BA Comparative Literatures and Cultures and Russian (QR43)

2024 entry | view 2025 entry

Course summary

Our BA Comparative Literatures and Cultures and Russian degree offers an unmatched opportunity to study international cultural production in depth and breadth, while also studying Russian, a language of strategic importance spoken by 145 million speakers across several countries and large diasporic communities. Russian is available from beginners' level and post-A level (or equivalent).

You will study the literatures and cultures of the world in comparative frameworks that draw on methodologies from textual, cultural and visual studies, as well as from translation, philosophy, history, social science and critical theory. Texts are read in English translation.

This course encourages attributes highly valued by employers, including intercultural understanding, analytical and critical thinking, clarity and self confidence in communication, an aptitude for collaborative work and creativity. It will instil the habits of curiosity, openness, rigour, self reflection and evidence-based thinking, preparing you for careers in a variety of sectors.

All modern languages students have access to our state-of-the-art Multimedia Centre, with a collection of movies, cinema suite, audio recording and video editing studio, computer and language lab and study areas. You can access extracurricular activities such as talks by visiting speakers, societies, language cafes, student newspapers and talent shows.

Course structure

In the first two years you will study core units, such as:

  • Comparative Literature: What is it and how can we practise it?
  • Introduction to Visual Cultures
  • Popular Representation and Institutions of Culture
  • Migrations of Culture.

Additionally, you will have a wide choice of optional units based in the culture of a single language or a combination of cultures. Teaching is informed by staff research interests, and you will be taught by experts in their fields.

You will follow a structured language course in Russian, as well as explore the rich literature, cinema, history, thought, politics, religion and visual culture of Russian-speaking countries and communities. You will spend your third year abroad in a country where Russian is widely spoken, extending your language skills and cultural knowledge. To find out more about studying abroad, visit Centre for Study Abroad.

In your final year you will complete an innovative, supervised, independent project consisting of an extended essay on a topic of your choice and a public-facing element presented to the entire cohort.

Teaching is through lectures, tutorials, seminars, workshops and one-to-one project supervision. Assessments may include presentations, essays, commentaries, exams, collaborative projects, debates, podcasts, video essays and dissertations.

Full details about the course structure and units for this course can be viewed in the programme catalogue.

Go to programme catalogue

Entry requirements

We accept a wide variety of qualifications and welcome applications from students of all backgrounds. Below is a guide to the typical offers for this course.

ABB
DDM in any Applied General BTEC National Level 3 Extended Diploma

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32 points overall with 16 at Higher Level
29 points overall with 14 at Higher Level

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77% overall
Advanced Higher: AB, and Standard Higher: AABBB
Access to HE Diploma in Humanities, Social Sciences, Law or History (or similar titles). The 45 graded Level 3 credits must include 15 credits at Distinction and 30 at Merit or above.

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Requirements are as for A-levels, where you can substitute a non-subject specific grade for the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate at that grade.
Requirements for principal subjects are as for A-level, where D1/D2 is A*, D3 is A, M1/M2 is B, and M3 is C.
The University of Bristol welcomes applications from international students, and we accept a wide range of qualifications for undergraduate and postgraduate study.

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