Russian Studies and Politics

Around 270 million people in the world speak Russian. It is the official language of four countries and is widely understood throughout Eastern Europe and Central Asia. There are also large communities of Russian-speakers in China, the United States, Israel and Western Europe.

As the world's largest country, Russia plays an important role in cultural and political contexts, both local and global. This makes Russian Studies and Politics an ideal joint honours combination.

Russian

On this joint honours programme, you have the opportunity to develop advanced speaking, writing, reading, listening and translating skills in Russian.

Our Year 1 and Year 2 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 when you join us. You also have the option to take a course in Ukrainian Language and Cultures in Year 2.

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.

You will spend Year 3 in a country where Russian is spoken.

Politics

The study of politics focuses on the theory and practice of how societies are governed, and asks questions such as:

• How do our political institutions create collective rules, and who has the power to make them?

• What are the consequences of political decisions?

• What is the nature of a just society, and how do we get there?

Drawing on the expertise of leading academics and researchers in the field, you will explore the origins and present-day contexts of societal conflicts about power, participation, and resources.

You will also study:

• the processes of governance at the local, national, and international levels

• the morality of political action

• the limits of freedom and justice

Why Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a world-leading festival city filled with cinemas, theatres, galleries, libraries and collections.

A cultural powerhouse, it is also a political city; seat of the Scottish Parliament, and home to a range of embassies and consulates.

We have built time abroad into the programme, giving you lived experience of different cultures and political systems.

When you graduate, you will have the combination of language and humanities skills and international perspective valued by employers worldwide.

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 the Russian language and specialise in different aspects of Russian studies and politics as you move through your degree.

• Explore fantastic libraries, collections and galleries 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.