Mandatory language modules
Post-A level pathway
- Russian 1
Beginners' pathway
- Russian 1: Beginners
University Park Campus, Nottingham, UK
Qualification | Entry Requirements | Start Date | UCAS code | Duration | Fees |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
BA Hons | ABB | September 2025 | R700 | 4 years full-time | £9,250 per year |
Qualification | Entry Requirements | Start Date | UCAS code | Duration | Fees |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
BA Hons | ABB | September 2025 | R700 | 4 years full-time | £9,250 per year |
If taking then Higher Level 5 in Russian or Standard Level 6 in Russian
6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in any element
As well as IELTS (listed above), we also accept other English language qualifications. This includes TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE, GCSE, IB and O level English. Check our English language policies and equivalencies for further details.
For presessional English or one-year foundation courses, you must take IELTS for UKVI to meet visa regulations.
If you need support to meet the required level, you may be able to attend a Presessional English for Academic Purposes (PEAP) course. Our Centre for English Language Education is accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK.
If you successfully complete your presessional course to the required level, you can then progress to your degree course. This means that you won't need to retake IELTS or equivalent.
Check our country-specific information for guidance on qualifications from your country.
A level
GCSE
English grade 4 (C)
All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2024 entry.
Please note: Applicants whose backgrounds or personal circumstances have impacted their academic performance may receive a reduced offer. Please see our contextual admissions policy for more information.
We recognise that applicants have a wealth of different experiences and follow a variety of pathways into higher education.
Consequently we treat all applicants with alternative qualifications (besides A-levels and the International Baccalaureate) on an individual basis, and we gladly accept students with a whole range of less conventional qualifications including:
This list is not exhaustive. The entry requirements for alternative qualifications can be quite specific; for example you may need to take certain modules and achieve a specified grade in those modules. Please contact us to discuss the transferability of your qualification. Please see the alternative qualifications page for more information.
RQF BTEC Nationals
Access to HE Diploma
At the University of Nottingham, we have a valuable community of mature students and we appreciate their contribution to the wider student population. You can find lots of useful information on the mature students webpage.
International students must have valid UK immigration permissions for any courses or study period where teaching takes place in the UK. Student route visas can be issued for eligible students studying full-time courses. The University of Nottingham does not sponsor a student visa for students studying part-time courses. The Standard Visitor visa route is not appropriate in all cases. Please contact the university’s Visa and Immigration team if you need advice about your visa options.
A level
GCSE
English grade 4 (C)
If taking then Higher Level 5 in Russian or Standard Level 6 in Russian
All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2024 entry.
Please note: Applicants whose backgrounds or personal circumstances have impacted their academic performance may receive a reduced offer. Please see our contextual admissions policy for more information.
We recognise that applicants have a wealth of different experiences and follow a variety of pathways into higher education.
Consequently we treat all applicants with alternative qualifications (besides A-levels and the International Baccalaureate) on an individual basis, and we gladly accept students with a whole range of less conventional qualifications including:
This list is not exhaustive. The entry requirements for alternative qualifications can be quite specific; for example you may need to take certain modules and achieve a specified grade in those modules. Please contact us to discuss the transferability of your qualification. Please see the alternative qualifications page for more information.
RQF BTEC Nationals
Access to HE Diploma
We make contextual offers to students who may have experienced barriers that have restricted progress at school or college. Our standard contextual offer is usually one grade lower than the advertised entry requirements, and our enhanced contextual offer is usually two grades lower than the advertised entry requirements. To qualify for a contextual offer, you must have Home/UK fee status and meet specific criteria – check if you’re eligible.
If you have already achieved your EPQ at Grade A you will automatically be offered one grade lower in a non-mandatory A level subject.
If you are still studying for your EPQ you will receive the standard course offer, with a condition of one grade lower in a non-mandatory A level subject if you achieve an A grade in your EPQ.
You can also access this course through a Foundation Year. This may be suitable if you have faced educational barriers and are predicted BCC at A Level.
At the University of Nottingham, we have a valuable community of mature students and we appreciate their contribution to the wider student population. You can find lots of useful information on the mature students webpage.
Subject to you meeting the relevant requirements you will spend your third academic year studying Russian at one of our partner universities or a language school. If you are taking Serbian/Croatian, you will be able to divide your time to cover the countries of both languages.
While students are unable to travel to Russia, we are pursuing other options for language courses in neighbouring countries (e.g. Estonia and Latvia), and where Russian is used by a native speaking community.
