Russian Studies

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, is commonly understood throughout Eastern Europe, and in the last thirty years has seen transnational mobility on an unprecedented scale. Today, there are large communities of Russian-speakers in China, Central Asia, the United States, and Western Europe.

Language learning

Through intensive language study on our flexible four-year programme, you 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.

Cultural studies

Over the course of your studies, you will explore Russian and Russian-speaking (Russophone) literature and culture, past and present. You will also develop an awareness of Russia's international political and historical contexts.

In your honours years, you will choose from specialist options in:

* Russian and comparative literature and culture

* Russian language in its social context

* Post-Soviet culture

Why Edinburgh

As a world-leading festival and capital city, Edinburgh is a fantastic place for language learning. The first lecture in Russian was given at the University in 1919, and Russian Studies was introduced as an undergraduate degree programme in 1949, the first of its kind in Scotland.

Studying over four years enables you to choose courses, including from other disciplines, that match your own interests, expertise and employability needs. It gives you the blend of specialist skills and Intercultural Competence valued in a range of careers around the globe.