Portuguese and Russian A BA

In this fascinating and varied degree, you’ll learn two major world languages, spend some time learning abroad, and build your understanding of diverse cultures across the world.

Russia boasts a fascinating cultural and political history, and a language which is important in the science and technology sectors. If you have A-level Russian or equivalent, this degree will give you the opportunity to build on your knowledge. You’ll also learn Portuguese and gain insight into the vibrant and dynamic Portuguese-speaking world.

During your second year, you’ll spend some time studying both in a Russian-speaking and a Portuguese-speaking country, providing invaluable opportunities to practise your language skills and experience each region first-hand.

As well as gaining advanced skills in Portuguese and Russian, you’ll develop an insight into the history, politics and cultures of Russia and different Portuguese-speaking countries.

Becoming fluent in both languages, as well as gaining international experience, opens up excellent global career opportunities for you when you graduate.

Specialist facilities

With a variety of specialist facilities and four libraries on campus, you’ll find plenty of space for study, group work and research.

The Brotherton Library is home to a wide variety of manuscripts, archive and early printed material in its Special Collections – valuable assets for your independent research.

The Language Zone offers excellent learning material in more than 50 languages, including online resources and advice. The Language Exchange and the Language Groups programme provide opportunities to practise with other learners and native speakers; you can also volunteer to help other learners and enhance your CV at the same time.

The Electronic Resource Information Centre offers specialised computing facilities for translation studies and Interpreter Training Suites – ideal if you are considering a career in interpreting.

The Camões Institute is the cultural institute of the Portuguese government and is located on campus. The University also hosts the Leeds Russian Archive - a unique archive of public and private source materials.

A combination of core and optional modules will give you a firm grounding in the languages while you study the topics that suit your interests.

Year 1

In your first year, you’ll study core modules to develop your language skills in both Russian and Portuguese and select an optional module to broaden your knowledge. You’ll also undertake cultural studies, gaining insight into various regions including Russia, Portugal, Brazil and Portuguese-speaking areas of Africa.

Year 2

You'll spend some of your second year studying in a Russian-speaking country, which will include intensive tuition in the Russian language and the option of taking some culture-based modules. This is followed by a period of time spent in a Portuguese-speaking country.

Year 3

You'll return to Leeds and enhance your core language skills in both languages; you’ll also have opportunities to specialise further in topics of interest to you through optional modules.

Year 4

You’ll deepen your knowledge in your final year at Leeds, studying advanced language modules and working on a final year research project. This could be a dissertation, translation or digital documentary, submitted as a podcast. You'll also have the flexibility to choose from a range of optional modules in areas such as Latin American media, advanced Russian translation, or social movements across cultures. The international outlook and knowledge you develop alongside advanced language skills will allow you to consider career options in a range of fields.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Portuguese and Russian A BA in the course catalogue

Modules

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

Discovery modules

Throughout your degree you will benefit from a range of opportunities to expand your intellectual horizons outside or within your subject area.

This course gives you the opportunity to choose from a range of discovery modules. They’re a great way to tailor your study around your interests or career aspirations and help you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Find out more about discovery modules on our Broadening webpages.

Learning and teaching

Our tutors are experts in their fields whose teaching is informed by their own cutting-edge research. We use a range of teaching methods to help you benefit from their expertise, including lectures, seminars, tutorials and workshops. Independent study is also central to this degree, since it allows you to develop your skills in research and analysis. You’ll be able to apply your skills and knowledge in a final year research project on a topic of your own choice.

As well as being taught by our expert academics, you may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus. We are committed to an innovative and inclusive approach to teaching, which draws on a variety of activities, including flipped learning, group presentations, and bespoke digital resources to prepare you for your seminar discussions.

On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

We use a wide range of assessments including essays, exams, presentations, podcasts, literature reviews and reflective logs. We offer support in these areas as well. For example, we run extra classes on skills such as public speaking, structuring essays and exam techniques which you can attend throughout your time at Leeds. Assessments are designed to deliver the transferable skills needed for the world of work; task-based activities are designed to evidence critical thinking, demonstrate initiative, and show knowledge of a range of relevant subjects and sources.

