Russian Studies aims to provide students with an informed understanding of Russia and the former Soviet Union through the study of Russian language, literature, civilisation and history.

Because Russian is not usually taught in NSW secondary schools, Russian Studies provides a comprehensive range of courses for students starting Russian without any previous knowledge of the Russian language. The courses aim to equip students with a good command of contemporary Russian as spoken in Moscow and St. Petersburg.

Since the break-up of the Soviet Union, many opportunities for study and employment have become available in Russia, Ukraine and other countries of the former USSR, and students are encouraged to undertake courses in Russian directly in these countries, either during their study at UNSW or following graduation.

Studying Russian at UNSW

The study of Russian at UNSW is primarily through the School of Modern Languages (http://languages.arts.unsw.edu.au). The School offers a major sequence in Russian Studies within the Bachelor of Arts and related combined degree programs.

Although language study is required for a major sequence in Russian Studies, several of the Upper Level courses require no knowledge of the Russian language and can be taken by students from other schools interested in learning about Russian literature, society and history.