The University of Edinburgh, founded in 1583, is a public research university located in Edinburgh, Scotland. It is the sixth oldest university in the English-speaking world and one of Scotland's ancient universities. The university has a long and rich history, and has produced many notable alumni in a variety of fields, including science, literature, and politics. Today, the University of Edinburgh is a leading research-intensive university, with a global reputation for academic excellence and a strong commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship. It is consistently ranked among the top universities in the UK and the world.

Year 1
You will study Chinese 1 an introduction to modern spoken and written Chinese.

If you already have some knowledge of the Chinese language you may qualify to enrol in Chinese 2A an intermediate-level Chinese course.

You will study Modern China in Literature and Film and the skills development course Academic Skills for Asian Studies.

If you have no previous knowledge of Russian you will take Russian Studies 1A an intensive beginners Russian course.

If you have studied the language before you will take the Russian Studies 1B course which provides advanced Russian language study.

Both courses include a unit on Russian culture.

(Revised 19 October 2022: removed reference to the opportunity to take a summer language course after completing Year 1.)

Year 2
In your Year 2 Chinese language classes you will continue to learn Chinese and explore Chinese culture.

You will begin to learn classical Chinese and modern Chinese translation skills.

In addition to developing your language skills you will be taught a range of research skills and complete an independent project in Chinese studies.

You will continue to study Russian language and will choose one of the following three courses:

Transnational Russian Culture
19th century Russian literature
20th century Russian literature
Year 3
If international travel restrictions allow you will spend Year 3 abroad dividing your 30 weeks between either China or Taiwan and a country in which Russian is spoken.

You will typically spend at least eight weeks in each country studying at a university or language centre.

During your year abroad we will aim to ensure your experience is as beneficial as possible to your final year as well as to your wider language learning cultural awareness and skills development. For example you will take an e-learning Russian course which will count as part of your Year 3 mark and prepare you for your Year 4 Russian language courses.

If international travel is not possible either in full or in part you will be offered an alternative means of engaging with your subjects enabling you to meet your learning outcomes and preparing you for your final year.

Year 4
You will continue to study Chinese language focusing on advanced skills in speaking reading and writing and building on your existing translation skills.

Alongside the Chinese language you will be able to choose from courses on film politics modern and pre-modern history literature contemporary Chinese society and economic history.

You will develop advanced language skills in spoken and written Russian and choose a specialist course on Russian language culture or literature.

You will complete a long essay in Russian.

The University of Edinburgh is a world-class research-intensive university that has been shaping the minds of students for over four centuries. Founded in 1583, it is one of Scotland's ancient universities and the sixth oldest university in the English-speaking world. The university is located in the beautiful and historic city of Edinburgh, which is known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture, and lively atmosphere.

The University of Edinburgh offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of disciplines, including arts, humanities, social sciences, sciences, engineering, medicine, business, and law. The university has a strong reputation for academic excellence, and its graduates are known for their high level of education and employability. The university is home to some of the world's most respected research centers and institutes, including the Edinburgh College of Art, the Royal Observatory, and the Human Communication Research Centre.

Throughout its history, the University of Edinburgh has produced many notable alumni, including economist Adam Smith, philosopher David Hume, and Sir Walter Scott, one of Scotland's most famous writers. The university has also produced seven Nobel Prize winners, including Alexander Fleming, the discoverer of penicillin, and Peter Higgs, who proposed the Higgs boson particle.

The University of Edinburgh is also known for its commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship. It is home to several leading research centers and institutes that specialize in areas such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and sustainable energy. The university also has a strong emphasis on student engagement, and it encourages students to participate in extracurricular activities, clubs and societies, and volunteer work.

The University of Edinburgh is a diverse and inclusive community, with students and staff from all over the world. The university provides students with a supportive and challenging environment, where they can develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their chosen fields. The University of Edinburgh is consistently ranked among the top universities in the UK and the world, making it an excellent choice for students who are looking for a high-quality education and a great student experience.

You will need to book the accommodation after you have been accepted.

You can choose to live on campus or off campus in private accommodation.

• Make a booking online after you have been accepted (in this case please let us know your choice when you apply).
• Register when you arrive - its not possible to reserve a room before arriving. You can arrive a few days before and book it