Program Overview

Russian Studies BA

Overview

As the UK enters into new economic and political negotiations with the world, the demand for speakers of the Russian language is as strong as ever.

We have taught Russian at Nottingham for over 100 years, developing well-established and trusted connections, as well as a strong academic and alumni community. The breadth of our research expertise means we are able to offer you a broad choice of modules and a course that promotes a deep understanding of what makes Russia the nation it is today. Alongside core language modules, you take optional modules which cover Russian history, society and culture (including literature and film). We also offer opportunities to branch out into the study of South-East European history and culture.

You can follow two pathways:

• Beginners’ Russian students (including post-GCSE students). You will follow an intensive language course designed to take you to degree level within four years
• Post-A level students. You will begin at a more advanced level

Whether you start the course as a beginner in Russian or with an A level, all students have the exciting opportunity to study Serbian/Croatian as a second Slavonic language. You may opt to spend part of your year abroad in Serbia or Croatia enabling you to reach degree level in Serbian/Croatian as well as Russian.

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:

• Narva, Estonia
• Daugavpils, Latvia
• Yerevan, Armenia

Why Choose This Course?

• Great teaching
• A great track record
• Year abroad
• Employability
• Wide module range
• Serbian/Croatian
• Beginners welcome!

Important Information

This online prospectus has been drafted in advance of the academic year to which it applies. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publishing, but changes (for example to course content) are likely to occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of the course. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply for the course where there has been an interval between you reading this website and applying.

Indicative Modules

Year One

• Russian 1
• Russian 1: Beginners
• Serbian / Croatian 1: Beginners
• The Clash of Empires: History of the Balkans from Alexander the Great to Napoleon
• The Soviet Experiment
• From Tsarism to Communism: Introduction to Russian History and Culture
• After Empire: Colonisation and its Legacies

Year Two

• Russian 2
• Russian 2 - Beginners
• Serbian / Croatian 1: Beginners
• Serbian / Croatian 2
• Media in Russia
• The History and Culture of Early Rus' c.
• Yugoslavia from Creation to Collapse
• Gulag Archipelago: Stalin’s Prison Camps

Year Three

• Year abroad

Year Four

• Russian 3
• Russian Interpreting
• The World of Orthodox Sainthood
• Serbian / Croatian 2
• Myths and Memories: Histories of Russia's Second World War
• Language Project in Russian and Slavonic Studies
• Communicating and Teaching Languages for Undergraduate Ambassadors
• Dissertation in Russian and Slavonic Studies
• Russian Popular Music in the 20th and 21st Centuries

How You Will Learn

• Lectures
• Seminars and workshops
• Tutorials
• eLearning

Assessment

• Dissertation
• Essay
• In-class test
• Presentation
• Written exam
• Oral exam
• Commentary

Careers Overview

Studying languages can open up a world of opportunities. From banking to charities and from teaching to MI5, businesses and organisations across the globe seek to employ language specialists.

During this degree you’ll be able to choose from a wide range of modules, allowing you to tailor your studies around personal interests. In doing so you’ll start to identify potential career paths and begin to discover your areas of professional interest.

In addition to language skills, you’ll develop transferable skills highly sought after by employers such as confident communication skills, strict attention to detail and the ability to work within different cultures and organisational styles.

Job Prospects

• Average starting salary and career progression
• 78.8% of undergraduates from the Faculty of Arts secured graduate level employment or further study within 15 months of graduation. The average annual starting salary for these graduates was £23,974.

Related Courses

• Modern Languages BA Hons
• Modern Language Studies BA Hons
• Modern European Studies BA Hons
• History and East European Cultural Studies BA Jt Hons
• Modern Languages with Translation BA Hons
• Arts and Humanities with Foundation Year