Please note: in order to undertake a compulsory year abroad, you will need to achieve the relevant academic requirements as set by the University and meet the selection criteria of both the University and the partner institution. The partner institution is under no obligation to accept you even if you do meet the relevant criteria. If you do not secure a year abroad opportunity, you will complete all years of study at University of Nottingham, UK.
For more information, see: Year abroad options in the School of Cultures, Languages and Area Studies
During the four years you'll be with us, there are lots of opportunities for you to gain workplace experience.
The UoN Careers Service - the Careers and Employability Service are on hand to help you find just the right work experience, placement, internship or volunteering opportunity for you.
Nottingham Advantage Award - boost your employability with a range of employer-led projects and career development opportunities through the Nottingham Advantage Award.
School of Cultures, Languages and Area Studies placement programme - Become 'workplace-ready' with our Work Placement and Employability programme tailor-made for students in the School of CLAS.
Study Abroad and the Year in Industry are subject to students meeting minimum academic requirements. Opportunities may change at any time for a number of reasons, including curriculum developments, changes to arrangements with partner universities, travel restrictions or other circumstances outside of the university’s control. Every effort will be made to update information as quickly as possible should a change occur.
Subject to you meeting the relevant requirements you will spend your third academic year studying Russian at one of our partner universities or a language school. If you are taking Serbian/Croatian, you will be able to divide your time to cover the countries of both languages.
While students are unable to travel to Russia, we are pursuing other options for language courses in neighbouring countries (e.g. Estonia and Latvia), and where Russian is used by a native speaking community.
Please note: in order to undertake a compulsory year abroad, you will need to achieve the relevant academic requirements as set by the University and meet the selection criteria of both the University and the partner institution. The partner institution is under no obligation to accept you even if you do meet the relevant criteria. If you do not secure a year abroad opportunity, you will complete all years of study at University of Nottingham, UK.
For more information, see: Year abroad options in the School of Cultures, Languages and Area Studies
During the four years you'll be with us, there are lots of opportunities for you to gain workplace experience.
The UoN Careers Service - the Careers and Employability Service are on hand to help you find just the right work experience, placement, internship or volunteering opportunity for you.
Nottingham Advantage Award - boost your employability with a range of employer-led projects and career development opportunities through the Nottingham Advantage Award.
School of Cultures, Languages and Area Studies placement programme - Become 'workplace-ready' with our Work Placement and Employability programme tailor-made for students in the School of CLAS.
Study Abroad and the Year in Industry are subject to students meeting minimum academic requirements. Opportunities may change at any time for a number of reasons, including curriculum developments, changes to arrangements with partner universities, travel restrictions or other circumstances outside of the university’s control. Every effort will be made to update information as quickly as possible should a change occur.
*For full details including fees for part-time students and reduced fees during your time studying abroad or on placement (where applicable), see our fees page.
If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire and your answers will be assessed using guidance issued by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) .
All students will need at least one device to approve security access requests via Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). We also recommend students have a suitable laptop to work both on and off-campus. For more information, please check the equipment advice.
Books
You'll be able to access most of the books you’ll need through our libraries, though you may wish to buy your own copies of core texts. A limited number of modules have compulsory texts which you are required to buy. We recommend that you budget £100 per year for books, but this figure will vary according to which modules you take. The Blackwell's bookshop on campus offers a year-round price match against any of the main retailers (e.g. Amazon, Waterstones, WH Smith). They also offer second-hand books, as students from previous years sell their copies back to the bookshop.
Year Abroad - Reduced fees (subject to change)
As a year abroad student, you will pay reduced fees. For students spending their year abroad in 2023 this was set at:
Costs incurred during the year abroad
These vary from country to country, but always include:
Depending on the country visited you may also have to pay for:
There are a number of sources of funding:
Your access to funding depends on:
You may be able to work or teach during your year abroad. This will be dependent on your course and country-specific regulations. Often students receive a small salary or stipend for these work placements. Working or teaching is not permitted in all countries. More information on your third year abroad.
Volunteering and placements:
For volunteering and placements e.g. work experience and teaching in schools, you will need to pay for transport and refreshments.
Optional field trips:
Field trips allow you to engage with source materials on a personal level and to develop different perspectives. They are optional and costs to you vary according to the trip; some require you to arrange your own travel, refreshments and entry fees, while some are some are wholly subsidised.
Our Alumni Scholarships are funding opportunities gifted by some of our alumni who want to help support the next generation through higher education. These scholarships provide eligible students with financial contributions toward essential living costs. Find out more about eligibility and how to apply.
