BA Modern Languages and Philosophy (Russian)

Programme overview

Entry requirements

Entry Requirements are available on the Course Search entry

Programme specification

For students who entered the programme in September 2026, you can find the details of your programme: BA Modern Languages and Philosophy (Russian)

On this Joint Honours course, you'll combine Philosophy with your chosen language.

On the philosophy side of your degree, your first year will introduce you to topics such as moral philosophy and the history of western philosophy, and you will learn to construct and analyse philosophical arguments.

You will be expected to maintain a balance over a few key areas of philosophy such as value philosophy, the history of philosophy, or theoretical philosophy (such as theories of knowledge and being). You will also be able to specialise in topics that interest you through optional modules such as feminist philosophy, ancient philosophy, continental philosophy, and philosophy of language. Some of these philosophy modules are undergoing revision, but the list below will give you a flavour of what is likely to be available on this course.

Whether you’re starting your language from beginners’ level, or with prior knowledge, you’ll reach a professional standard in your chosen language through intensive learning practice and year abroad. Depending on the language that you are studying, you will spend either Year 2 or Year 3 in a country where your chosen language is spoken.

If you are taking your language as a beginner, you'll focus on building up quickly your language skills through your compulsory language modules. If you're an advanced learner, your compulsory language module will allow you to consolidate and broaden your language skills.

You will complement your language studies by exploring the cultures and societies of the countries where your chosen language is spoken as well as other countries around the world, choosing from a range of topics, including literature, cinema, popular culture, history, and politics.

In your final year, you will be able to choose to take your Final Year Project either with philosophy or with your chosen language. Depending on your choice of Final Year Project, you'll also have the flexibility to choose from a range of more specialised philosophy or cultural modules to deepen your knowledge.

You can enhance your professional language skills through modules on translation, interpreting or languages for business.

Combining rigorous thinking with communication and professional skills, this degree prepares you for an international career in many sectors.

Year 1

[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
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At Level 1, students must study 120 credits. Students are required to take 40 credits in Philosophy and 60 credits in Russian as well as a Cornerstone module.

Compulsory Modules

Students will be required to study the following compulsory modules

Code	Title	Credits	Semester	Pass for Progression
PHIL1260	How To Do Philosophy	20	Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
SLAV1120	What is Russia? An Introduction to Russian Studies	20	Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)

Optional Modules

Students will be required to study ONE of the following Cornerstone modules:

Code	Title	Credits	Semester	Pass for Progression
MODL1100	Politics, Culture and Society	20	Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)
MODL1150	Worlds of Literature	20	Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)
MODL1401	Discourse, Culture and Identity	20	Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)

Please note that optional modules run subject to enrolments. An optional module may not run if only a low number of students choose it.

Students will be required to study 20 credits of the following modules. Students on Route A or H may take up to 40 credits. (please be aware that this selection influences module choice at Level 2 because of pre-requisites):

Code	Title	Credits	Semester	Pass for Progression
PHIL1080	The Good, The Bad, The Right, The Wrong	20	Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
PHIL1090	Knowledge, Self and Reality	20	Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)

Route A

Students with prior knowledge of Russian (usually with A level Russian) will be required to study the following module:

Code	Title	Credits	Semester	Pass for Progression
SLAV1150	Intermediate Russian	20	Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)	PFP

Route B

Students with no prior knowledge of Russian will be required to study the following modules:

Code	Title	Credits	Semester	Pass for Progression
SLAV1141	Beginners Russian (A1)	20	Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
SLAV1145	Post-beginners Russian	20	Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)	PFP

Route H

Students with heritage knowledge of Russian language will be required to study the following module:

Code	Title	Credits	Semester	Pass for Progression
SLAV1140	Russian Language for Heritage Speakers	20	Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)	PFP

Route A/H

Students taking SLAV1150 or SLAV1140 may take up to 20 credits of the following optional modules from the list below.

Code	Title	Credits	Semester	Pass for Progression
PHIL1005	The Mind	10	Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
PHIL1007	Introduction to the Philosophy of Religion	10	Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
PHIL1015	Thinking About Race	10	Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)

Please note that optional modules run subject to enrolments. An optional module may not run if only a low number of students choose it.

Discovery Modules

Students taking SLAV1150 or SLAV1140 may take up to 20 credits of discovery modules.

