“I am really interested in studying Russian history, culture and literature, and I really enjoy being taught by people who are so passionate about what they do and so encouraging and lovely. Moreover, the department encourage and support you in finding your own areas of research interest and pursuing those.”
- Edinburgh, Scotland
Entry requirements
The University offers different entry requirements, depending on your background. Find out more about Standard, Minimum and Gateway entry requirements using academic entry explained and see which entry requirements you need to look at using the entry requirements indicator.
For degrees combining more than one subject, the subject with the higher entry requirements determines the grades you need. You will also need to meet any further subject-specific entry requirements as outlined on their pages.
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- Standard entry grades:
- AAAB
- Minimum entry grades:
- AABB
- Gateway entry grades:
- Applicants who have narrowly missed the minimum entry grades, but meet the University's contextual criteria, may be interested in one of the University’s Gateway programmes.
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- Standard entry grades:
- AAB
- Minimum entry grades:
- ABB
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- Standard entry grades:
- 36 (HL 6,6,5)
- Minimum entry grades:
- 36 (HL 6,5,5)
General entry requirements
All applicants must have attained the following qualifications, or equivalent, in addition to the specific entry requirements for individual programmes.
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SQA National 5 (B) in English and one SQA National 5 (B) from the following:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Computing science
- Geography
- Lifeskills Mathematics (A grade)
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Psychology.
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GCSE (5) in English language or English literature, and one GCSE (5) from the following:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Computing Science
- Geography
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Psychology.
Other qualifications
We accept a wide range of qualifications for entry on to our programmes. Please see our entry requirements for more information.
More information on how to apply via other entry routes or accreditation of prior learning and experience can be found on the University’s entry requirements web page.
Do I need to have studied this subject before?
No prior knowledge of Russian is necessary. Modules are not designed for native speakers.
Alternative study options
Students interested in this course may also be interested in the following:
Integrated year abroad
Students may choose to spend an additional year studying in a Russian-speaking country between their second and third year. Find out more about the integrated year abroad for this course.
Study abroad
Students studying Russian can apply to participate in the University-wide St Andrews Abroad programme. You may also have the opportunity to participate in the School Abroad exchange programme. For information about study abroad options, please see the study abroad site.
International applicants
If English is not your first language, you will need to provide an English language test score to evidence your English language ability. Find out more about approved English language tests and scores for this course.
Course details
The MA (Hons) in Russian is a four-year course run by the School of Modern Languages. The course focuses on building a high level of competence in language skills and allows you to explore topics of interest within Russian-language culture and history.
The course is available to both students who are beginners in Russian and to more advanced students who have an SQA Higher or a GCE A-Level qualification in Russian. Advanced students will follow a separate language course for the first two years.
In the first two years, students of all levels will build on their Russian language skills and are offered a broad view of Russian-language literatures, histories and cultures.
Alongside Russian, in the first year of your studies, you will be required to study an additional two subjects. In the second year you will usually carry on at least one of these subjects, sometimes two. Find out more about how academic years are organised.
During your third and fourth year, you will take modules focused on communication skills and can choose to specialise in a number of areas, such as Russian literature, film or cultural history.
Graduates in modern languages from St Andrews can expect to have not only a high level of competency in language skills, but a highly developed appreciation for other cultures and peoples. Other transferable skills, including analysis, synthesis and communication skills will prepare you for a career in almost any sphere.
The University of St Andrews operates on a flexible modular degree system by which degrees are obtained through the accumulation of credits. More information on the structure of the modules system can be found on the flexible degree structure web page.
Modules
In the first two years of your degree (known as sub-honours), you will take the required modules in Russian along with modules in at least one additional subject.
A single Honours student will take one Russian module per semester during the first two years, and four Russian modules per semester during third and fourth years (known as Honours).
Two different types of module are offered in first year: intensive foundation courses for beginners, and advanced language and literature courses for those with higher entrance qualifications. For all modules, speaking in Russian is practised in small groups with a native speaker.
Students who are beginners are required to take the following compulsory modules in their first year:
- Elementary Russian Language 1: provides the most basic elements of Russian – the alphabet, vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation.
- Elementary Russian Language 2: provides training in Russian grammar sufficient for reading Russian texts (books, newspapers, etc) with the aid of a dictionary.
Students who have an SQA Higher or GCE A-level in Russian will take the following compulsory modules in first year:
- Advanced Elementary Russian Language and Literature 1: reinforces and builds on the knowledge of grammar and vocabulary acquired at school, develops translation and oral skills, and studies literary texts in Russian.
- Advanced Elementary Russian Language and Literature 2: covers elements of grammar, translation, text analysis, study of literature, and includes oral tuition classes with a native language instructor.
The distinction between beginners and non-beginners is maintained in year two, with separate sets of modules depending on your previous experience.
