Russian with Polish

Russian with Polish brings together two of the major Slavic languages, offering linguistic and cultural access to two countries whose histories have been deeply intertwined and often painfully opposed. Russian is one of the world's most widely spoken languages, the medium of a literary and intellectual tradition of extraordinary richness, and still of central importance to international affairs. Polish is the most widely spoken West Slavic language and the language of a nation whose modern history, including the experience of partition, occupation, resistance, and transition, has generated some of the most significant writing and thought in European culture.

At the University of Oxford you will study both languages over four years full time, taking Russian as the primary language and developing Polish alongside it. The programme combines rigorous language training with the study of literature, history, film, and cultural and intellectual life in both the Russian-speaking and Polish-speaking worlds. You will read primary texts in both languages, engage with scholarly debates about interpretation and context, and develop the analytical and communicative skills that serious language study requires.

Oxford's tutorial system means regular close engagement with expert tutors and sustained practice in constructing and defending arguments in writing.

The depth of linguistic and cultural expertise that this programme develops is rare and genuinely valuable in many professional and academic contexts.

Graduates go on to careers in diplomacy, international relations, journalism, academia, translation and interpreting, the civil service, business in Central and Eastern European markets, international organisations, and NGOs. The combination of two major Slavic languages with the intellectual training of an Oxford humanities degree is a strong foundation for many demanding professional paths. Many continue to postgraduate study in Slavic studies, Russian literature, or related fields.