French and Russian Studies MA (Hons)

Level: Undergraduate

Subject: French and Francophone Studies

Year of entry: 2026

Key facts

UCAS Code

RR17

Award

MA (Hons)

Duration of study

4 years

Delivery

Full-time

Study location

Central Area

Start date

September 2026

School

School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures

College

College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

Study abroad

Mandatory

Placement

No

Open days and events

About the degree programme

This wide-ranging joint honours programme enables you to study two different European languages in their global cultural contexts. 

Both languages are among the 10 most widely spoken in the world and have had a profound international cultural influence. 

Through intensive language study, including time abroad, you will have the opportunity to acquire advanced spoken and written skills in both French and Russian.

In addition to your language classes, you will explore aspects of French-speaking (Francophone) and Russian-speaking (Russophone) cultures from the Middle Ages to the 21st century. 

Courses cover literature and cinema, political history, social movements and philosophical ideas. 

Why Edinburgh

As a world-leading festival and capital city, Edinburgh is a fantastic place to study languages in their cultural context.

We are unique in Scotland in offering students a full academic year abroad within the four-year honours programme, regardless of whether you study or build a work placement into your time abroad.

Both French and Russian have been taught at the University for more than a century, and our Russian degree programmes were the first of their kind in Scotland when introduced in 1949.

Today, graduating with a degree in French and Russian Studies from Edinburgh gives you the blend of specialist skills and intercultural awareness valued in a range of careers around the globe.

How long it takes to complete this degree programme

This programme is studied over 4 years, including a year abroad. This enables us to build choice and flexibility into your studies, giving you time to explore options, find what you like and build your skills.

Your first two years will be your pre-honours years. They will give you a good grounding in the French and Russian languages and in the study of Francophone and Russophone history and culture. In addition to your core courses, you will broaden your education and skill set by choosing option courses from a range of disciplines. This may enable you to change the focus of your programme.

Your final two years will be your honours years. You will spend Year 3 abroad, gaining lived experience of different cultures. Year 4 will be tailored to your interests in specific topics or approaches to French and Russian Studies. You will also further develop your language and translation skills and write either a long essay or dissertation.

How a joint degree programme works

You will study both French and Russian to degree level.

Both subjects are based in the department of European Languages and Cultures in the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures (LLC), and share a number of common courses - especially in Year 2.

Your teaching will take place in and around the main LLC building in the University's Central Area.

When you are abroad in Year 3, you will complete assignments for both subjects while using your language skills daily.

Programme rankings

Programme benefits

  • Learn in an historic, capital city where both French and Russian have been taught for over a century
  • Study over four years, including one abroad
  • Become fluent in two major languages
  • Try out different subjects in your first two years
  • Delve into fantastic libraries and collections
  • Try your hand at creative writing and publishing

Find your entry requirements

Use the dropdowns to find out your entry requirements.

  1. Select the country where you are studying or where you studied your qualification.
  2. Select the qualification you are studying or studied.
United Kingdom,

Tuition fees for MA (Hons) French and Russian Studies

View the tuition fees for one academic year of MA (Hons) French and Russian Studies.

Tuition fees for this programme

Additional costs

As long as international travel is possible, you will spend Year 3 abroad. The costs you have to pay will depend on where you decide to go, and how you spend your time.

Some study placements at language schools may charge a fee, but we will normally refund you for tuition costs as long as your activity has been approved.

You will be responsible for associated travel costs such as flights and visas.

Accommodation and living costs

You need to cover your accommodation and living costs for the duration of your programme.

We estimate that a single student can potentially spend a maximum of £920 to £2,257 on living costs each month, depending on your accommodation.

This estimate covers the costs of:

  • accommodation
  • food
  • utility bills
  • travel within Edinburgh
  • health and wellbeing costs

See a breakdown of living costs

Scholarships and funding

Funding information

You can find detailed information on financial support available, based on where you are living, in our funding section.

Funding

What you will study

French

If you have a limited knowledge of French, you will take French 1A, an intensive language course that also introduces you to French culture. 

If you have studied French beyond National 5 (SQA) or GCSE level, you will typically take French 1B. As well as developing your written and spoken language skills, this course focuses on modern French literature, culture and civilisation.

We will introduce you to the extraordinary richness and variety of the Francophone world by focusing on social and political events from the Second World War to the 21st century. 

