Russian Studies and Politics, MA (Hons)

Around 150 million people in the world speak Russian. It is the official language of four countries, is widely understood throughout Eastern Europe, and in the last thirty years has seen transnational mobility on an unprecedented scale.As the world's largest country, Russia plays an important role in global cultural and political contexts. This makes Russian Studies and Politics an ideal joint honours combination.Russian Our Year 1 Russian courses are streamed according to how much of the language you already know, so it does not matter if you are a complete beginner. Intensive language tuition, including a year spent studying in Russia, will teach you how to read, write and speak the language to a high standard, including in translation. You will explore Russian literature and culture. You will also develop an awareness of Russia's international political and historical contexts. Politics Our programme covers a range of political systems, institutions, processes and ideas. You will explore a variety of issues within:

• politics

• political theory

• public theory

You will also study international relations in Europe, Russia, Africa and the US. The skills you develop will allow you to understand and evaluate political issues and problems in the contemporary world. These include the morality of political action, and the limits of freedom and justice. Why Edinburgh? The four-year degree programme gives you choice and flexibility in what you study. In Years 1 and 2, you will choose option courses from a range of disciplines, then specialise as you move through your honours years.When you graduate, you will have the combination of broad cultural education and specialist knowledge valued by employers worldwide.