We offer a range of international undergraduate scholarships for high-achieving international scholars who can put their Nottingham degree to great use in their careers.
*For full details including fees for part-time students and reduced fees during your time studying abroad or on placement (where applicable), see our fees page.
All students will need at least one device to approve security access requests via Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). We also recommend students have a suitable laptop to work both on and off-campus. For more information, please check the equipment advice.
Books
You'll be able to access most of the books you’ll need through our libraries, though you may wish to buy your own copies of core texts. A limited number of modules have compulsory texts which you are required to buy. We recommend that you budget £100 per year for books, but this figure will vary according to which modules you take. The Blackwell's bookshop on campus offers a year-round price match against any of the main retailers (e.g. Amazon, Waterstones, WH Smith). They also offer second-hand books, as students from previous years sell their copies back to the bookshop.
Year Abroad - Reduced fees (subject to change)
As a year abroad student, you will pay reduced fees. For students spending their year abroad in 2023 this was set at:
Costs incurred during the year abroad
These vary from country to country, but always include:
Depending on the country visited you may also have to pay for:
There are a number of sources of funding:
Your access to funding depends on:
You may be able to work or teach during your year abroad. This will be dependent on your course and country-specific regulations. Often students receive a small salary or stipend for these work placements. Working or teaching is not permitted in all countries. More information on your third year abroad.
Volunteering and placements:
For volunteering and placements e.g. work experience and teaching in schools, you will need to pay for transport and refreshments.
Optional field trips:
Field trips allow you to engage with source materials on a personal level and to develop different perspectives. They are optional and costs to you vary according to the trip; some require you to arrange your own travel, refreshments and entry fees, while some are some are wholly subsidised.
Our Alumni Scholarships are funding opportunities gifted by some of our alumni who want to help support the next generation through higher education. These scholarships provide eligible students with financial contributions toward essential living costs. Find out more about eligibility and how to apply.
Over one third of our UK students receive our means-tested core bursary, worth up to £1,000 a year. Full details can be found on our financial support pages.
* A 'home' student is one who meets certain UK residence criteria. These are the same criteria as apply to eligibility for home funding from Student Finance.
As the UK enters into new economic and political negotiations with the world, the demand for speakers of the Russian language is as strong as ever.
We have taught Russian at Nottingham for over 100 years, developing well established and trusted connections, as well as a strong academic and alumni community. The breadth of our research expertise means we are able to offer you a broad choice of modules and a course that promotes a deep understanding of what makes Russia the nation it is today. Alongside core language modules, you take optional modules which cover Russian history, society and culture (including literature and film). We also offer opportunities to branch out into the study of South-East European history and culture.
You can follow two pathways:
As the UK enters into new economic and political negotiations with the world, the demand for speakers of the Russian language is as strong as ever.
We have taught Russian at Nottingham for over 100 years, developing well established and trusted connections, as well as a strong academic and alumni community. The breadth of our research expertise means we are able to offer you a broad choice of modules and a course that promotes a deep understanding of what makes Russia the nation it is today. Alongside core language modules, you take optional modules which cover Russian history, society and culture (including literature and film). We also offer opportunities to branch out into the study of South-East European history and culture.
You can follow two pathways:
Whether you start the course as a beginner in Russian or with an A level, all students have the exciting opportunity to study Serbian/Croatian as a second Slavonic language. You may opt to spend part of your year abroad in Serbia or Croatia enabling you to reach degree level in Serbian/Croatian as well as Russian.
All our students spend time in Russian-speaking communities to improve their language skills, fluency and confidence. We work with our partner institutions to ensure that students receive excellent tuition and exposure to Russian language and culture.
Ukraine conflict: Statement on studying abroad
For more information on our teaching what it's like to study with us see the Department of Modern Languages and Cultures website.
Great teaching
Over the last five years, 91% of students in the Modern Languages and Cultures Department say the staff made their subjects interesting. OfS National Student Survey 2022
A great track record
94% of students from the Department of Modern Languages and Cultures graduated with a 1st or 2:1 degree classification in 2021. UoN student outcomes data, Annual Monitoring (QDS) Analyses 2021.
Year abroad
Spend a year abroad immersing yourself in both languages
Employability
Access job opportunities in Russian and Mandarin-speaking contexts throughout the globe
Wide module range
Tailor the course to your personal interests or career aspirations through our wide selection of modules
Serbian/Croatian
Choose to study a second Slavonic language
Beginners welcome!
Start learning a language from scratch on our beginners' pathway. What's it like starting a new language at university?
