Russian Studies
Здравствуйте! (Zdravstvuyte!)
Russian is one of the world's major international languages: it is spoken by over 140 million people and is one of the six official languages of the United Nations.
Learn the Russian language and delve into its culture
Russian may not be the easiest language to learn, but it can be incredibly rewarding – and given it’s one of the six official languages of the United Nations, learning Russian could also open up many job opportunities. You may need to take a placement test which will make sure you’re in the right class for your level. But you won’t just have the opportunity to learn the language, you’ll be able to study Russian history, literature, and culture too.
There are opportunities to study abroad, including an exchange agreement with Moscow State University, and you can even apply for scholarships to help fund overseas study. You could also choose to take up work-integrated learning opportunities through local organisations such as SBS or the Russian Ethnic Representative Council.
Where can Russian studies take you?
By the end of your studies, you’ll have developed the critical thinking skills invaluable to any work setting. Given Russia’s prominence on the world stage, a knowledge of Russian language and culture can play an important role in a wide range of career areas such as international relations, business, law, diplomacy, education, federal police and government.
I was very lucky to spend a semester studying at Moscow State University. There were parts of living in Russia that were difficult to adjust to, but I found Moscow to be colourful, the people warm and honest and curious too. I made Russian friends through university, and they guided me into a Moscow that was both unfamiliar, yet exactly what I craved. A young Moscow, a light Moscow, one that was vibrant and alive.
— Megan Elise Hanrahan
Bachelor of Arts, with a Diploma in Languages (Russian Studies)
Where do I start?
Before you begin studying a language, there are a couple of steps you will need to take:
1. Pick how you’ll study your chosen language
There is a wide range of options available to students interested in studying Russian
Bachelor of Arts students
Bachelor of Arts students can study Russian as a major, minor or electives. You can master the Russian language alongside your degree with a concurrent Diploma in Languages or develop advanced knowledge in Russian Studies in Honours.
Undergraduate students
Not a Bachelor of Arts Student? Get a taste of Russian Studies through breadth subjects, immerse yourself in a Russian studies breadth track, or master the Russian language with a Diploma in Languages alongside your undergraduate degree.
Graduate coursework
Master the Russian language alongside your current graduate degree with a Diploma in Languages, or build on your knowledge with one of our graduate courses.
Master of International Relations
Graduate research
Develop advanced skills and knowledge in carrying out independent and sustained research in Russian Studies with one of our research higher degrees.
2. Apply/Enrol
You’ll need to create an account and apply for your chosen course before taking the language questionnaire and placement test.
Visit your chosen course page and begin the application process.
3. Online placement test
The language questionnaire and online placement test makes sure you're placed in the right class for your ability and background in Russian. It's important to note that you should not study for this test or get a friend to take it for you as it will assess your current ability. Your test results will determine what level class you're placed in.The test is only necessary if you have some knowledge of Russian.
Enhance your study of Russian
Overseas Russian Studies subjects
Overseas intensive subjects offer you the opportunity to complete an entire Russian Studies subject overseas in a condensed amount of time. Subjects typically run from one to four weeks.
Work Integrated Learning
Integrate your Russian studies with authentic work experience.
Russian language exchange experience
Gain an international perspective and experience Russian first-hand by studying overseas in a Russian speaking country for one or two semesters.