Russian and Contemporary Chinese Studies, BA (Hons)

Russia and China represent dynamic, rapidly evolving nations with significant global political influence. This degree programme enables students to gain in-depth knowledge of their complex and contrasting cultures, while building essential linguistic skills and acquiring unique international experience. The year abroad stands out as a key highlight, offering full immersion in Russian and Chinese languages and societies, which fosters greater independence and confidence. Beyond language development, the course provides a diverse range of modules on Russian history, culture, politics, and society, alongside explorations of contemporary Chinese politics, identities, and social dynamics. Students may also opt to study Serbian/Croatian and South-East European histories and cultures.In the first year, students divide their time equally between Russian and Contemporary Chinese Studies, including core language modules and optional topics in culture, politics, and history. The second year focuses on language preparation for the abroad experience, with additional modules in both fields and the option to learn Serbian/Croatian. The third year involves studying at partner institutions, with alternatives for Russian due to travel constraints. Returning in the fourth year, students advance their language proficiency and select from specialised modules in literature, history, politics, film, translation, or a dissertation.

In year one, you will spend your time equally between Russian and Contemporary Chinese Studies. In Russian, in addition to a core module in the Russian language at the appropriate level, you take optional modules in Russian culture, politics, society and history. If you wish to, you have the option to begin study of the history and culture of South-East Europe. In year two your language studies will focus on preparing you for the year abroad. You will also take modules in culture, history, politics and society from a wide choice of modules in both Russian and Chinese Studies. If you wish to, you may begin learning Serbian/Croatian as a second Slavonic language. 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. For Contemporary Chinese Studies, you have the opportunity to learn about Mandarin and Chinese culture by spending a semester at our campus in Ningbo. Your fourth year is spent back at Nottingham. You will develop your command of both languages and their use in increasingly sophisticated contexts, and study optional modules drawn from the areas of literature, history, politics, society, film and translation. You may also choose to write a dissertation.