Topics covered include:

  • resistance and collaboration 
  • the Fifth Republic
  • colonisation and decolonisation
  • May 1968
  • feminism
Russian Studies

If you have no previous knowledge of Russian you will take Russian Studies 1A, an intensive beginners language course. Through classes in grammar, speaking, listening, writing and reading, you will build the foundations of Russian language skills.

If you have studied the language before, you will take Russian Studies 1B, which provides advanced Russian language study. The course will consolidate and build on your existing knowledge, with the focus on generating Russian through writing and speaking.

Both our language courses include a unit on Russian culture, with materials studied in translation. You will be introduced to the main historical events that have shaped Russia, and to the cultural and literary works of Russian speakers.

Option courses

You will complete your Year 1 studies with option courses chosen from a wide range offered by the University.

You can, for example, opt to study another language. We offer one of the widest ranges of languages of any UK university. The majority are suitable for complete beginners and include cultural study.

Options include, but are not limited to, courses in:

  • linguistics and language sciences
  • business, economics and informatics
  • politics, social policy, social anthropology and international relations
  • art and architectural history
  • history, classics and archaeology 
  • Celtic and Scottish ethnology
  • philosophy, divinity and law
Find Year 1 courses (2024-2025 academic year)

French 

You will further develop your language skills in French, including in writing, translation and grammar. You'll gain confidence speaking in French on a variety of topics relating to contemporary France and the Francophone world.

You will take a course in French and Francophone literature and culture. This course will introduce you to some of the most important authors at key points in French and Francophone literary and cultural history, from the 12th to the 21st century.

You will study works by writers such as Montaigne, Racine, Molière and Baudelaire, alongside texts that have been considered marginal to French culture due to gender or colonial politics.

Russian Studies

You will continue to study Russian language, expanding your range of vocabulary and using increasingly complex grammar.

You will practice translation and writing in Russian using extracts from literary texts and other media.

You will also choose at least one of the following three courses:

  • Transnational Russian Culture 
  • The Golden Age of Russian Literature 
  • Utopia and Dystopia in 20th-century Russian Literature
Option courses

As in Year 1, you will also choose option courses from a wide range offered by the University. 

These option courses include a great selection in European languages and cultures that explore literature, film and theatre in themed and comparative contexts.

Typical option courses include: 

  • Cultural Responses to War 
  • Migration, Exile, Diaspora 
  • Crime and Detection in Literature 
  • Gender and Culture 
  • The Coming-of-Age Narrative 
  • Introduction to European Cinema 
  • Dynamics of Language and Power 
  • Languages Beyond University

You will also have the chance to take a course in the Politics and Institutions of Contemporary France, or to learn the fundamentals of the Basque language.

Find Year 2 courses (2024-2025 academic year)

You will spend Year 3 abroad, dividing your time between two countries. This is when you will really deepen your knowledge of your languages by speaking them daily and immersing yourself in local cultures.

Living abroad will also give you the wider perspective, experience and skills to embrace the opportunities and challenges of life after university.

How much time will I spend abroad?

You will spend a minimum of 30 weeks abroad. You will divide your time between a country in which French is spoken and one in which Russian is spoken.

To give you a balanced experience, you will spend at least eight weeks in each of your two destinations. How you further divide your time abroad is normally based on where you study, or whether you're combining study for Russian with work for French. 

Where can I go?

For Russian, you will study at a university or language centre. Although we are not currently sending our Year 3 students to Russia and Ukraine, we are still able to fully support them to spend time studying abroad. This year, for example, we have students at Tallinn University in Estonia, and at universities in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Armenia.

For French, the University typically has exchange places at partner universities across Belgium, France and Switzerland.

A work placement for French is another way to gain an international perspective, build professional networks and prepare you for your career after university. If you are considering working abroad, it is possible to do so in one of several countries in which French is spoken. The first step is to start thinking about where you would like to go. Visa requirements and application processes vary between countries, so it is a good idea to find out what documentation you will need and whether you are eligible to get it.

Coursework while abroad

We will aim to ensure your experience abroad is as beneficial as possible to your final year, as well as to your wider language learning and cultural awareness.

As well as any coursework set by your host institution, you will take e-learning courses for both French and Russian. These will count as part of your Year 3 marks and prepare you for your Year 4 language courses.

Depending on what you intend to do in Year 4, you might also begin preparing for your dissertation while abroad, guided by your dissertation supervisor.

Keeping in touch

While you are abroad as part of your programme, you are still a student at the University of Edinburgh.