Year 2

[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
View Timetable

Compulsory Modules

Students will be required to study the following compulsory modules

Code	Title	Credits	Semester	Pass for Progression
MODL9500	LCS Year Abroad	120	Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)	PFP

Year 3

[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
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At Level 2, students must study 120 credits. Overall, students must take at least 100 credits across their two subjects. Students are required to take a minimum of 40 credits in Philosophy and a minimum of 40 credits in Russian.

The remaining credits may be taken as further options in Russian or Philosophy, and up to 20 credits may be taken as discovery modules.

Optional Modules

Students will be required to study at least 40 credits and may take up to 80 credits from the following optional modules:

Code	Title	Credits	Semester	Pass for Progression
PHIL2615	How Do You Know? Topics in Epistemology	20	Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
PHIL2631	God, Thought and the World: Topics in Philosophy of Religion	20	Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
PHIL2906	Do the Right Thing: Topics in Moral Philosophy	20	Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
PHIL2915	How to Live Together: Topics in Political Philosophy	20	Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
PHIL2925	Reality Check: Topics in Metaphysics	20	Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)

Please note that optional modules run subject to enrolments. An optional module may not run if only a low number of students choose it.

Students who took SLAV1101/SLAV1150 or SLAV1020/SLAV1145 in Level 1 will be required to study the following module:

Code	Title	Credits	Semester	Pass for Progression
SLAV2101	Core Russian Language 2	20	Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)	PFP

Students who took SLAV1140 in Level 1 will be required to study the following module:

Code	Title	Credits	Semester	Pass for Progression
SLAV2230	Applied Russian Language for Heritage Speakers	20	Not running in 202627	PFP

Route A/B

Students taking SLAV2101 will be required to study a minimum of 20 credits and may take up to 40 credits from the following lists of optional modules (from Basket 1 AND Baskets 2-3). (Basket 2 and Basket 3 are offered in alternate years):

Route H

Students taking SLAV2230 will be required to study a minimum of 20 credits and may take up to 40 credits from the following lists of optional modules (from EITHER Basket 2 OR Basket 3) (Basket 2 and Basket 3 are offered in alternate years):

Basket 1 (Route A/B)

Code	Title	Credits	Semester	Pass for Progression
SLAV2103	Applied Russian Language 2	20	Not running in 202627

Please note that optional modules run subject to enrolments. An optional module may not run if only a low number of students choose it.

Basket 2 (Route A/B/H)

Code	Title	Credits	Semester	Pass for Progression
SLAV2111	The Sounds of Russian	20	Not running in 202627
SLAV2113	The Spaces of Russophone Literature	20	Not running in 202627

Please note that optional modules run subject to enrolments. An optional module may not run if only a low number of students choose it.

Basket 3 (Route A/B/H)

Code	Title	Credits	Semester	Pass for Progression
SLAV2114	The Others of Russian, Soviet and Post-Soviet Culture	20	Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)
SLAV2120	The Structures of Russian	20	Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)

Please note that optional modules run subject to enrolments. An optional module may not run if only a low number of students choose it.

All students may take up to 40 credits from the following optional modules:

Code	Title	Credits	Semester	Pass for Progression
MODL2003	Global Queer Politics and Cultures	20	Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
MODL2006	Social Class across Cultures	20	Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)
MODL2015	Black Europe	20	Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)
MODL2070	Reception, Transmission and Translation: The Global Circulation of Literature	20	Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)
MODL2075	Global Environmental Humanities	20	Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
MODL2090	Languages in Action: from Theory to Practice	20	Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)
MODL2250	Digital Communications Across Cultures	20	Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)

Please note that optional modules run subject to enrolments. An optional module may not run if only a low number of students choose it.

Discovery Modules

Students may choose to take 20 credits of discovery modules.

Year 4

[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
View Timetable

At Level 3, students must study 120 credits. Students are required to take a minimum of 40 credits in Russian and a minimum of 40 credits in Philosophy. Overall, students must take at least 100 credits across their two subjects. The remaining 20 credits may be taken as further options with Russian or Philosophy, or as discovery modules.

All students must take 40 credits as a Final Year Project (FYP) module, which can be taken in - and count towards - either of their two subjects (EITHER Russian OR Philosophy).

