 6.5 with at least 5.5 in each component.We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
- TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 92 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
- C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 176 with at least 162 in each component.
- Trinity ISE: ISE II with distinctions in all four components.
- PTE Academic: total 65 with at least 54 in each component. We do not accept PTE Academic Online.
- Oxford ELLT: 7 overall with at least 5 in each component.*
We also accept a wider range of international qualifications and tests.
Unless you are a national of a majority English speaking country, your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start of the month in which the degree you are applying to study begins. If you are using an IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL, Oxford ELLT, or Trinity ISE test, it must be no more than two years old on the first of the month in which the degree begins, regardless of your nationality.
(*Revised 24 May 2024 to change PTE Academic requirement from total 62 with at least 54 in each component, and to clarify that we do not accept PTE Academic online. Revised 29 August 2024 to add Oxford ELLT requirements.)
This information is part of a government initiative to enhance the material that higher education institutions provide about their degree programmes.
It is one of many sources of information which will enable you to make an informed decision on what and where to study.
Please note that some programmes do not have Discover Uni data available.
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees for MA Russian Studies and Social Policy
Additional costs
As long as international travel is possible, you will spend Year 3 abroad. The costs you have to pay will depend on where you decide to go, and how you spend your time.
Some study placements at language schools may charge a fee, but we will normally refund you for tuition costs as long as your activity has been approved. You will be responsible for associated travel costs such as flights and visas.
Funding
For more information on how much it will cost to study with us and the financial support available see our fees and funding information.
- Have a query about undergraduate study?
- Send an enquiry
12 degrees in Russian Studies
- Russian Studies (MA) R700
- Russian Studies and Classics (MA) RQ78
- Russian Studies and English Language (MA) QR37
- Russian Studies and English Literature (MA) RQ73
- Russian Studies and History (MA) RV71
- Russian Studies and History of Art (MA) RV73
- Russian Studies and Linguistics (MA) RQ71
- Russian Studies and Philosophy (MA) RV75
- Russian Studies and Politics (MA) LR27
- Russian Studies and Scandinavian Studies (MA) RR76
- Russian Studies and Social Policy (MA) RL74
- Russian Studies and Spanish (MA) RR74
You may also be interested in
Search the degree finder
12 degrees in Russian Studies
- Russian Studies (MA) R700
- Russian Studies and Classics (MA) RQ78
- Russian Studies and English Language (MA) QR37
- Russian Studies and English Literature (MA) RQ73
- Russian Studies and History (MA) RV71
- Russian Studies and History of Art (MA) RV73
- Russian Studies and Linguistics (MA) RQ71
- Russian Studies and Philosophy (MA) RV75
- Russian Studies and Politics (MA) LR27
- Russian Studies and Scandinavian Studies (MA) RR76
- Russian Studies and Social Policy (MA) RL74
- Russian Studies and Spanish (MA) RR74