Welcome to the oldest Russian teaching organisation in Scotland.

The first lecture in Russian was given at the University in 1919. 

Russian Studies was introduced as an undergraduate degree programme in 1949, the first of its kind in Scotland.

Today, we teach a range of four-year undergraduate degree programmes in Russian, and supervise postgraduate research by masters and PhD students.

Founded in 2010, our Princess Dashkova Russian Centre builds on a long history of cultural exchange between Scotland and Russia.

Choose from a range of four-year MA (Master of Arts) honours degrees in Russian Studies.

Learn the Russian language while exploring:

• Russia's history, politics and international relations
• the literature and culture of Russian speakers around the world

Multiple degree programmes are available, including single and joint honours combinations.

Each programme includes study abroad in Year 3. 

Choose from a range of research-led degrees and interdisciplinary taught programmes.

We join our colleagues in the sector in condemning the invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Government. Our thoughts are with Ukrainian people and their family members in Edinburgh and beyond. 

As global dynamics shift, an appreciation of other languages and cultures becomes ever more relevant, critical and sought after. In times of great turmoil and suffering in particular, many works of literature and culture have called for justice, humanity and compassion and these will continue to be our sources and inspiration in our teaching and research.

Read more about how the University of Edinburgh is responding to the invasion of Ukraine