Russian Studies

Russian studies is a discipline that opens access to one of the richest and most consequential literary, intellectual and political traditions in the world. Russian is spoken by over 150 million people and is one of the six official languages of the United Nations. Understanding Russia, its language, history, literature, politics and culture, is more important now than at almost any point since the Cold War, given Russia's role in European and global politics, its relationship with neighbouring countries and the continuing significance of its intellectual and artistic legacy.

At the University of Edinburgh, this four-year full-time programme provides high-level language training alongside a wide-ranging exploration of Russia's culture, society, history, politics and literature. You will develop fluency in reading, writing, listening and speaking in Russian, engaging with the language not merely as a communication system but as the vehicle for one of the world's great literary traditions, encompassing writers from Pushkin and Tolstoy to Chekhov, Bulgakov and Akhmatova. Alongside literary study, you will examine Russian history from the imperial period through the Soviet era and beyond, the political systems and ideologies that have shaped the country, and Russia's relationships with the wider world.

You will develop intercultural awareness and communication skills alongside linguistic proficiency, building the capacity to engage thoughtfully and critically with Russian culture and society from a well-informed perspective.

Graduates go on to careers in diplomacy and foreign affairs, international business, journalism, translation and interpreting, the civil service, intelligence services, international organisations, academia and education. Proficiency in Russian is a rare and valued skill in the current geopolitical environment. Many go on to postgraduate study in Russian studies, area studies, international relations, translation or related fields.