This online prospectus has been drafted in advance of the academic year to which it applies. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publishing, but changes (for example to course content) are likely to occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of the course. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply for the course where there has been an interval between you reading this website and applying.
Mandatory
Year 1
Russian 1
Mandatory
Year 1
Russian 1: Beginners
Optional
Year 1
Serbian / Croatian 1: Beginners
Optional
Year 1
The Clash of Empires: History of the Balkans from Alexander the Great to Napoleon
Optional
Year 1
The Soviet Experiment
Optional
Year 1
From Tsarism to Communism: Introduction to Russian History and Culture
Optional
Year 1
After Empire: Colonisation and its Legacies
Mandatory
Year 2
Russian 2
Mandatory
Year 2
Russian 2 - Beginners
Optional
Year 2
Serbian / Croatian 1: Beginners
Optional
Year 2
Serbian / Croatian 2
Optional
Year 2
Media in Russia
Optional
Year 2
The History and Culture of Early Rus' c.800-1400
Optional
Year 2
Yugoslavia from Creation to Collapse
Optional
Year 2
Gulag Archipelago: Stalin’s Prison Camps
Mandatory
Year 3
Year abroad
Mandatory
Year 4
Russian 3
Optional
Year 4
Russian Interpreting
Optional
Year 4
The World of Orthodox Sainthood
Optional
Year 4
Serbian / Croatian 2
Optional
Year 4
Myths and Memories: Histories of Russia's Second World War
Optional
Year 4
Language Project in Russian and Slavonic Studies
Optional
Year 4
Communicating and Teaching Languages for Undergraduate Ambassadors
Optional
Year 4
Dissertation in Russian and Slavonic Studies
Optional
Year 4
Russian Popular Music in the 20th and 21st Centuries
The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer, but is not intended to be construed or relied on as a definitive list of what might be available in any given year. This content was last updated on Wednesday 28 August 2024. Due to timetabling availability, there may be restrictions on some module combinations.
Mandatory language modules
Post-A level pathway
Beginners' pathway
Mandatory modules
Post-A level pathway
Beginers' pathway
Subject to you meeting the relevant requirements you will spend your third academic year studying Russian at one of our partner universities or a language school. If you are taking Serbian/Croatian, you will be able to divide your time to cover the countries of both languages.
While students are unable to travel to Russia, we are pursuing other options for language courses in neighbouring countries (for example Estonia and Latvia), and where Russian is used by a native speaking community.
For more information, see Year abroad options in the School of Cultures, Languages and Area Studies.
Please note: in order to undertake a compulsory year abroad, you will need to achieve the relevant academic requirements as set by the University and meet the selection criteria of both the University and the partner institution. The partner institution is under no obligation to accept you even if you do meet the relevant criteria. If you do not secure a year abroad opportunity, you will complete all years of study at University of Nottingham, UK.
Both post-A level and Beginners' language pathways come together in the final year and study the same mandatory language module (Russian 3).
You may be able to choose to study a language as part of this degree.
Learning another language can open career opportunities around the globe and enriches your CV. It could also help you in your studies by being able to access learning materials in other languages.
If you are planning to travel or work abroad it will help you to broaden your cultural understanding.
Our Language Centre offers many languages, and you may start as a beginner or at a more advanced level.
Find out more about learning a language as part of your degree
We'll take your A level Russian skills and support you towards becoming fluent by the end of your degree. Designed for students who have an A Level in Russian, we'll identify any gaps in your knowledge and help you improve in that area.
Using examples from newspapers, short stories, websites and television we'll take your studies outside of the textbook and explore 'real' Russian in its natural environment.
Through classroom conversations and written exercises, you'll become more confident in your language skills and gain the ability to start tackling increasingly complex subject areas.
This is where it all begins. Designed for absolute beginners (those with GCSE Russian are also welcome!), this module will get you started on your exciting journey towards Russian fluency.
From the very first session, you'll be immersed in the Russian language. We believe it's important to use as much 'real life' material as possible, so we'll be looking at real Russian articles and websites right from the beginning. You'll work on all the key language skills: reading/listening comprehension, grammar, oral, and written.
We'll also explore the culture and society of the Russian-speaking world through a variety of contemporary texts such as newspapers/magazines, websites and video.
At the end of the module you'll have made significant progress and be able to understand Russian in a variety of everyday contexts and you'll feel confident to engage in social conversation.
Welcome to learning Serbian/Croatian. This course is designed for absolute beginners (we also welcome those with a little knowledge) and will take you to intermediate level by the end of the year.
