Durham University was ranked 2nd nationally in the 2021 Complete University Guide table for Russian and East European Languages and 2nd nationally in the 2022 Good University Guide for Russian.
Research in Russian Studies at Durham’s School of Modern Languages and Cultures covers the period from the 17th Century to the present day. Staff in Russian have particular research expertise in:
This expertise is reflected in a range of general and specialist undergraduate modules in Russian language, literature, cinema, history and culture more broadly.
Our language courses are taught at all levels, from beginners to advanced, by highly experienced language instructors (Mrs Branka Grundy, Mrs Olga Zabotkina and Dr Ekaterina Chown).
In the first year, students who have no prior experience in studying Russian take an intensive ab initio course; those with an A-level or equivalent in Russian are enrolled on an intermediate course. Both strands build on this in the second-year core language courses, intensive for the post-beginners and standard for the post-A-level students. All students then normally spend three to four months of their third year abroad at different Russian universities. when unable to go to Russia, students can study at one of our partner institutions in the Baltic States, Georgia or Kyrgyzstan.
Students of all years are involved in regular extracurricular events (concerts, plays, celebrations) and benefit from engagement with students from our partner universities.
Please find a list of language and culture related internet resources on Russia and beyond here
Enquiries about degree programmes or internships should be addressed to Dr Viktoria Ivleva, Director of Russian Studies.