Students who are ex-beginners are required to take the following compulsory modules in their second year:
- Intermediate Russian Language 1: builds knowledge of Russian grammar and develops comprehension and writing skills in response to audio-visual material. Spoken proficiency is developed in small-group oral classes.
- Intermediate Russian Language 2: builds on the grammar and syntax taught in Intermediate Russian 1. Alongside audio-visual communication and writing practice, students will translate texts from Russian into English and hone oral skills in small-group classes.
Students who have an SQA Higher or GCE A-level in Russian will take the following compulsory modules in second year:
- Advanced Intermediate Russian Language 1: builds knowledge of Russian grammar at an advanced intermediate level. Students will develop comprehension and writing skills in response to contemporary audio-visual material. Oral proficiency is developed in small-group classes.
- Advanced Intermediate Russian Language 2: continues to build on the advanced intermediate grammar taught in Advanced Intermediate Russian Language 1 and develops key writing, listening and speaking skills in response to contemporary audio-visual materials.
For all modules, spoken Russian is practised in small groups with a native speaker.
If you take Russian at St Andrews in your third and fourth years, you will choose from a variety of advanced options which incorporate literary, historical and cultural studies into language learning.
Students of all language levels take the same core modules in Russian language, including advanced oral, writing and communication skills.
Optional specialist modules that have been offered in previous years include (but are not limited to):
- Gender in Russian Literature and Culture
- Issues in Russian Cultural Memory
- Russian Children’s Literature (1900 – 2015)
- Russian Crime Fiction
- Russian Modernist Fiction 1900 - 1940
- The City in Soviet and Russian Cinema
- The Nineteenth-Century Russian Novel
- Theatre and Performance in Twentieth-Century Russia
- Utopia/Dystopia in Russian Literature and Culture
- Voices of the Russian Enlightenment.
In fourth year, students have the option of undertaking a dissertation of up to 10,000 words in length, written in English, on a topic of their choice. This independent project enables you to develop key research skills which are desired by both prospective employers and by graduate schools offering postgraduate degrees.
The compulsory modules listed here must be taken in order to graduate in this subject. However, most students at St Andrews take additional modules, either in their primary subject or from other subjects they are interested in. For Honours level, students choose from a range of Honours modules, some of which are listed above. A full list of all modules appropriate to the programme for the current academic year can be found in the programme requirements.
Teaching
All modern language modules involve a combination of lectures, tutorials and practical language classes. Lectures provide information, stimulate thought, and suggest directions for further reading and personal study. Small language tutorials allow you to actively work together with your tutors to practice language skills, give presentations, and discuss texts and issues relevant to the course.
Sub-honours Russian modules are delivered through small language classes, with 15 to 30 students in each. Oral classes are generally held in smaller groups of no more than 15 students.
At Honours level, you will attend smaller language classes (5 to 15 students) and seminars (5 to 12 students).
When not attending lectures, tutorials and language classes, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve:
- working on individual and group projects
- undertaking research in the library
- preparing coursework assignments and presentations
- preparing for examinations.
All Russian modules are assessed by a combination of coursework (at least 40%) and end-of-semester examinations.
Coursework includes:
- advanced language exercises
- discursive essays
- oral presentations.
Examinations are held at the end of each semester during a dedicated exam diet with revision time provided beforehand. Examinations are either entirely in written format or comprise both written and oral components.
Tutors advise you closely on the preparation of written work and give individual assessments of your performance. The Department aims to provide feedback on every assessment within three weeks to help you improve on future assessments.
Undergraduates at the University of St Andrews must achieve at least 7.0 on the St Andrews 20-point grade scale to pass a module. To gain access to Honours-level modules, students must achieve the relevant requisites as specified in the policy on entry to Honours and in the relevant programme requirements. To find out the classification equivalent of points, please see the common reporting scale.
You will be taught by a research-led teaching team with expertise and knowledge of Russian. Postgraduate research students who have undertaken teacher training may also contribute to the teaching of tutorials under the supervision of the module leader.
You can find contact information for all Russian staff on the School of Modern Languages website.
The University’s Student Services team can help students with additional needs resulting from disabilities, long-term medical conditions or learning disabilities. More information can be found on the students with disabilities web page.
Fees
Scotland
£1,820
England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland
£9,250
Channel Islands, Isle of Man
£9,250
EU and overseas
£30,160
More information on tuition fees can be found on the undergraduate fees and funding page.
Accommodation fees
Find out about accommodation fees for University accommodation.
Funding and scholarships
The University of St Andrews offers a number of scholarships and support packages to undergraduate students each year.