In class you'll cover different points of grammar and vocabulary through everyday situations. We'll guide you through basic case and verb patterns, building up to more complex grammatical points like modal verbs and verbal aspect.
But we won't only be looking at grammar! Once you have the foundations of the language in place, we'll use your new skills to explore aspects of daily and cultural life. We'll be using structured course materials and textbooks, but we'll also learn how to use everyday language to ensure you have the skills to use Serbian/Croatian in real life.
Note: in year one, this is only available to students on the post-A level pathway.
This year-long module is an introduction to Balkan history and Balkan cultural studies, covering the cultural history of the South Slavs and the legacy of empires in this region since antiquity – the Hellanistic Empire, the Roman Empire, Byzantium, the Ottoman Empire, the Habsburg Empire, Venice, France and Russia.
By focusing on the visual cultures of the three key religious traditions – Eastern Orthodoxy, Roman Catholicism and Islam – the module explores the common features and differences in alphabet, architecture, sculpture and painting across the region. The topics covered include the imperial border, army structure, types of conquest, capital and peripheries, client states and demographic policies.
The module will develop your understanding of how living under empires informed the self-understanding of Serbs, Croats, Bosniaks and other South Slav nations. This module is an option for those studying Russian or East European Cultural Studies.
Understanding the impact of the Soviet era is vital in order to understand 21st century Russia and the other former Soviet states. This short and turbulent period of history brought about profound transformations in culture and society.
In this module you will uncover the politics, society and culture of the Soviet Union from the 1917 October Revolution up to its fall in 1991. In lectures, we look at the political and social changes that led to the development of institutions, environment and culture that even today we recognise as ‘Soviet’. Topic-based seminars will focus on texts, visual culture, films and other sources and give you insights into the experiences and thoughts of those who lived through this time, including revolutionaries and writers, collective farm workers and cosmonauts, Communist Party loyalists and dissidents.
If you are studying Russian or East European Cultural Studies, this module is available as a year-long option.
In the early sixteenth century, Muscovy was a large but precarious state on the fringes of Europe, characterised by absolute monarchy, an official religion, crude economic and administrative systems, disgruntled ethnic minorities and an impoverished peasantry. Four hundred years later, following rapid expansion, enforced westernisation, industrialisation, a world war and a revolution, everything had changed for Russia … or had it?
This year-long module provides an introduction to the forces that have shaped modern Russia, starting with the first tsar, Ivan the Terrible, through the end of the New Economic Policy. In addition to political and social history, there is a significant focus on culture and the study of primary sources.
This module is an option for those who are studying Russian or East European Cultural Studies.
This module is divided into two parts, one per semester. Semester one addresses the colonial period from 1492 to 1945 (with some reference to the medieval era), and semester two focuses on independence and after.
The module examines all continents, including polar regions, and the key European colonising countries: France, Spain, Portugal, Russia, Britain, Netherlands, Germany, and Belgium. This unique module is delivered by people with both language and cultural competency from across those cultures, giving access to deep cultural knowledge, historical documents, critical perspectives and legacies.
The history of slavery and extractivist relations is at the module's core and is given its place as one of the defining forces of globalisation. You will study a range of materials (including diaries, novels, travel narratives, histories, ethnographic ideas, political speeches and broadcasts, films, audio recordings, artworks, and music) to develop the broad perspective of a multiple process of globalisation, often too hastily presented as monocultural. In addition, you will focus on particular cultural experiences, for example, the regions of Africa, or Central America.
The structure of the course will allow sections on landmark moments and documents from each cultural sphere of influence to build into a diverse yet identifiable model of hybrid global cultures. In line with current interest in decolonisation (long established as an idea outside of English-speaking cultures), this course both maintains knowledge of imperial histories and offers models for getting beyond them, to show how previously colonised countries are not bound by that history, even if often constrained by it to some extent.
Building on the Russian skills developed in Year One, this module is going to improve your language proficiency skills and confidence so that by the end of the year you're ready to spend time living in a Russian-speaking country.
We'll develop your communicative skills, including oral fluency, through classroom discussions and interesting texts such as newspapers, websites and video. You'll improve your written Russian and get to grips with more sophisticated grammar topics.
We'll also help you build translating skills from Russian into English and English to Russian.
Building on the skills developed in Russian 1 Beginners, this module shall help you improve your language proficiency skills and gain confidence so that by the end of the year you're ready to spend time living in a Russian-speaking country.