Compulsory Modules

Students will be required to study the following compulsory module

Code	Title	Credits	Semester	Pass for Progression
SLAV3101	Core Russian Language 3	20	Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)	PFP

Optional Modules

Students will be required to study ONE of the following Final Year Project modules. 

Code	Title	Credits	Semester	Pass for Progression
MODL3050	Final Year Project	40	Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)	PFP
PRHS3000	Independent Research Project in Philosophy, Religion or History of Science	40	Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)	PFP
PRHS3001	Integrated Research Project in Philosophy, Religion or History of Science	40	Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)	PFP

Students who take their Final Year Project in Russian (MODL3050) may take up to 20 credits from the following list of optional modules (from EITHER Basket 1 OR Basket 2 OR Basket 3. Baskets 2 and 3 are offered in alternate years):

Students who take their FYP in Philosophy (PRHS3000 or PRHS3001) are required to take a minimum of 20 credits and may take up to 40 credits from the following list of optional modules (from EITHER Basket 1 OR Basket 2 or Basket 3. Baskets 2 and 3 are offered in alternate years):

Basket 1

Code	Title	Credits	Semester	Pass for Progression
SLAV3114	Russian Advanced Translation	20	Not running in 202627

Please note that optional modules run subject to enrolments. An optional module may not run if only a low number of students choose it.

Basket 2

Code	Title	Credits	Semester	Pass for Progression
SLAV3117	The Sounds of Russian	20	Not running in 202627
SLAV3118	The Spaces of Russophone Literature	20	Not running in 202627

Please note that optional modules run subject to enrolments. An optional module may not run if only a low number of students choose it.

Basket 3

Code	Title	Credits	Semester	Pass for Progression
SLAV3119	The Others of Russian, Soviet and Post-Soviet Culture	20	Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)
SLAV3120	The Structures of Russian	20	Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)

Please note that optional modules run subject to enrolments. An optional module may not run if only a low number of students choose it.

All students may choose to take 20 credits of the following optional modules:

Code	Title	Credits	Semester	Pass for Progression
FOAH3230	Transnational Feminism and Creative Practice	20	Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
MODL3130	Languages in Action: from Theory to Practice	20	Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)
MODL3200	Representing the Holocaust: Transgression and the Taboo	20	Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
MODL3410	Contemporary World Literature	20	Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)
MODL3620	Decolonial Approaches	20	Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
MODL3630	Social Movements across Cultures	20	Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
MODL3650	Minoritised Languages, Dialects and Cultures from Past to Present	20	Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)

Please note that optional modules run subject to enrolments. An optional module may not run if only a low number of students choose it.

Students who take their FYP in Russian (MODL3050) are required to take a minimum of 40 credits and may take up to 60 credits from the following lists of optional modules (from Basket 4 or Basket 5).

Students who take their FYP in Philosophy (PRHS3000 or PRHS3001) may take up to 40 credits from the following lists of optional modules (from Basket 4 or Basket 5).

BASKET 4: GENERALIST PHILOSOPHY

Code	Title	Credits	Semester	Pass for Progression
PHIL3011	Philosophy of Language	20	Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
PHIL3012	Ancient Philosophy	20	Not running in 202627
PHIL3015	Non-Western Philosophy	20	Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
PHIL3125	Continental Philosophy	20	Not running in 202627
PHIL3322	Aesthetics and the Philosophy of Art	20	Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
PHIL3700	Feminist Philosophy	20	Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
PHIL3723	War, Terror and Justice	20	Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)

Please note that optional modules run subject to enrolments. An optional module may not run if only a low number of students choose it.

BASKET 5: APPLIED PHILOSOPHY

Code	Title	Credits	Semester	Pass for Progression
HPSC3113	History and Philosophy of Artificial Intelligence	20	Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
PHIL3013	Bioethics	20	Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
PHIL3016	Philosophy of Work and Play	20	Not running in 202627
PHIL3310	Philosophy of Sex and Relationships	20	Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
PHIL3855	Philosophical Issues in Technology	20	Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)

Please note that optional modules run subject to enrolments. An optional module may not run if only a low number of students choose it.

Discovery Modules

Students may choose to take 20 credits of discovery modules.

Last updated: 08/05/2026 16:51:27

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