Joint Honours degrees
You can also take Russian as part of a joint Honours degree in which you will take core modules of your chosen subjects.
| Course name | UCAS code |
|---|---|
| Master of Arts (Honours) Arabic and Russian | QRK7 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) Arabic and Russian (With Integrated Year Abroad) | QRL7 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) Art History and Russian | RV73 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) Art History and Russian (With Integrated Year Abroad) | RVR3 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) Chinese Studies and Russian | CH13 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) Chinese Studies and Russian (With Integrated Year Abroad) | CW13 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) Comparative Literature and Russian | RQ27 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) Comparative Literature and Russian (With Integrated Year Abroad) | RQ72 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) Economics and Russian | LR17 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) Economics and Russian (With Integrated Year Abroad) | LRC7 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) English and Russian | QR37 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) English and Russian (With Integrated Year Abroad) | QRH7 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) Film Studies and Russian | PR37 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) Film Studies and Russian (With Integrated Year Abroad) | PRH7 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) French and Russian | RR17 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) French and Russian (With Integrated Year Abroad) | RRC7 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) German and Russian | RR27 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) German and Russian (With Integrated Year Abroad) | RRF7 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) International Relations and Russian | LR27 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) International Relations and Russian (With Integrated Year Abroad) | LRF7 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) Italian and Russian | RR37 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) Italian and Russian (With Integrated Year Abroad) | RR73 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) Latin and Russian | QR67 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) Latin and Russian (With Integrated Year Abroad) | QRP7 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) Mathematics and Russian | GR17 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) Mathematics and Russian (With Integrated Year Abroad) | RG71 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) Medieval History and Russian | RVT1 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) Medieval History and Russian (With Integrated Year Abroad) | RVR1 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) Middle East Studies and Russian | TR67 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) Middle East Studies and Russian (With Integrated Year Abroad) | RT76 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) Modern History and Russian | RV71 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) Modern History and Russian (With Integrated Year Abroad) | RVRC |
| Master of Arts (Honours) Persian and Russian | T6R7 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) Persian and Russian (With Integrated Year Abroad) | T6R8 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) Philosophy and Russian | RV75 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) Philosophy and Russian (With Integrated Year Abroad) | RVR5 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) Psychology and Russian | RC18 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) Psychology and Russian (With Integrated Year Abroad) | RC19 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) Russian and Scottish History | RV72 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) Russian and Scottish History (With Integrated Year Abroad) | VR27 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) Russian and Social Anthropology | LR67 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) Russian and Social Anthropology (With Integrated Year Abroad) | LRP7 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) Russian and Spanish | RR47 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) Russian and Spanish (With Integrated Year Abroad) | RRK7 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) Russian and Sustainable Development | F886 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) Russian and Sustainable Development (With Integrated Year Abroad) | F882 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) Russian and Theological Studies | R7V6 |
| Master of Arts (Honours) Russian and Theological Studies (With Integrated Year Abroad) | RV10 |
Triple subject degree options
It is also possible to take Russian as part of a Modern Languages Honours degree including three modern languages or two modern languages and one additional subject. Find out more about the Russian MA triple subject combinations.
"With" degrees
You can take Russian as part of a "with" Honours degree in which the majority of the course deals with the first name subject. St Andrews offers the following "with" degrees in Russian:
- Master of Arts (Honours) Economics with Russian (With Integrated Year Abroad) - UCAS code L1RR
- Master of Arts (Honours) Economics with Russian - UCAS code L1RT
- Master of Arts (Honours) Mathematics with Russian (With Integrated Year Abroad) - UCAS code G1R9
- Master of Arts (Honours) Mathematics with Russian - UCAS code G1RT
- Master of Arts (Honours) Russian with Geography (With Integrated Year Abroad) - UCAS code R7L7
- Master of Arts (Honours) Russian with Geography - UCAS code R7LR
"With" degrees taken with Russian are also available 'With Integrated Year Abroad'.
Careers
Russia’s political and economic significance in the world means ever-multiplying career prospects for those who can communicate in Russian.
Graduates of Russian have gone on to successful careers in:
- accountancy
- the armed services
- the British Foreign Office
- Civil Service
- finance
- journalism
- law
- management consultancy
- translation and interpreting
- teaching.
Others work as educators in Russia and Eastern Europe or pursue graduate study.
The Careers Centre offers one-to-one advice to all students as well as a programme of events to assist students to build their employability skills.
What to do next
Online information events
Join us for one of our information events where you can find out about different levels of study and specific courses we run. There are also sessions available for parents and college counsellors.
Undergraduate visiting days
We encourage all students who are thinking of applying to the University to attend one of our online or in-person visiting days.
Contact us
- Phone
- +44 (0)1334 46 2948
- russianhod@st-andrews.ac.uk
- Address
- Department of Russian
Buchanan Building
Union Street
St Andrews
KY16 9PH
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