We'll focus on the practical application of language skills including reading, writing, listening comprehension and oral communication. In classes, workshops and tutorials you'll have the opportunity to be involved in discussions to build your conversational skills and sessions to help you use more in-depth grammar.
Welcome to learning Serbian/Croatian. This course is designed for absolute beginners (we also welcome those with a little knowledge) and will take you to intermediate level by the end of the year.
In class you'll cover different points of grammar and vocabulary through everyday situations. We'll guide you through basic case and verb patterns, building up to more complex grammatical points like modal verbs and verbal aspect.
But we won't only be looking at grammar! Once you have the foundations of the language in place, we'll use your new skills to explore aspects of daily and cultural life. We'll be using structured course materials and textbooks, but we'll also learn how to use everyday language to ensure you have the skills to use Serbian/Croatian in real life.
This year-long module builds on the skills acquired in Serbian/Croatian 1 with more emphasis on independent learning and preparation.
The module develops abilities to break down complex linguistic structures in order to facilitate comprehension and communication skills.
Teaching uses materials from written, audio and video sources, and includes grammar classes. There are exercises in comprehension, translation, guided composition writing, and presentations in the target language.
This module aims to develop understanding of Russian-language media from the Soviet era to the present day.
You will explore the use of Russian on different media platforms, including print, broadcast, television, and online media, and will cover such topics as advertising, internet, music, television, radio, journalism and the freedom of the press.
The module aims to develop translation and comprehension skills when dealing with Russian media. You will widen your vocabulary and gain experience in dealing with more complex grammatical structures, taking into consideration style and register.
This module introduces you to the medieval period in the history of the East Slavs, covering pre-Christian times to the Mongol conquests and beyond.
Through lectures and workshops, we will explore political, cultural and social developments, with a particular emphasis on working with primary sources in various media (including texts, painting and architecture).
The module draws on a selection of primary sources in translation, which you learn to assess as historical evidence. It also focuses on basic trends in the historiography of this period and how it has been manipulated for various political purposes in modern times.
The state of Yugoslavia existed in two vastly different forms during the twentieth century, representing eighty odd years of change between political systems, cultural overhaul and social upheaval, all linked by the central idea of the unification of the South Slav peoples. This module will examine the history and culture of these nations, the Kingdom of Yugoslavia and the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, and explore the causes behind their violent collapse in the Second World War and in the Yugoslav wars of the 1990s.
The module will introduce the central socio-political idea of Yugoslavism, designed to bring together a diverse range of people, with different languages, alphabets, religions and imperial influences, into a coherent and modern state. Whilst examining the historical and political context, students will also have the opportunity to examine how culture supported, interrogated and challenged the state through the close examination of different cultural texts, including literature, art, film, newspapers, and diaries, amongst others.
As a part of this, students will be introduced to the many faces of the political and social idea of nationalism, and the concept’s long-lasting impacts on the places and peoples of (the former) Yugoslavia.
This module introduces students to different aspects of the study of the Soviet Gulag system. The module examines both the rationale for the creation of the Gulag system and its economic, political and ideological functions during the Soviet period.
Covering a wide range of sources, including historical documents, photography, documentaries, memoirs, documentary fiction, diaries and visual art, this module will explore the effect the Gulag system had on Soviet society and culture. A number of case studies of different categories of Gulag inmates will illustrate different individual experiences and responses to the traumatic experience of the Gulag. The module will also explore the legacy and commemoration of the Gulag system in the post-Soviet period.
Subject to you meeting the relevant requirements, your third year will be spent studying at one of our partner institutions.
Please note: In order to undertake a year abroad, you will need to achieve the relevant academic requirements as set by the university and meet the selection criteria of both the university and the partner institution. The partner institution is under no obligation to accept you even if you do meet the relevant criteria.
Important information
Please be aware that study abroad, compulsory year abroad, optional placements/internships and integrated year in industry opportunities may change at any time for a number of reasons, including curriculum developments, changes to arrangements with partner universities or placement/industry hosts, travel restrictions or other circumstances outside of the university’s control. Every effort will be made to update this information as quickly as possible should a change occur.
This advanced module will be your final step towards fluency. We'll continue to improve your five key language skills of reading/comprehension, listening, writing, speaking, and cultural awareness through translation and writing workshops, class discussions and the use of relevant texts such as authentic newspaper articles, radio and TV programmes and sophisticated fiction.
We'll give you the opportunity to develop translation skills (with emphasis on Russian-English) and gain creative writing experience, demonstrating your advanced Russian capabilities and helping you build a potential portfolio to assist you in either finding employment or postgraduate study.