The Year Abroad Office and your Student Adviser, both based in the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures (LLC), will check in with you at key points during your time away. Additionally, each language has a dedicated Year Abroad Coordinator for any academic queries, ensuring you are all set and ready for your final year in Edinburgh.

Just like any other time during your studies, you have access to all University services while you are abroad. These include our:

  • Student Wellbeing Service
  • Student Counselling
  • Student Disability and Learning Support
  • University emergency helpline (available 24 hours a day)
Wellbeing and safety

Your wellbeing and safety abroad is our first priority. If international travel is not possible or placements are disrupted, for example following travel advice from the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), we will offer you alternative ways to engage with your studies. These will be tailored towards supporting you to meet your learning outcomes and to prepare for your final year.

Find Year 3 courses (2024-2025 academic year)

You will develop advanced language skills in French and Russian.

In addition to these core courses, you will also choose from a wide range of specialist, honours-level courses on topics such as Francophone and Russophone:

  • film 
  • literature 
  • history 
  • politics 

Building on all the knowledge and skills you have developed over four years, including in independent research, you will complete a dissertation or long essay in either French or Russian.

Find Year 4 courses (2024-2025 academic year)

Study abroad

You will spend Year 3 abroad (a minimum of 30 weeks), studying or working in countries where either French or Russian is spoken. You will spend at least eight weeks in each destination.

Although we are not currently sending our Year 3 students to Russia and Ukraine, we are still able to fully support them to spend the year studying abroad. This year, for example, we have students abroad in Estonia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Armenia.

This is a chance for you to evolve and grow beyond Edinburgh. Our graduates have told us how much the Year Abroad has benefited their broader life experience and skills.

We know that you are likely to have lots of questions about your Year Abroad. We have gone into lots of detail about where you can go and what you can do under ‘Year 3’ above. You can also find out more through the University's Study and Work Away Service.

What are my options for going abroad?

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

University is a place to plan your own goals under expert guidance, study independently and in groups, and reflect upon your learning throughout your degree.

Our approach to learning and teaching is active, inclusive and question-driven, so it may be different to your experiences at school. It will help you gain the skills for life after university, and we will guide you through the steps from one phase to the next.

Depending on the size of your year group, and which option courses you take, your classes will typically fall into three categories:

  • lectures
  • tutorials
  • seminars

As well as these classes, to get the most out of your courses, you will need to read widely.

We make extensive use of our audio and visual resources, and you will also be encouraged to use online materials.

Lectures

Lectures are taken by all students on a course, typically at the same time. They are delivered as interactive presentations which may involve audio-visual material.

Lectures are given by an experienced academic. They are designed to guide you through the background, questions and debates related to the topic you are studying.

Tutorials

Tutorial groups are smaller. They are also led by an academic, but here the emphasis is more on what you think about the topic yourself. So, tutorials are your chance to discuss and expand upon what you have learned in a lecture.

Language tutorials give you the opportunity to develop your linguistic skills in a range of real-world tasks under the supervision of an experienced language teacher.

These classes typically cover skills such as reading, writing, listening and speaking - all of which involve learning and applying grammar. 

Seminars

Seminars blend features of lectures and tutorials. Again, they are designed to encourage and enable your active participation in learning.

On some courses, you will have seminars instead of lectures, especially in Year 4.

Assessment

You will be assessed through a combination of coursework and exams.

Coursework is generally completed throughout the year, while exams take place at the end of a teaching block.

Coursework will take a range of forms to give you the opportunity to practice different skills. For example, you may be asked to:

  • write an essay, review, blog post, opinion piece or learning journal
  • respond to a piece of writing, film, or other media, including through close reading
  • give a short talk or presentation
  • record a podcast or video
  • design a poster or presentation

Exams will include oral exams to test your spoken language skills.

Depending on where you go and what you do during your Year Abroad, Year 3 may include being assessed, in part, by a host university or language centre.

In your final year, you will also complete a dissertation or long essay.

Support for your studies

As well as the teaching staff and other staff members you will meet day-to-day, there are lots of ways to get help with your learning, including through the University’s Institute for Academic Development (IAD). Peer support schemes bring together students across year groups to help each other with specific study skills, topics or themes.

Where you will study

Study location

When you are on campus, you can expect to spend most of your time in the University of Edinburgh's Central Area - in class, in the library, or in one of the University’s many social and support spaces.

The Central Area is located on the edge of Edinburgh's historic Old Town, surrounded by lots of green space.

