(Full time) 2020 start
Arabic and Russian A BA
Overview
Join our live event on 20 November to hear from our students and academic staff about studying two languages at the University of Leeds.
Learn two major world languages and deepen your understanding of the modern world by exploring the history and culture of the nations that speak them on this fascinating 5-year course. If you have A-level Russian or equivalent, this degree will improve and refine your language skills, and introduce you to various aspects of Russian culture, history and politics.
You will have the opportunity to spend two years abroad, with a year in Russia and another in an Arabic speaking country, which will provide you with invaluable first-hand experience of the languages and let you fully immerse yourself in the cultures of the regions.
Arabic is a vital language for understanding societies in the Middle East and the Islamic world while Russia plays an important role on the global stage and is one of the world’s largest economies. If you’ve never studied Arabic before, this degree will allow you to learn it from scratch. A combination of core and optional modules will give you a firm grounding in both languages while you study the topics that suit your interests including Islamic thought, Arabic culture and Middle Eastern history Dostoevsky or the language of the Russian media.
Course content
A joint honours degree allows you to study the same core topics as students on each single honours course, but you’ll take fewer options and discovery modules so you can fit in both subjects. You’ll study one of our cornerstone modules in Year 1 to draw your two subjects together, and apply your knowledge and skills to a major research project in either subject in your final year.
Arabic
You’ll spend your first year studying core modules that develop your Arabic language skills and introduce you to Arab and Islamic history. All of this will prepare you for your time abroad, when you’ll study in an Arabic-speaking country to experience the local culture. When you return, you’ll take advanced language classes and study translation, as well as choosing from options such as Arabic literature, Middle East politics and Islamic Studies.
Russian A
In your first year you’ll study core modules that will improve your written and spoken Russian, and you’ll also be introduced to Russian culture and literature. You’ll then spend a year studying in Russia to refine your skills and gain a deeper insight into Russian life. When you return, you’ll take advanced language classes over the next two years, and choose from optional modules on topics such as 19th century literature, new media in Russia and translation.
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.
Modules
Year 1
Compulsory modules
- Beginning Arabic 1 20 credits
- Beginning Arabic 2 20 credits
- Studying the Middle East: Culture, History, Politics and Religion 20 credits
- Core Russian Language 1 20 credits
- What is Russia? An Introduction to Russian Studies 20 credits
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- Introduction to Audio-Visual Culture 20 credits
- Language: Structure and Sound 20 credits
- World Histories 20 credits
- Intercultural Competence: Theory and Application 20 credits
- Politics, Culture and Society 20 credits
- Worlds of Literature 20 credits
- Discourse, Culture and Identity 20 credits
Year 2
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- Arabic Year Abroad 120 credits
- Russian Year Abroad 120 credits
Year 3
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- Arabic Year Abroad 120 credits
- Russian Year Abroad 120 credits
Year 4
Compulsory modules
- Advanced Arabic Grammar and Translation 20 credits
- Essential Skills in Practical Arabic 20 credits
- Core Russian Language 2 20 credits
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- Arab Media, Politics and Society 20 credits
- Culture and Society in the Arab World 20 credits
- Modern Middle Eastern History 20 credits
- Research Placement 20 credits
- Applied Russian Language 2 20 credits
- The Sounds of Russian 20 credits
- Russian Society from Perestroika to the Crimean Annexation (1985-2015) 20 credits
- The Spaces of Russian Literature 20 credits
Year 5
Compulsory modules
- Advanced Skills in Arabic Language 20 credits
- Core Russian Language 3 20 credits
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- Arabic Stylistics 20 credits
- Arab Drama on Stage and Screen 20 credits
- Islam and Modernity 20 credits
- Middle Eastern Politics: Regimes, Societies and Conflict 20 credits
- Final Year Project: Dissertation 40 credits
- Final Year Project: Extended Essay 20 credits
- Final Year Project: Translation 20 credits
- Final Year Project: Extended Translation 40 credits
- Final Year Project: Digital Documentary 40 credits
- Russian Advanced Translation 20 credits
- The Sounds of Russian 20 credits
- Russian Society from Perestroika to the Crimean Annexation (1985-2015) 20 credits
- The Spaces of Russian Literature 20 credits
Broadening your academic horizons
At Leeds we want you to benefit from the depth and breadth of the University's expertise, to prepare you for success in an ever-changing and challenging world. This course gives you the opportunity to broaden your learning by studying discovery modules. Find out more on the Broadening webpages.
Learning and teaching
Our tutors are experts in their fields, and their 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 or occasionally workshops. However, independent study is also central to this degree, since it allows you to develop your skills in research and analysis. You will be able to apply your skills and knowledge in a Final Year Research Project on a topic of your own choice.
Assessment
We also use different types of assessment. Usually we use a mixture of exams and essays, but you may also be assessed on oral presentations or group work in some modules. Support will be on hand throughout your time at Leeds – for example, you’ll be able to attend extra classes on exam technique, structuring an essay and public speaking if you need them.
Entry requirements, fees and applying
Entry requirements
A-level: ABB including B in Russian
Other course specific tests:When 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.
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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.
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BTEC
We will consider this qualification in combination with other qualifications. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.
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Cambridge Pre-U
M1, M1, M1 including Russian
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International Baccalaureate
34 points overall with 16 at Higher Level including 6 in Russian at Higher Level
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Irish Highers (Leaving Certificate)
H2, H2, H2, H3, H3, H3 including H3 in Russian
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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
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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.
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Other Qualifications
European Baccalaureate: 77% including 80% 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 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.
International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK/EU 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
Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures Undergraduate Admissions Policy 2020
Fees
UK/EU: See fees section below
International: £19,500 (per year)
Tuition fees for 2020 entry
For UK and non-UK EU full-time students starting in 2020, the fee for 2020/21 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 and non-UK EU undergraduate students are decided by Government and may vary if policy changes.
The UK government has confirmed that non-UK EU students starting in the 2020/21 academic year will have home fee status and be eligible for UK government student loans for the duration of their course. The UK government has not confirmed the situation for future years, so keep checking our website for updates.
Brexit
Visit our Brexit page for the latest information on the effect of the UK's planned exit from the EU on current students and applicants to the University.
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.
Visit our Brexit page for the latest information on the effect of the UK's planned exit from the EU on current students and applicants to the University.
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.
Career opportunities
Careers support
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.
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.
Study abroad and work placements
Residence abroad
This five-year course involves a year abroad both in Year 2 and Year 3.
You’ll study at an institute such as the Arabic Language Institute in Fes (ALIF), Morocco and you’ll also spend a year studying Russian language and culture at institutes such as the Centre for International Education at Moscow State University.