This module will introduce you to different forms, modes, and models of interpreting as well as the issues that are often encountered by professional interpreters. It offers opportunities to explore the different techniques/skills required for both simultaneous and consecutive interpretation. The main difficulties of interpreting will be examined, along with strategies to deal with them. The module is seminar-led in order to maximise practice in class.
You'll gain an understanding of the growth and development of the cult of saints in the Eastern Christian world in the context of the history and culture of late antiquity and the middle ages.
We focus on the interpretation of original written sources and icons, allowing you to master the basic tools for conducting research in the field.
This year-long module builds on the skills acquired in Serbian/Croatian 1 with more emphasis on independent learning and preparation.
The module develops abilities to break down complex linguistic structures in order to facilitate comprehension and communication skills.
Teaching uses materials from written, audio and video sources, and includes grammar classes. There are exercises in comprehension, translation, guided composition writing, and presentations in the target language.
This module introduces the construction of national and collective memory of the Second World War in Soviet and Russian culture and society. The lectures and seminars focus on contemporary and subsequent artistic and social responses to the experience of war, but also examine individual acts of remembering (diaries, reports, letters) in the context of a wider cultural memory.
The module equips you with the skills to analyse, evaluate and discuss Russian and Soviet commemorations of the Second World War and the construction of a collective memory; to identify and contrast different strands of narratives of war experiences which unite individual and collective responses to the Second World War; to analyse and apply relevant theories of memory to Russian and Soviet strategies of commemorating the war; to discuss some of the central problems related to Russian and Soviet memories of the Second World War, including the relationship between memory and forgetting, narratives of suffering and sacrifice and the relationship between acts and rituals of commemoration and the construction of national identity/identities.
This module aims to equip you with the skills required of linguists in the modern, digital workplace and may be taken by those studying Russian or Serbian/Croatian.
The project gives you the opportunity to combine your achievements in language and non-language modules studied over the course of their degree. You work in a group on a topic agreed with the module convenor to create a final Language Project, in the form of a translation, blogpost, podcast, short film or public performance.
In this module students learn to devise and develop projects and teaching methods appropriate to engage the age and ability group they are working with. The module enables students to gain confidence in communicating their subject, develop strong organisational and interpersonal skills, and to understand how to address the needs of individuals.
Working closely with a supervisor who teaches and researches in a relevant field, final year students carry out in-depth research into a topic of their choice, building on work they have done in a module studied in year two or the final year.
Areas of study include history, literature, cinema, music and religion.
Recent topics include:
This module covers popular music in Russia during the late tsarist, Soviet and post-Soviet eras as an area of culture that affects ordinary people in many different ways – in Russia, songs have often brought people together, sometimes in celebration, sometimes to challenge authority, and they have also offered individuals fun or solace.
In the module you learn how to examine all this, applying concepts such as authorship, performance, technology and ideology, and learning how to evaluate the relationship Russian music has to popular music in the UK, USA and elsewhere. The examples studied include pre-revolutionary popular songs and gramophone culture, the assimilation of jazz, patriotic and propaganda songs, rock and pop-rock.
With guidance you will develop your own essay question focusing on a topic within Russian popular musical culture of their choice. No prior study of music is required for this module but you must also be taking Russian 3, or to be at an equivalent level in Russian, in order to choose this module.
When you begin studying at university, you will probably find that you cover material much more quickly than you did while studying for your A levels. The key to success is preparing well for classes and then taking the ideas you encounter further in your own time.
Lectures – provide an overview of what you are studying, using a variety of audio and visual materials to support your learning.
Seminars and workshops – give you the chance to explore and interact with the material presented in lectures in a friendly and informal environment. You will be taught in a smaller group of students, with discussion focusing on a text or topic you've previously prepared.
Workshops are more practical, perhaps through exploring texts, working with digital materials, or developing presentations.
Tutorials – individual and small-group tutorials let you explore your work with your module tutor, perhaps discussing plans for an essay or presentation, or following up on an area of a module which has interested you.
eLearning – our virtual-learning system, Moodle, offers 24-hour access to teaching materials and resources.
All new undergraduate students can opt into our peer mentoring scheme. Your peer mentor will help you settle into life at Nottingham, provide advice on the transition to university-level study and help you access support if needed.
The majority of the language teaching you will experience on this degree will be led by native speakers. Class sizes vary depending on topic and type. A lecture may have up to 50 students attending, with seminar groups of up to 10 to 20. These are generally taught in English. Language classes are delivered in the target language where possible and include oral classes.
