Romanian and Russian

Romanian and Russian is an unusual and intellectually ambitious combination, joining a Romance language descended directly from Vulgar Latin with one of the major Slavic languages, spoken across an enormous geographical space and the medium of one of the greatest literary traditions in the world. Together they open access to two cultures with rich and complex histories, each deeply shaped by empire, revolution, and the difficult transitions of the twentieth century.

At University College London you will develop genuine proficiency in both Romanian and Russian over four years full time, building the ability to read literature, engage with contemporary media and primary sources, and communicate with native speakers. Alongside language learning you will study the histories, cultures, and politics of Romania and the Russian-speaking world, from the legacies of the Ottoman, Habsburg, and Soviet empires through to the post-communist transitions and contemporary geopolitical landscape of both regions. The ability to read in both languages gives you access to perspectives and sources that simply are not available in translation.

UCL's languages and area studies programmes are taught by specialists with deep expertise in these specific linguistic and cultural traditions, and London's diverse communities provide additional contexts for engagement with both languages.

Graduates go on to careers in diplomacy, international organisations, journalism, NGOs, business in Romania and the former Soviet space, translation and interpreting, academia, and the civil service. The combination of rare linguistic skills and substantive regional knowledge is in real demand in a professional world where both Romania and Russia-adjacent geopolitics require expert attention. Many also continue to postgraduate study in area studies, Eastern European history, or languages.