If you are interested in studying Russian as a single honours degree, or in combination with one or two other modern languages, please see the BA Modern Languages course entry. 

Russia continues to assert itself as a powerful political and economic force and Russian expertise has never been more vital in a range of professions.

At Bristol, you can learn Russian language from beginner's level or build on existing experience while exploring Russia’s dramatic history and complex culture.

Why study Russian at Bristol?

Our department is a major centre for research in Russian, Slavonic and East European Languages and offers a lively environment for studying their history, literature and societies.

You will have frequent contact with experienced native-speaking teachers and our students consistently praise the department's friendly, supportive atmosphere.

In years one and two beginners in Russian language follow a core programme with a teacher who specialises in working with novice learners. Those with A-level or equivalent experience are taught separately.

Our first-year programme in Russian culture will equip you with the knowledge and skills to explore aspects of Russia in more depth later. You will study key periods in Russian history alongside selected texts, images or films, and will explore Russia through its literature, history, religious culture and political ideas.

Your third year abroad could take you to places such as Moscow, St Petersburg, Krasnodar, the Urals, Siberia or Kazakhstan, with constant contact and support from members of the department. Visit Global Opportunities to find out more.

Bristol is an exciting place to study arts and humanities and has a thriving cultural life, several independent cinemas, concert halls and theatres and a lively, international atmosphere.

What kind of student would this course suit?

Russian will suit you if you are an enthusiastic languages student, enjoy exploring the history and culture of other countries and are eager to branch out beyond Western-European oriented language programmes. Although constructed differently from most European languages, Russian is both logical and poetic and our graduates achieve a high level of fluency.

Russian studies will suit you if you are attracted to the fierce battle of philosophical and cultural ideas that pervades Russia’s extraordinary history, literature and cinema.

If you have a pragmatic eye on Russia's critical, strategic role in the geopolitics of the coming decades, you will find that advanced fluency in Russian is a valuable skill in numerous careers.

How is this course taught and assessed?

Teaching is mainly conducted in informal seminar groups where tutors and students quickly get to know each other and there are regular opportunities to contribute to discussions and receive feedback.

Single honours and post A-level students will study classic Russian literature, contemporary Russia through the media, or beginner's Czech, which all other students may take up in year two.

You may also select options offered by the School of Modern Languages.

There is a wide variety of methods of assessment, including coursework, examination essays, commentaries and assessed presentations.

What are my career prospects?

Russian graduates possess rare skills that are in demand. You will develop skills greatly valued by employers, including in organisation, communication, time management and independent learning. Many of our graduates go on to careers in which their knowledge of Russian is of direct relevance.

Recent graduates have entered careers in finance, industry, the media, publishing, law, travel, British and international civil services, teaching, translating or interpreting and academia. Graduate destinations have included Christie's, the Russo-British Chamber of Commerce, the European Parliament and GCHQ.

Find out more about what our students do after graduating.