Modern Languages (French and Russian) and Classical Studies

French and Russian together represent two of the world's most significant literary and cultural traditions, as well as two of its most geopolitically important languages. French is a global language spoken by hundreds of millions of people across five continents, central to European diplomacy and international institutions, and the vehicle for a literary and intellectual tradition that has shaped the modern world. Russian is the language of one of Europe's great literary cultures, the language of Tolstoy, Turgenev, and Pushkin, as well as a key language for understanding Eastern European affairs and international relations.

Adding classical studies to this combination means engaging with the ancient Greek and Latin roots from which both languages and the broader European tradition draw.

At St Andrews, this four-year programme develops your linguistic proficiency in both French and Russian to a high level, alongside deep engagement with the literature, history, and cultural life of French-speaking and Russian-speaking worlds. Classical studies adds a third dimension, connecting you to the texts and ideas of antiquity that have been in dialogue with European modernity for centuries. The programme includes a year abroad, which is essential for both linguistic development and cultural immersion in at least one of your language areas, and which typically proves to be one of the most formative parts of the degree.

Graduates with this range of languages and cultural knowledge are distinctive in the graduate market. Careers in diplomacy, international organisations, translation and interpreting, journalism, publishing, European and international law, the civil service, and cultural institutions are all well-suited to graduates of this combination. Many continue to postgraduate study in languages, linguistics, translation, or area studies.