Academic facilities

Libraries and collections

The Main University Library holds academic books, journals and databases, films, newspapers and other media. Its holdings include:

  • over 118,500 books and 25,500 journals in French, and a particularly rich collection of French Language papers donated by eminent scholars
  • around 14,400 titles in the Russian language

The Library is also the home of the University's Centre for Research Collections which brings together:

  • more than 400,000 rare books
  • six kilometres of archives and manuscripts
  • thousands of works of art, historical musical instruments and other objects

Many of the University's Special Collections are digitised and available online from our excellent Resource Centre, computing labs and dedicated study spaces in the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures (LLC).

Centres for research, teaching and outreach

Established in 1995, our Centre de recherches francophones belges promotes the teaching of Francophone Belgian literature, and hosts a range of activities for students and the public. Since 2018, the Centre has been partnering with Wallonie-Bruxelles International (WBI) to bring Francophone Belgian culture to Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

We also play a key role in the Diaspolinks network, which brings together researchers with a shared interest in the growing field of Diaspora Studies, especially Anglophone and Francophone diasporas. The international network is unique in comparing the various diasporic communities’ responses to issues of identity, belonging and relocation in the context of British, French and Canadian immigration policies.

Career paths

Skills and experience

Studying languages to degree level demonstrates that you are a good communicator, and someone open to other cultures and new ideas - what employers value as intercultural competence.

Beyond the language skills you will develop, you will also gain a nuanced understanding of other cultures and societies.

Graduating with a four-year Master of Arts degree from the University of Edinburgh shows intellectual maturity, resilience, and flexibility.

The skills you will be able to demonstrate to employers when you graduate include the ability to:

  • understand, analyse and articulate complex issues and concepts
  • manage your time to meet deadlines on different types of projects
  • work independently and as part of a group

Opportunities across sectors

Our programmes are an excellent primer for a range of careers, especially those that place a premium on thinking that is both disciplined and imaginative.

Within the private, public, not-for-profit, and for-benefit sectors, previous graduates have gone on to work in:

  • business, finance, commerce and tech
  • communications, marketing, advertising and public relations
  • education, outreach, advocacy and training
  • journalism, broadcasting and media
  • leisure, tourism and travel
  • politics, policy work, diplomacy, civil service and law
  • publishing, culture, heritage and the arts
  • research, development, consultancy and venture acceleration
  • translating and interpreting

Local and global opportunities

With increasing migration in response to changing global dynamics, there is demand for our graduates in Scotland, the UK and abroad.

Wherever you are based in the world, the ability to communicate in these two modern languages, and to understand the cultures to which they open doors, will make you stand out.

If you are keen to work abroad, it is good to know that French is a major language of international communication, one of the most widely spoken in the world, particularly in Europe, Africa and the Americas. As one of our graduates, you will be well-placed to seek opportunities in the 29 countries where French is an official language, and the many multinational companies and institutions for which it is a working language.

Around 150 million people in the world speak Russian, which is widely used in global cultural and political contexts. It is the official language of four countries and is commonly understood throughout Eastern Europe and Central Asia. There are also large communities of Russian-speakers in China, the United States, France, Germany, Spain, Norway, Israel and the UK.

Careers Service

Throughout your time with us, we will encourage you to identify and hone your employability skills.

Through the University's excellent Careers Service, you can:

  • get careers advice tailored towards French, Russian and other languages
  • book one-to-one appointments and practice interviews
  • access a range of online resources
  • attend events and themed fairs such as the Creative and Cultural Careers Festival
  • get help finding work while you study and for around two years after you graduate

The Careers Service is also a partner in Life After LLC, a panel event where you can draw inspiration from recent graduates of programmes in literatures, languages and cultures.

Visit the Careers Service website

Further study

The enhanced research skills you will develop on a four-year programme, particularly in your honours years, are a valuable asset if you wish to continue studying at postgraduate level.

At the University of Edinburgh, we typically offer:

  • Masters by Research programmes in:
    • French
    • Russian Studies
  • taught masters programmes in:
    • Comparative Literature
    • Intermediality
    • Translation Studies

Any of these programmes is a good foundation for a PhD, but is equally of value as a stand-alone qualification.

Graduate profiles

How to apply

You must submit a full application through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) before the relevant deadline.

Guidance on applying through UCAS

What you need to apply

As part of your application, you will need:

  • your academic qualifications
  • a personal statement
  • evidence of your English language skills (with relevant qualifications)
  • a reference

How we select

If you have met, or are predicted to meet, all our entry requirements by the relevant deadline, then your application will go into our selection process.

