Russian Studies PhD (On-Campus or by Distance Learning)

Russian Studies researchers at Birmingham are part of a stimulating research culture within the Department of Modern Languages, benefitting from special links to the Centre for Russian, European and Eurasian Studies (CREES).

Between us we are able to offer a wide range of expertise with a particular focus on Russian literature, culture and translation.

Researchers have the opportunity to explore how the study of languages, discourses, and cultures challenges how we understand and experience the world.

Why Study this Course?

World-leading research: In the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF) results, 75% of research at the University of Birmingham for Modern Languages and Linguistics was judged to be ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’.
Excellent facilities: Postgraduate students in Modern Languages are fully supported to achieve their goals. They have access to excellent training facilities and opportunities to participate in research seminars and other activities as a means of developing a broad range skills and knowledge.
Employability skills: Birmingham’s Modern Languages postgraduates develop excellent communication skills, whilst cultural awareness and foreign language skills are highly sought after by employers. Postgraduates in Modern Languages also have a range of transferable skills including the ability to gather and interpret information, organisational skills and the ability to work well with others.
Interdisciplinary research: We have particular strengths in studying the interface and interactions between culture and the socio-political contexts in which they were/are produced. We also encourage and enable interdisciplinary research, and have a successful history of joint supervisions with other departments and schools, in particular with Social Sciences and Geography.

Employability

Your degree will provide excellent preparation for your future career, but this can also be enhanced by a range of employability support services offered by the University and the College of Arts and Law.

The University's Careers Network provides expert guidance and activities especially for postgraduates, which will help you achieve your career goals. The College of Arts and Law also has a dedicated careers and employability team who offer tailored advice and a programme of College-specific careers events.

You will be encouraged to make the most of your postgraduate experience and will have the opportunity to:

• Receive one-to-one careers advice, including guidance on your job applications, writing your CV and improving your interview technique, whether you are looking for a career inside or outside of academia
• Meet employers face-to-face at on-campus recruitment fairs and employer presentations
• Attend an annual programme of careers fairs, skills workshops and conferences, including bespoke events for postgraduates in the College of Arts and Law
• Take part in a range of activities to demonstrate your knowledge and skills to potential employers and enhance your CV

Applicants for a PhD will also need to hold a Masters qualification at Merit level or above (or its international equivalent), usually in a relevant area.