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.

One of the most attractive characteristics of this four-year programme is its flexibility.

In Years 1 and 2 your pre-honours years you will choose option courses from a wide range of disciplines in addition to your core subjects of Russian Studies and English Language.

As well as broadening your education and skill set this may enable you to change the focus of your programme in Years 3 and 4 your honours years.

Year 1
Russian
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 of these courses include a unit on Russian culture.

English Language
You will take two semester-long introductory courses in English language.

Linguistics and English Language 1A offers a brief introduction to the study of language in general and of English in particular.

Linguistics and English Language 1B will help you develop the tools and knowledge needed to investigate the different subsystems of language in a systematic way.

Option courses
You will complete your Year 1 studies with option courses chosen from a wide range offered by the University of Edinburgh.

You can for example opt to study another language. We offer one of the widest ranges of languages of any UK university - the majority are suitable for complete beginners and include cultural study.

Other options include but are not limited to courses in:

business economics and informatics

politics social policy and social anthropology

art and architectural history

history classics and archaeology

Celtic and Scottish ethnology

linguistics and language sciences

philosophy divinity and law

(Revised 18 October 2022: removed reference to the opportunity to take a summer language course after completing Year 1)

Year 2
Russian
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

English Language
You will also take a course looking at linguistic theory and choose between a course on:

the variation in English over time and across geographical space

the structure and history of world languages

Option courses
As in Year 1 you will also choose option courses from a wide range offered by the University of Edinburgh.

These include a great selection in European languages and cultures allowing you to study literature film and theatre in themed and comparative contexts.

Year 3
If international travel restrictions allow you will spend Year 3 in a Russian-speaking country improving your language skills and undertaking independent study.

To ensure your experience is as beneficial as possible to your final year you will also complete prescribed work in both English Language and Russian Studies. For example you will take an e-learning language course which will count as part of your Year 3 mark and prepare you for your final year Russian courses.

If international travel is not possible you will be offered alternative ways of engaging with your subjects enabling you to meet your learning outcomes and prepare for your final year.

Year 4
You will develop advanced language skills in spoken and written Russian.

You will also choose from a wide range of specialist honours-level courses in both Russian and English Language.

You will complete your dissertation.

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