Russian Studies

The BA in Russian Studies at University College London offers an interdisciplinary and comprehensive exploration of the Russian language, culture, history, politics, and society. This programme is designed for students interested in gaining a deep understanding of Russia’s complex and dynamic role in the world. Throughout the course, students develop advanced language skills in Russian, enabling them to read, write, and communicate effectively in both academic and professional contexts. The programme emphasizes the development of critical thinking and analytical skills, encouraging students to engage with a wide range of sources, from literary and historical texts to contemporary media.

Students will have the opportunity to study Russian literature, including classics by Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, and Chekhov, as well as modern works that reflect Russia’s social and political changes. The programme covers key topics such as Russian history from medieval times to the present, Imperial and Soviet eras, and post-Soviet transformations. Additionally, students examine Russia’s political systems, foreign policy, economy, and cultural developments, gaining perspectives on how Russia interacts with the wider world.

The programme offers a variety of modules that allow students to tailor their studies according to their interests, whether focusing more on language, literature, history, or politics. Practical skills are reinforced through language workshops, translation exercises, and study trips, providing hands-on experience that prepares students for careers in international relations, diplomacy, journalism, academia, and business.

UCL’s strong links with institutions in Russia and abroad further enrich the learning experience, offering opportunities for internships, exchanges, and collaborative research projects. The programme’s multi-disciplinary approach, combining language proficiency with cultural and political analysis, equips students with a versatile skill set suitable for a range of global careers. Graduates of this programme emerge as informed, culturally aware, and linguistically competent individuals ready to navigate the complexities of the modern world with a solid understanding of Russia’s place within it.

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).

Compulsory Russian language modules form part of years one, two and four for all students. You will choose a minor language (which counts for 25% of your study time) from Bulgarian, Czech/Slovak, Finnish, Hungarian, Polish, Romanian, Serbian/Croatian or Ukrainian.

Your third year is spent in Russia. The department can offer a choice of options not only in Moscow and St Petersburg but also in other cities. Immersing yourself in the language and culture of Russia will significantly improve your depth of understanding and fluency.

A levels

Grades

AAB-ABB

Subjects

Russian or an Eastern European Language required.

GCSEs

English Language and a foreign language (other than Ancient Greek, Biblical Hebrew or Latin) at grade B, plus Mathematics at grade C.

IB Diploma

Points

34-36

Subjects

A score of 16-17 points in three higher level subjects including Russian or an Eastern European Language, with no score lower than 5.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

The university offers a range of financial support options for students enrolled in the Russian Studies program at University College London. These include scholarships, grants, and bursaries designed to assist with tuition fees and living costs. Students are encouraged to apply for merit-based scholarships such as the UCL Scholarships for Excellence, which are awarded competitively based on academic achievement and potential. Additionally, there are country-specific bursaries available for students from certain regions, as well as funding opportunities for students demonstrating financial need. The university also participates in government loan schemes and provides information about external funding sources, including international organizations and governmental support programs.

Students may also consider part-time work opportunities both on and off-campus to help finance their studies. UCL's Career Service provides guidance on job searching and balancing work with academic commitments. For international students, there are specific scholarships and financial aid programs designed to support their international status and help offset higher tuition fees. The university's financial aid office offers personalized advice and assistance to help students identify suitable funding options based on their individual circumstances.

Furthermore, UCL has partnerships with external funding agencies and offers advice on applying for research grants or teaching assistantships for postgraduate students. The university aims to ensure accessible education through a combination of these funds and support initiatives. Overall, the university’s financing studies program for Russian Studies is comprehensive, providing ample opportunities for students to secure financial assistance and reduce the economic barriers to studying at UCL. Applicants are advised to review the university’s official website regularly for updates on available funding and application procedures.

The Russian Studies program at University College London (UCL) offers students a comprehensive opportunity to explore the language, culture, history, and politics of Russia. This program is designed for students who have a strong interest in Russia and wish to gain a deep understanding of its society, traditions, and contemporary issues. The curriculum typically includes modules in the Russian language at various levels, from beginners to advanced, allowing students to develop their linguistic skills to a high standard. In addition to language studies, students engage with courses on Russian literature, history, politics, and culture, which enable them to contextualize language skills within broader societal and historical frameworks.

UCL's Russian Studies program emphasizes critical thinking and analytical skills, encouraging students to explore complex topics such as post-Soviet politics, identity, and cultural transformations. The program often includes opportunities for research, coursework, and possibly field visits or cultural events related to Russia, enhancing experiential learning. Students are supported by experienced faculty members who are experts in their fields, providing mentorship and guidance throughout their studies.

The program aims to prepare graduates for careers in international relations, diplomacy, journalism, academia, or business, where knowledge of Russian language and culture is valuable. Many students have the opportunity to participate in exchange programs or study abroad placements in Russia, gaining firsthand experience of the language and culture.

Overall, UCL's Russian Studies program is tailored to equip students with a balanced mix of language proficiency, cultural literacy, and critical analytical skills, making graduates competitive in diverse fields related to Russia and the broader Eurasian region. The program's flexible structure allows students to tailor their studies according to their interests, combining language acquisition with thematic modules on history, politics, and literature.