BA Bulgarian and Finnish
About this course
BA in Bulgarian and Finnish, a Russian Studies and Modern Languages degree focused on language acquisition and cultural studies. Core topics include Research Methods. The course includes a compulsory third-year period spent abroad and a final-year dissertation. The first year covers initial language acquisition and regional contexts through Bulgarian Language Level 1, Finnish Language Level 1, Introduction to Nordic Studies 1, and War, Trauma and Memory in East European Cinema, alongside optional choices such as Representations of Russia. Year 2 advances linguistic proficiency and cultural understanding with Bulgarian Language Level 2a-Comprehension, Finnish Language Level 2a-Comprehension, Introduction to Bulgarian Culture and Literature, and Writing from the Other Europe, complemented by options like How Words Work: Sounds and Sense. Year 3 consists of a practical period abroad across two terms. The final year consolidates mastery through Bulgarian Language Level 3a - Comprehension, Finnish Language Level 3b - Production, Advanced Finnish Society and Culture, and a Free-standing Dissertation, with further specialization available via optional modules such as Translation: Theory and Practice and Narratives of Exile.
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 (Previous study of a foreign language is preferred (not necessarily one of the named languages) but not required. Applicants may study two languages at beginner level and may seek advice from the departments concerned if needed.) IB: 34 points (A total of 16 points in three higher level subjects, with no higher level score below 5. Foreign language preferred.)
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What students say
Based on about 39 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 90%
- Learning opportunities: 83%
- Assessment and feedback: 79%
- Academic support: 92%
- Organisation and management: 63%
- Learning resources: 94%
- Student voice: 77%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 60 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 89%
- Left higher education: 11%
What graduates do next
Based on about 9 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 60%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Further study: 10%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Business, Research and Administrative Professionals: 15%
- Administrative occupations: 10%
- Teaching Professionals: 10%
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 10%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 75%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 50%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 30%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 215 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 1%
- North West: 4%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 3%
- East Midlands: 1%
- West Midlands: 2%
- East of England: 7%
- London: 67%
- South East: 8%
- South West: 4%
- Wales: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 120 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 81%
- Baccalaureate: 8%
- Access course: 2%
- A degree: 2%
- Other HE qualification: 1%
- Other qualifications: 3%
- No formal qualifications: 4%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Silver for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Introduction to Nordic Studies 1
- Introduction to Nordic Studies 2
- Bulgarian Language Level 1
- War, Trauma and Memory in East European Cinema
- Literature and Memory
- Finnish Language Level 1
- Representations of Russia
- Introduction to Russian Studies I
- Introduction to Russian Studies II
- Bulgarian Language Level 2a-Comprehension
- Bulgarian Language Level 2b-Production
- Introduction to Bulgarian Culture and Literature
- Writing from the Other Europe
- Finnish Language Level 2a-Comprehension
- Finnish Language Level 2b-Production
- Introduction to Finnish Society and Culture
- How Words Work: Sounds and Sense
- Tales of the Unexpected: the Supernatural and Fantastic in Literature, 1800 - 1930
- Languages in Contact along the Danube: Intercultural Frictions and Flows
- Minority Languages of Russia: Cultural, Linguistic Diversity and Endangerment
- Staging Europe: Modern European Drama and Theatre
- Between the Alps and the Adriatic: Modern Slovene Culture and Literature
- Old Church Slavonic and Comparative Slavonic Grammar as a Language Learning Strategy
- Contemporary Performance and Activism in Europe
- Contemporary Polish Cinema
- Language and social justice: ideologies, politics, and participation
- Year Abroad Term 1
- Year Abroad Term 2
- Bulgarian Language Level 3a - Comprehension
- Bulgarian Language Level 3b - Production
- Finnish Language Level 3a - Comprehension
- Finnish Language Level 3b - Production
- Advanced Finnish Society and Culture
- Free-standing Dissertation
- Narratives of Exile
- Contemporary Art and Politics in Eastern Europe and Russia
- Translation: Theory and Practice
- Perspectives on Nonbinary, Gender-inclusive and Genderqueer Language
- The Person, Love and Utopia in Russian Thought
- Russian and Soviet Cinema: Innovation and Experiment
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA Bulgarian and Finnish at University College London earn?
The median salary is £30,000 after 15 months, £31,000 after 3 years, £42,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £32,500 and £57,000. The £42,500 median after five years is £6,000 more than the UK median for Slavic studies.
What do graduates of BA Bulgarian and Finnish at University College London do next?
80% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BA Bulgarian and Finnish at University College London?
90% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BA Bulgarian and Finnish at University College London?
The typical offer is ABB at A level, or 34 points in the IB. The average entrant had 156 UCAS points.
Does BA Bulgarian and Finnish at University College London include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has a compulsory year abroad.
How many students continue on BA Bulgarian and Finnish at University College London?
89% of students continued into their second year, and 11% left higher education.