As part of this selection process, we will review all the information you submit in your UCAS application when we decide who to select for this degree programme.

How we select applicants

When to apply

  • 2026 entry UCAS deadline: 14 January 2026 (6:00pm GMT)

This is the deadline for all UK, EU and international applicants to non-medicine and veterinary medicine programmes.

To find out if any degree programmes have spaces after 14 January 2026, search the University of Edinburgh on the UCAS website.

Search degrees that are open on the UCAS website

Key application dates and deadlines

After you apply

After you have applied for your degree programme, we suggest you have a look at the following information to help you prepare for university:

Applying as an international student

As an international student, you apply for this degree programme through UCAS.  

Find out more about applying through UCAS  

Visas and immigration 

If you do not have the right to live in the UK, you will need to apply for and secure a Student visa before the start date of your degree programme.  

Our Student Immigration Service can help you with the Student visa application process. 

Applying for a visa  

Agents  

An education agent is someone who can help you with the application process as an international student. 

We work with education agents around the world and have a list of local offices you can contact.  

Find contact details for an education agent

What our students say

I think what makes Edinburgh special is that there is so much to do whatever your interests are! Whether you enjoy hiking, relaxing in a café, socialising with friends, or literally anything else, you will never run out of options here.

Minju Kim LLC graduate (2024)

In her final year studying languages at Edinburgh, Minju served as the Undergraduate Representative for the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures. Together with Programme Representatives for French and Russian Studies, Undergraduate Representatives are your voice in the university - sharing your feedback to continually improve the student experience for everyone. Their roles are supported by the Edinburgh University Students' Association (EUSA).

Accommodation

We guarantee an offer of University accommodation for all new, single undergraduate students from outside Edinburgh. To be eligible, you need to meet all criteria and apply for accommodation by 16 August in the year of your entry to the University.

University accommodation website

Accommodation guarantee criteria

If you prefer to live elsewhere, we can offer you advice on finding accommodation in Edinburgh.

Accommodation information from the Edinburgh University Students' Association Advice Place

Societies and clubs

The Edinburgh University Students' Association (EUSA) supports more than 300 student-led societies, clubs and social enterprises, and promotes opportunities with local charities through its volunteering centre.

From making friends in language cafes to campaigning on global issues, these student-led groups offer lots of ways to explore your subjects, interests and talents socially.

The French theatre society - Les Escogriffes - typically stages a play in French each year, with opportunities to direct, act, produce and promote. There is also a Russian Speaking Society.

Les Escogriffes is such a fun way to meet people learning and speaking French, and it is such a great creative outlet. We are silly, we play theatre and improv games, and you don’t need prior experience speaking French or doing theatre. You can perform or work behind the scenes of a production, and feel super proud of what you have achieved, making friends along the way!

Freya French and History graduate (2024) and President of Les Escogriffes during her time at Edinburgh

Read Freya's blog post on being a part of Les Escogriffes

We publish creative writing in nine European languages - including French and Russian - in our online magazine, Babble. You can get involved in the editorial committee, and launch nights typically include readings and performances.

With the support of our students, one of our Teaching Fellows in Russian has been leading activities to help displaced children from Ukraine with education and music tuition, and adults with language skills.

Read our interview with Ekaterina Popova about welcoming Ukrainian families to Edinburgh

Societies

Sports clubs

The city of Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a world-leading festival city filled with cinemas, theatres, galleries, libraries and collections. 

The city's resources for studying literatures, languages and cultures are exceptional, and its world cinema scene is particularly strong.

Many national collections are located close to the University's Central Area, making them easy to access between classes. Highlights include the National Library of Scotland, which has one of the best French collections in the UK and outstanding holdings in Russian. 

There is plenty to see and do throughout the year, including a rich programme of cultural events at the nearby Institut français d'Ecosse.

As well as the city's main summer festivals, the Edinburgh French Film Festival and Africa in Motion bring the latest and best Francophone cinema to Edinburgh each winter. There are also various food festivals.

Find out more about living in Edinburgh

Health and wellbeing support

You will have access to free health and wellbeing services throughout your time at university if you need them.

The support services we offer include:

  • a student counselling service
  • a health centre (doctor's surgery)
  • support if you're living in University accommodation
  • dedicated help and support if you have a disability or need adjustment

Health and wellbeing support services

Contact us

Contact us through our enquiry team if you have any questions about this programme.

Open days, events and visits

Find out when our next open days will be taking place

Open days, events and visits

Chat to our students on Unibuddy

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