Russian Studies BA (Hons)

We’ve taught Russian at Nottingham for over 100 years, developing well established and trusted connections. Our academics have wide research interests and this degree will equip you with a thorough understanding of the lives, cultures and societies in the territories of the former Russian Empire and former Soviet Union.<br/><br/>Many students say the highlight of their course is the year abroad, which gives you the opportunity to live and study in a Russian-speaking country. Our students find that the communication skills and confidence gained during this year make their CVs stand out when seeking work after graduation. <br/><br/>You can study Russian at Nottingham as a beginner or as an advanced language student who has already gained an A-level in the language. Over the first two years, you’ll follow either the ‘beginners’ or ‘advanced’ pathway, but everyone will reach the same level of professional proficiency by the end of the course.<br/><br/>In addition to Russian, you may also choose to learn Serbian/Croatian as a second Slavic language to broaden your knowledge of the region.<br/><br/><strong>Study abroad</strong><br/>All our students spend time in Russian-speaking communities to improve their language skills, fluency and confidence. We work with our partner institutions to ensure that students receive excellent tuition and exposure to Russian language and culture. Current placements include: <br/><br/><br/>• Narva, Estonia<br/><br/><br/><br/>• Daugavpils, Latvia<br/><br/><br/><br/>• Yerevan, Armenia<br/><br/><br/><br/><strong>Why choose this course?</strong><br/>- <strong>Top ten for Russian and East European Languages in the UK</strong> - Complete University Guide 2025<br/><br/><br/>- <strong>A great track record</strong> - 85% of students from the Department of Modern Languages and Cultures graduated with either a 1st or 2:1 in 2023<br/><br/><br/>- <strong>Year abroad</strong> - Spend a year abroad immersing yourself in Russian language and cultures<br/><br/><br/>- <strong>Beginners welcome!</strong> Start learning a language from scratch.<br/><br/><br/>- <strong>Learn Serbian/Croatian</strong> - Nottingham is one of the few UK universities to offer this opportunity<br/><br/><br/>- <strong>Wide module range</strong> - Explore many aspects of Russian history and culture, from cinema behind the Iron Curtain to medieval mercenaries<br/><br/><br/>- <strong>Great teaching</strong> - 91% of students from the Department of Modern Languages and Cultures said the teaching staff were good at explaining things (NSS 2024)<br/><br/><br/>- <strong>Tailor the course</strong> to your interests or career aspirations<br/><br/><br/>- <strong>Increase your employability</strong> - Open up job opportunities with foreign language skills<br/><br/><br/>• Work with our dedicated Faculty of Arts Placements Team to assist with your employability skills development via a range of placements, internships and volunteering opportunities<br/><br/><br/><br/><strong>Engaged Arts</strong><br/>All students within the Faculty of Arts can select ‘Engaged Arts’ modules where you’ll approach real world challenges across contemporary themes such as sustainability or equity and justice. These modules have been newly designed to help you gain the skills and analytical abilities that employers are looking for.<br/><br/>You can also access this course through a Foundation Year. This may be suitable if you have faced educational barriers and do not expect to meet the entry requirements for direct entry to a degree course. Please see the UCAS page for the relevant Foundation Year course for further information.