MA Russian Studies and Classics
About this course
MA (Hons) in Russian Studies and Classics, a joint honours degree in Russian Studies and Classics exploring the languages, literature and cultures of both the classical world and Russia. The curriculum allows students to follow an Ancient Greek, Latin or non-language pathway through Classics study while developing advanced proficiency in Russian through streamed language courses. The first year covers foundational studies through the history and culture of the Greek and Roman worlds, ancient Greek language, and Latin language. The second year introduces specialized literary and cultural topics through modules such as Transnational Russian Culture, The Golden Age of Russian Literature, and Utopia and Dystopia in 20th-century Russian Literature. Subsequent years focus on advanced linguistic development and specialized cultural contexts through modules including reading and writing (including translation), speaking and listening, and Culture and Power under Stalin.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: ABB (required: no specific A level subjects required) IB: 34 points with 655 at HL
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Admissions (2022 entry, home applicants)
Offer rate 63%: 5 offers from 8 applications, from the university's Freedom of Information return.
What students say
Based on about 84 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 92%
- Learning opportunities: 76%
- Assessment and feedback: 69%
- Academic support: 90%
- Organisation and management: 81%
- Learning resources: 87%
- Student voice: 80%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 100 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 95%
- Left higher education: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 28 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 60%
- Working and studying: 11%
- Further study: 10%
- Unemployed: 7%
Most common jobs
- Business and public service associate professionals: 20%
- Administrative occupations: 10%
- Natural and social science professionals: 10%
- Leisure, travel and related personal service occupations: 10%
- Elementary occupations: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 90%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 60%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 30%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 50 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 10%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 5%
- East of England: 5%
- London: 45%
- South East: 5%
- South West: 5%
- Wales: 5%
- Scotland: 30%
Who gets in
Based on about 105 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 90%
- Baccalaureate: 1%
- Other HE qualification: 2%
- No formal qualifications: 6%
Modules
- the history and culture of the Greek and Roman worlds
- or, ancient Greek language
- or, Latin language
- business, economics and informatics
- politics, social policy, social anthropology and international relations
- art and architectural history
- history, classics and archaeology
- Celtic and Scottish ethnology
- linguistics and language sciences
- philosophy, divinity and law
- if you took Russian Studies 1A in Year 1, you will take Russian Language 2A.
- if you took Russian Studies 1B in Year 1, you will take Russian Language 2B.
- Transnational Russian Culture
- The Golden Age of Russian Literature
- Utopia and Dystopia in 20th-century Russian Literature
- ancient history
- classical art and archaeology
- classical literature in translation
- Cultural Responses to War
- Migration, Exile, Diaspora
- Crime and Detection in Literature
- Gender and Culture
- The Coming-of-Age Narrative
- Introduction to European Cinema
- Dynamics of Language and Power
- Languages Beyond University
- Student Wellbeing Service
- Student Counselling
- Student Disability and Learning Support
- University emergency helpline (available 24 hours a day)
- reading and writing (including translation)
- speaking and listening
- The Russian 19th-century novel
- Russian language in its social context
- Russian art
- Post-Soviet politics
- Culture and Power under Stalin
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MA Russian Studies and Classics at University of Edinburgh earn?
The median salary is £26,000 after 15 months, £26,000 after 3 years, £32,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £25,000 and £43,000. The £32,000 median after five years is £4,500 less than the UK median for Slavic studies.
What do graduates of MA Russian Studies and Classics at University of Edinburgh do next?
81% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on MA Russian Studies and Classics at University of Edinburgh?
92% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MA Russian Studies and Classics at University of Edinburgh?
The typical offer is ABB at A level, or 34 points in the IB. The average entrant had 173 UCAS points.
What is the offer rate for MA Russian Studies and Classics at University of Edinburgh?
63% of home applicants received an offer for 2022 entry: 5 offers from 8 applications, according to the university's Freedom of Information return.
Does MA Russian Studies and Classics at University of Edinburgh include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has a compulsory year abroad.
How many students continue on MA Russian Studies and Classics at University of Edinburgh?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.