The University of Edinburgh - Undergraduate Open Day
22 Jun 2026, 08:30
Edinburgh
Russian Studies and Scandinavian Studies
- Master of Arts (with Honours)
- 4 Years
- Full-Time
- 13 September 2027
- Undergraduate
- Central area campus
Course summary
This joint honours programme gives you the opportunity to study the languages and cultures of two neighbouring and influential parts of modern Europe.
Around 270 million people in the world speak Russian, while the languages of Denmark, Norway and Sweden have long had a considerable impact beyond the Nordic region.
No previous knowledge of any of the languages is needed. Through intensive language study, including a year abroad, you will have the opportunity to acquire advanced spoken and written skills in Russian and a Scandinavian language - either Danish, Norwegian or Swedish.
As well as your language classes, you will explore aspects of Russian-speaking (Russophone), Scandinavian and Nordic culture. Courses cover literature, history, politics, and languages in themed and comparative contexts.
Why Edinburgh
As a world-leading festival and capital city, Edinburgh is a fantastic place to study languages in their cultural context. We are the proud home of the Northern Scholars Scheme which fosters co-operation between the Nordic and Baltic countries and Scotland.
We are the only university in Scotland, and one of only two in the UK, to offer undergraduate programmes with joint honours in Scandinavian Studies.
As well as being distinctive in our subject offering, we are also unique in Scotland in integrating a full academic year abroad into the four-year honours programme. It doesn't matter if you spend the whole year studying, or combine study with a work placement.
Studying over four years enables you to choose courses that match your own interests, expertise and employability needs. It gives you the blend of specialist knowledge and intercultural skills valued in a range of careers around the globe.
Programme benefits
-
Study over four years, giving you the choice and flexibility to try out different things.
-
Go abroad for the first of your honours years - Year 3.
-
Build up to fluency in two languages, and specialise in different aspects of Russian studies and Scandinavian studies as you move through your degree.
-
Explore fantastic libraries and collections at the University and in the city.
-
Join societies, attend events, and try your hand at creative writing, publishing and more.
-
Gain the skills and confidence for life after university.
How to apply
Apply by
13 January 2027
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- RR76
- Institution code:
- E56
- Campus name:
- Central area campus
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Typical qualification requirements
A levelAAA-ABB
Required subjects: A levels: a language other than English at B. GCSEs: English at C or 4.
UCAS TariffNot accepted
Scottish HigherABBB
ABBB by end of S5 or AABB/ABBBB by end of S6 (Standard). ABBB by end of S6 (Minimum). BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6. Required subjects: Highers: a language other than English at B. National 5s: English at C.
International Baccalaureate Diploma ProgrammeOffer: 34
34 points with 655 at HL. Required subjects: HL: a language other than English at 5. SL: English at 5.
This degree programme has a subject requirement of a language other than English. You may not use your own native language to meet this requirement. English or an alternative language other than native will be acceptable.
Detailed entry requirements, including typical offer levels, and information about other qualifications we accept, are available on the University of Edinburgh’s website. You’ll also find important information on how to apply. You must submit a fully completed UCAS application that includes details of the qualifications you are taking, including full predicted grades for qualifications not yet completed, your personal statement and your reference. https://study.ed.ac.uk/programmes/undergraduate/2027/530-russian-studies-and-scandinavian-studies?utm_source=ucas&utm_medium=programme&utm_campaign=ug_institution_profiles&utm_content=listing
Minimum Qualification Requirements
Typical qualification requirements
A level ABB
Required subjects: A levels: a language other than English at B. GCSEs: English at C or 4.
Scottish Higher ABBB
ABBB by end of S5 or AABB/ABBBB by end of S6 (Standard). ABBB by end of S6 (Minimum). BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6. Required subjects: Highers: a language other than English at B. National 5s: English at C.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme Offer: 34
34 points with 655 at HL. Required subjects: HL: a language other than English at 5. SL: English at 5.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | 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) | total 92 with at least 20 in each component (before 21 Jan 2026); total 4.5 with at least 4.0 in each component (from 21 Jan 2026). We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements. | |
| Cambridge English Advanced | total 176 with at least 162 in each component. | |
| Cambridge English Proficiency | total 176 with at least 162 in each component. | |
| Trinity ISE | ISE II with distinctions in all four components. |
You must prove that you can read, write, listen and speak in the English language at a level that will allow you to succeed in your studies. This is the case for all applicants, including UK nationals. You can meet our English language requirements with qualifications from school or an English language test. We accept any of the following, at the specified grade or higher: National 5: English at C; GCSE: English at C or 4; Level 2 Certificate: English at C; International Baccalaureate (IB) Standard Level: English at 5 (English ab initio is not accepted for entry). Before you apply, check the required subjects for this programme, as you may need a higher English grade to meet the academic requirements. If you don’t have school qualifications that meet our requirements, we accept any of the English language tests, at the specified grade or higher, as detailed above. We also accept other English language tests and qualifications from around the world. Qualifications from the following English language tests must be no more than two years old from the start date of your programme, regardless of your nationality: IELTS, TOEFL, Oxford ELLT, Oxford Test of English Advanced, Trinity ISE. All other types of English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of your programme. If you are a national of a majority English-speaking country or region, as defined by UKVI, there is no time limit on how old these other types of English language qualifications can be.https://study.ed.ac.uk/undergraduate/entry-requirements/english-language
Contextual admissions
Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.
The University of Edinburgh welcomes students from the UK and all over the world. We accept a wide range of qualifications and our policies support students with diverse backgrounds and experience. UCAS entry grade data is currently not available for our degrees but we publish admissions statistics on our website. We also provide information on widening access offers and entry requirements.
International entry requirements
We accept a wide range of international qualifications. https://study.ed.ac.uk/undergraduate/entry-requirements/international-qualifications
Historical entry grades data
This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course with (learn more).
It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place.
Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.
Not available
Historical entry grades data is not currently available for The University of Edinburgh - we are working with them to try and make it available soon - learn more.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
Per year tuition fees
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Scotland | £1820 | |
| England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Channel Islands & Republic of Ireland | £10050 | |
| EU & International | £31100 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.
Additional fee information
Scotland - Scottish students must apply to the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) for payment of their tuition fees.
England/Wales/Northern Ireland - The Rest of UK (RUK) students commencing or continuing their studies in September 2027, the tuition fees will be £10,050.
EU On 9th July 2020 the decision was made by the Scottish Government to end free university tuition for European Union (EU) students starting in 2021-22. Funding policy for EU nationals and associated groups starting a course of study in academic year 2022-23 or later will be in line with international fees.
Full time international and EU students will pay a fixed annual fee rate for the duration of their programme
Course contact details
Student Recruitment & Admissions
Email:futurestudents@ed.ac.uk
Phone:0131 650 1000
The University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh
Old College
South Bridge
Edinburgh
EH8 9YL
Related courses
At The University of Edinburgh
Like this page