Chinese and Russian Studies MA (Hons)

Level: Undergraduate

Subject: Chinese

Year of entry: 2026

Key facts

UCAS Code

BR37

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 joint honours programme enables you to study the languages, literatures and cultures of two of the world's largest countries, both of whom play an important role in contemporary global politics.

Together, Chinese and Russian have around 1.5 billion native speakers. They are your gateway to cultures and career opportunities in many parts of:

  • Europe
  • East and Central Asia
  • North America

There are large communities of Russian speakers in China and increasing numbers of young Russians are learning Chinese at high school and beyond.

Skills development

On this programme, you will develop advanced competency in Modern Standard Chinese and in Russian. You will gain the skills needed to use your languages in social and professional settings, focusing on:

  • reading and writing (including translation)
  • speaking and listening

Our courses explore Chinese, East Asian, Russian and Russian-speaking (Russophone):

  • literature and cinema
  • political history and international relations
  • social and cultural movements

You will have the opportunity to study Russia's transnational mobility and to learn about Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan and associated Chinese diasporas.

Why Edinburgh

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

We are the only university in Scotland to offer both single and joint honours undergraduate programmes in Chinese. Within the UK, we are also the only university to offer three different language entry levels to our Chinese degree programmes:

  • ab initio - for complete beginners in the Chinese language
  • upper beginner
  • intermediate

We also offer two entry levels to Russian, including ab initio.

Our programme is not for native speakers of either language, but we welcome heritage language learners.

We have built immersive study abroad into the programme in Year 3, which you will spend in either mainland China or Taiwan and in a country where Russian is spoken.

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 both your languages and in Chinese and Russian Studies. You will also gain research skills and choose an option course from a wide range of disciplines.

Your final two years will be your honours years. You will spend Year 3 studying abroad, gaining lived experience of Chinese and Russophone cultures. Year 4 will be tailored to your interests in specific topics in Chinese and Russian Studies. You will also further develop your language and translation skills.

How a joint degree programme works

You will study both Chinese and Russian to degree level.

Both languages are based in the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures (LLC). Your teaching will take place in and around the main LLC building in the University's Central Area.

During your Year Abroad, you will complete assignments for both subjects while using your language skills daily.

Programme rankings

  • 2nd in the UK for Asian Studies in The Complete University Guide - Subject League Table 2025
  • 3rd in the UK for Modern Languages in the QS World Rankings by Subject 2025

Programme benefits

  • Take the only programme of its kind in the UK to offer three entry levels for Chinese.
  • Study over four years, including one abroad.
  • Become fluent in two major world languages.
  • Join societies related to what you are studying.
  • 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) Chinese and Russian

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

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.

Some scholarship money may be available from external sources, on a competitive basis, for students studying in mainland China or Taiwan.

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

Chinese

If you are a beginner, you will study Chinese 1, an introduction to modern spoken and written Chinese.

If you already have some knowledge of the Chinese language (e.g. from GCSE/National 5 or higher), you may be eligible to take one of our more advanced language courses instead; Chinese 2 (upper beginner) or Chinese 3 (intermediate). We will help place you on the right course for you.

Whatever your level of language learning, you will also take a course that explores China's engagement with modernity. You will study the country's political, social and cultural history from 1600 CE to the present day, with a focus on its place in East Asia.

Russian Studies

If you have no previous knowledge of Russian you will take Russian Studies 1A, an intensive beginners Russian 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 the Russian Studies 1B course. This provides advanced Russian language study, 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 course

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

You can choose to find out more about East Asia, for example by taking a course on Japan, Korea and their relationship with China.

Other 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)

Chinese

In your language classes, you will continue to learn Modern Standard Chinese and explore Chinese culture. 

You will also begin to learn classical Chinese, and translation skills. 

You will take a course in skills and methodologies in Chinese studies to prepare you for completing independent research in your honours years. Topics covered include:

  • referencing skills
  • essay and dissertation writing
  • using software tools and Chinese libraries
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 one of the following three courses:

  • Transnational Russian Culture
  • The Golden Age of Russian Literature
  • Utopia and Dystopia in 20th-century Russian Literature
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 Chinese and Russian 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 either mainland China or Taiwan and a country in which Russian is spoken.

To give you a balanced experience, you will spend at least eight weeks in each of your two destinations, studying 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 study abroad. This year, for example, we have students at Tallinn University in Estonia, and at universities in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Armenia.

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.

For Chinese, you are likely to have coursework set by your host institution.

For Russian Studies, you will take an e-learning course to prepare you for your Year 4 Russian language courses. This course will count as part of your Year 3 mark, alongside any coursework arranged by your host institution or language centre.

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)

Chinese

You will continue to study Modern Standard Chinese, focusing on advanced skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing. You will also build on your translation skills.

Alongside your language study, you will be able to choose from courses on Chinese:

  • film and literature
  • politics
  • modern and pre-modern history
  • contemporary society
Russian Studies

You will develop advanced language skills in spoken and written Russian. You will also submit a long essay in Russian.

You will choose an honours-level course from a range of specialist options in Russian Studies.

Find Year 4 courses (2024-2025 academic year)

Study abroad

You will spend Year 3 abroad, dividing your time between a country where Russian is spoken and either mainland China or Taiwan. You will spend a minimum of 30 weeks abroad; at least eight weeks in each country.

Although we are not currently sending our Year 3 students to Russia and Ukraine, we are still able to fully support them to study 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

In addition to 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 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

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

The Centre's treasures include over 100 rare and pre-1900 CE Chinese and Japanese books including a commentary on the classic Chinese text Yi Jing (Book of Changes). Written by the scholar Hu Guang c. 1413, this was printed in 1440 using block printing and donated to the University in 1628.

More broadly, our Chinese and East Asian Studies Collection contains more than 50,000 resources, both print and digital, including over 600 Chinese films.

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).

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 on this programme, you will also gain a nuanced understanding of diverse 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 major global languages, and to understand the cultures to which they open doors, will make you stand out.

If you are keen to work abroad, it’s good to know that Chinese and Russian are two of the most widely spoken languages in the world. Over one billion people speak Modern Standard Chinese, while around 150 million speak Russian.

In addition to the countries where it is an official language or is widely understood, there are large communities of Russian speakers in China, Central Asia, the United States, France, Germany, Spain, Norway, Israel, and the UK.

Increasing numbers of Chinese-speaking graduates are recruited by companies based in East Asia, a powerful player in the global economy.

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 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
    • Chinese
    • Russian Studies
  • taught masters programmes in:
    • East Asian Studies (with the option to specialise in Chinese studies)
    • Comparative Literature
    • Intermediality
    • Translation Studies

Any of our masters degrees, whether research-based or taught, 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 Chinese Studies 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 and clubs, including the Russian Speaking Society. It also 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. There are also opportunities to pair up with native speakers for language exchange and practice.

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

You can also attend film screenings and an Asian Studies seminar series that features visiting speakers from around the world. This will bring you closer to students of Japanese and Korean.

With the support of our students, one of our Teaching Fellows in Russian Studies 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 significant Russian holdings. 

Edinburgh has a thriving East Asian cultural scene and excellent links with China.

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

Related degree programmes

You may also be interested in

Discover Uni data

This information is part of a government initiative to enhance the material that higher education institutions provide about their degree programmes.

It is one of many sources of information which will enable you to make an informed decision on what and where to study.

Some programmes do not have Discover Uni data available.