Entry requirements

A-level: ABB including B in Russian

Other course specific tests:

Where an applicant is taking the EPQ in a relevant subject this might be considered alongside other Level 3 qualifications and may attract an alternative offer in addition to the standard offer. If you are taking A Levels, this would be BBB at A Level including Russian and grade A in the EPQ.

• Access to HE Diploma

  Pass diploma with 60 credits overall, including at least 45 credits at level 3, of which 30 credits must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit or higher. An interview and a piece of written work may also be required. This course has additional subject specific requirements. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.

• BTEC

  We will consider the level 3 QCF BTEC at Subsidiary Diploma level and above in combination with other qualifications. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.

• Cambridge Pre-U

  M1, M1, M2 including Russian

• International Baccalaureate

  34 points overall with 16 at Higher Level including 5 in Russian at Higher Level

• Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)

  H2, H2, H2, H3, H3, H3 including H3 in Russian

• Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers

  BB in Advanced Highers including Russian and AABBB in Highers, or B in Russian in Advanced Highers and AAABB in Highers

• Welsh Baccalaureate

  The Welsh Baccalaureate is not typically included in the academic conditions of an offer made to you for this course. If you choose to undertake the Welsh Baccalaureate we would strongly encourage you to draw upon these experiences within your personal statement, as your qualification will then be taken into account both when your application is initially considered by the selection panel and again when reviewed by the admissions tutor at the time your A-level results are passed to us.

• Other Qualifications

  European Baccalaureate: 75% including 8.0 in Russian

Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.

Alternative entry

We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.

Access to Leeds is an alternative admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.

Find out more about Access to Leeds and alternative admissions.

Typical Access to Leeds offer: BBC at A Level including B in Russian and pass Access to Leeds.

International

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. Contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for more information.

International Foundation Year

International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.

English language requirements

IELTS 7.0 overall, with no less than 6.5 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

How to apply

Apply to this course through UCAS. The institution code for the University of Leeds is L23. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.

Read our guidance about applying.

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy 2023

Fees

UK: To be confirmed

International: To be confirmed

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2022/23
For UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2022/23 the fee will be £9,250. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation and as permitted by law. Fees for UK undergraduate students are decided by the government and may vary if policy changes.

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2023/24
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students for 2023/24 have been agreed by the UK Government and will remain at the current fee level of £9,250. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation and as permitted by law. Fees for UK undergraduate students are decided by the government and may vary if policy changes.

Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2023/24
Tuition fees for international students for 2023/24 should be available on individual course pages from September 2022.

Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.

Read more about paying fees and charges.

Some additional fees apply to this course:

• Find out more about fees if you take a study abroad or work placement year.

• Read more about paying fees and charges.

• Course or programme of study costs.

• Additional costs related to being a student at the University of Leeds.

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs.

Financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.

In this degree, you’ll become proficient in two major world languages, and experience studying and living abroad. You’ll develop a range of skills across disciplines that employers are actively looking for.

You’ll have strong research skills, and you’ll be able to analyse complex information from multiple sources before drawing your own conclusions. You’ll be able to communicate your views clearly, and have an understanding of cultural diversity, allowing you to work effectively with people whose backgrounds differ from yours.

Your knowledge and experience will open up a broad range of career choices and opportunities to connect with people across major world regions. Our graduates have pursued careers in diverse fields such as translation and interpreting, education, journalism, business, law and civil and diplomatic services.

Postgraduate study in languages at Leeds or elsewhere provides an opportunity to continue to learn and prepare for a PhD and a career in academia.

Careers support

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.

The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.

During your time abroad, you’ll have the chance to practise and develop your language skills as well as immersing yourself in the culture. You’ll spend some of your year abroad studying in a Russian-speaking country. This is followed by a period of time studying or working in a Portuguese-speaking country.

• Read more about the Russian residence abroad

• Read more about the Portuguese residence abroad

Work placements

Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.

Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.