Russian Studies and Social Policy, MA (Hons)

Approximately 150 million people worldwide speak Russian, serving as the official language in four countries and maintaining widespread use across Eastern Europe, with significant transnational mobility in recent decades. As the world's largest nation, Russia holds substantial influence in global cultural and political spheres, making a joint honours degree in Russian Studies and Social Policy an excellent choice.In this programme, students develop advanced Russian language skills—speaking, writing, reading, listening, and translating—through tailored Year 1 courses for all proficiency levels. Over four years, you will explore Russian literature, culture, and its international contexts. Meanwhile, Social Policy examines social and economic changes, policy development in the UK and beyond, influenced by entities like the EU and OECD. Topics include health, welfare, education, labour markets, family, and childhood, with a focus on comparative analyses and empirical research skills. Edinburgh, a vibrant cultural and political hub, offers a flexible curriculum, preparing graduates with valuable language, humanities, and international expertise sought by employers globally.