Our staff know that studying complex subjects can sometimes seem challenging (they've all been where you are!). Their contributions to high quality teaching and learning are recognised through our annual Lord Dearing Awards. View the full list of recipients.
You will be assessed by a wide variety of methods, consisting mainly of coursework and exams, but you may also be tasked with commentaries, dissertations, group work, in-class tests, portfolios and presentations.
Each module has its own methods of assessment and we strive to make these as varied as possible so that everyone can perform to the best of their abilities. When choosing optional modules, you will be able to see how the module is assessed in advance.
As well as scheduled teaching you’ll carry out extensive self-study such as preparation for seminars and assessments, as well as language practice. As a guide 20 credits (a typical module) is approximately 200 hours of work (combined teaching and self-study). An average week will have between 12-15 hours of classes.
University Park Campus covers 300 acres, with green spaces, wildlife, period buildings and modern facilities. It is one of the UK's most beautiful and sustainable campuses, winning a national Green Flag award every year since 2003.
University Park Campus covers 300 acres, with green spaces, wildlife, period buildings and modern facilities. It is one of the UK's most beautiful and sustainable campuses, winning a national Green Flag award every year since 2003.
Studying languages can open up a world of opportunities. From banking to charities and from teaching to MI5, businesses and organisations across the globe seek to employ language specialists.
During this degree you’ll be able to choose from a wide range of modules, allowing you to tailor your studies around personal interests. In doing so you’ll start to identify potential career paths and begin to discover your areas of professional interest.
In addition to language skills, you’ll develop transferable skills highly sought after by employers such as confident communication skills, strict attention to detail and the ability to work within different cultures and organisational styles.
“My [language] studies have helped me to develop excellent communication skills, as well as helping me to hone my reading, writing, listening and speaking skills for both my target languages. I have also become a much more resilient learner, being able to persevere when things start to get tough and independently solve issues where possible.” Charlotte Allwood , French and Contemporary Chinese Studies BA.
Find out more about careers of Modern Language students
78.8% of undergraduates from the Faculty of Arts secured graduate level employment or further study within 15 months of graduation. The average annual starting salary for these graduates was £23,974.
HESA Graduate Outcomes (2017 to 2021 cohorts). The Graduate Outcomes % is calculated using The Guardian University Guide methodology. The average annual salary is based on graduates working full-time within the UK.
Studying for a degree at the University of Nottingham will provide you with the type of skills and experiences that will prove invaluable in any career, whichever direction you decide to take.
Throughout your time with us, our Careers and Employability Service can work with you to improve your employability skills even further; assisting with job or course applications, searching for appropriate work experience placements and hosting events to bring you closer to a wide range of prospective employers.
Have a look at our careers page for an overview of all the employability support and opportunities that we provide to current students.
The University of Nottingham is consistently named as one of the most targeted universities by Britain’s leading graduate employers (Ranked in the top ten in The Graduate Market in 2013-2020, High Fliers Research).
I spent 6 months in Moscow studying at a university there. It can be difficult to live in a foreign country, especially one where few people speak English. However, this is the best way to improve your language skills. I grew the most, in terms of language skill and as a person, when I spent 6 weeks travelling by myself from St Petersburg to Lake Baikal in Siberia. I travelled on the Trans-Siberian railway and met many great people on the trains, none of whom spoke English.
Amy Grobicki
Faculty of Arts
4 years full-time
Qualification
BA Hons
Entry requirements
ABB - including B in one of Mandarin Chinese, French, German, Russian or Spanish
UCAS code
R900
Modern Languages BA
4 years full-time (year 3 abroad)
Qualification
BA Hons
Entry requirements
ABB
UCAS code
T900
Faculty of Arts
4 years full-time (year 3 abroad)
Qualification
BA Hons
Entry requirements
ABB
UCAS code
R906
Faculty of Arts
3 years full-time
Qualification
BA Jt Hons
Entry requirements
ABB
UCAS code
VRD7
Faculty of Arts
4 years full-time (year 3 abroad)
Qualification
BA Hons
Entry requirements
ABB - including B in one or more of French, German, Russian or Spanish
UCAS code
74Q9
Faculty of Arts
4 years full-time
Qualification
BA Hons
Entry requirements
BCC
UCAS code
Y14F
If you’re looking for more information, please head to our help and support hub, where you can find frequently asked questions or details of how to make an enquiry.
If you’re looking for more information, please head to our help and support hub, where you can find frequently asked questions or details of how to make an enquiry.