Russian and History

History at University College London offers a comprehensive exploration of the past, enabling students to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deep understanding of historical processes across different periods and regions. This undergraduate programme provides a broad curriculum that covers key themes in world history, with opportunities to specialise in particular areas such as British, European, or global history. Students will engage with primary and secondary sources, learn to interpret historical evidence, and develop their own historical arguments. The programme emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach, integrating insights from politics, sociology, and cultural studies to enhance understanding of historical contexts. Throughout their studies, students will benefit from UCL's distinguished faculty, access to extensive archives, and participation in seminars, workshops, and research projects. The degree program aims to prepare graduates for diverse careers, including academia, journalism, policy analysis, and public history. Students are encouraged to undertake internships and study abroad opportunities to gain practical experience and broaden their perspectives. By the end of the programme, students will have acquired a nuanced understanding of how historical forces shape contemporary society and will be equipped with the skills to critically analyse complex historical issues. This programme is suitable for students with a passion for understanding the past and a desire to explore its relevance to present-day challenges.

In each year of your degree you will take a number of individual modules, normally valued at 0.5 or 1.0 credits, adding up to a total of 4.0 credits for the year. Modules are assessed in the academic year in which they are taken. The balance of compulsory and optional modules varies from programme to programme and year to year. A 1.0 credit is considered equivalent to 15 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).

Our aim is to provide a thorough grounding and opportunities for specialisation in history and politics. Alongside the development of disciplinary expertise, the degree programme promotes cross-disciplinary insight. You will learn how polities and societies evolve, how different disciplinary perspectives relate to each other, and how these perspectives can combine to give a more nuanced understanding of the Americas and their global relevance.

In years one and two you will take two core modules each year, plus options in history and politics. Language options are also available for students interested in learning relevant language skills.

In your final year, you will take an advanced module, designed to encourage you to engage with contemporary issues and share your knowledge with audiences outside UCL. You will also complete a dissertation and take history and politics optional modules.

A levels

Grades

AAA

Subjects

No specific subjects.

GCSEs

English Language and Mathematics at grade C. For UK-based students, a grade C or equivalent in a foreign language (other than Ancient Greek, Biblical Hebrew or Latin) is required. UCL provides opportunities to meet the foreign language requirement following enrolment, further details at: www.ucl.ac.uk/ug-reqs

IB Diploma

Points

38

Subjects

A score of 18 points in three higher level subjects, with no score lower than 5.

The Financing component of the Russian and History programme at University College London is designed to offer students comprehensive insights into the economic aspects of Russian history and society. This module encompasses the study of financial systems, economic policies, and monetary practices within Russia, from historical periods to contemporary times. Students explore how financial institutions and policies influenced political developments, social change, and economic transformation in Russia. The programme provides training in analysing historical financial data, understanding the role of banking and currency, and assessing economic challenges faced by Russia across different eras. Tuition fees are aligned with UCL's standard fee structure for arts and humanities postgraduate programmes, varying depending on the student's residency status. International students should expect higher tuition fees compared to domestic students. Financial support options include scholarships, bursaries, and funding opportunities offered through UCL and external bodies. Students are encouraged to apply early for financial aid to secure funding for their studies. Additionally, part-time work opportunities on campus may help offset living expenses. The programme also emphasizes developing skills relevant for careers in academia, research, policy analysis, and cultural institutions. UCL's central London location provides access to numerous archives, libraries, and cultural organizations, enriching the educational experience and offering various opportunities for internships and research projects related to financial history. Overall, the Financing studies within the Russian and History programme aim to equip students with a robust understanding of Russia's economic past and present, critical analytical skills, and practical knowledge to excel in related professional fields.

The BA History and Russian program at University College London offers students a unique opportunity to engage in in-depth study of two distinct but interconnected fields. The program combines the broad chronological and thematic expertise of history with the linguistic, cultural, and political insights gained through the study of the Russian language and culture. Students enrolled in this programme develop a comprehensive understanding of historical processes and critical perspectives while gaining fluency in Russian, which enhances their understanding of Eastern Europe, Russia, and global affairs. The curriculum encompasses a wide range of historical topics, from medieval Russia and the Russian Empire to contemporary Russia, and includes modules on Russian literature, politics, society, and culture. The inclusion of language study aims to produce graduates who are proficient speakers, readers, and writers of Russian, capable of engaging with primary sources and scholarly work in the original language.

Throughout the programme, students are encouraged to explore diverse perspectives and undertake independent critical research. They benefit from UCL’s extensive resources, including libraries, special collections, and research centers dedicated to Russian studies and history. The programme emphasizes analytical skills, historical methodology, and language competency, preparing students for various career paths such as academia, international relations, diplomacy, journalism, cultural management, or further postgraduate research.

The programme is structured to include core modules, optional modules, and a dissertation, allowing students to tailor their studies to their interests and career plans. It is designed to be interdisciplinary, fostering an understanding of the social, political, and cultural contexts shaping Russian history and contemporary society. The faculty comprises experts in Russian history, language, and culture who provide students with high-quality teaching and research supervision. Opportunities for studying abroad or engaging in relevant internships may be available, further enriching the student experience.

Overall, the BA History and Russian at UCL is a rigorous programme that offers a comprehensive education in both disciplines, fostering critical thinking, linguistic proficiency, and a nuanced understanding of Russia’s historical trajectory and cultural landscape. Graduates exit well-equipped for various professional roles and further academic pursuits, with the ability to operate confidently in multilingual and multicultural environments related to Russian studies.