The PgDip in Russian for Social Scientists provides an intensive programme in Russian Language for graduates in other subjects who already possess basic proficiency in Russian but require a more extensive grounding in the language specifically for the purpose of conducting social scientific research dealing with Russia and/or the CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States).

Programme overview

• PgDip: 12 months full-time;
• PgCert 9 months full-time;

This period of study is organised by the Centre for Russian, Central and East European Studies (CRCEES). During 2012-2016 students going abroad under the programme will be eligible to apply for partial financial support in the form of competitive bursaries offered by CRCEES, the exact number of which will be determined in each given year.

The Diploma provides a substantial programme in Russian Language for graduates who already possess basic proficiency in Russian but require a more extensive grounding in the language specifically for the purposes of conducting social scientific research dealing with Russia and / or the CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States).

This programme provides students with blended (class room and distance) intermediate-level Russian language tuition over 2 semesters of study. Students will also benefit from a dedicated period of study abroad at a partner institution in the Russian Federation or other country where Russian is spoken as part of the Certificate Course in Russian for Social Scientists.

Core courses

• Certificate course in Russian for Social Scientists
• Analysis of Russian Social Science Text
• Intermediate Russian Language

The content of this programme combines three layers – linguistic, cultural and socio-political which gives the student multifaceted language skills and knowledge about the country and the people. These skills are to be developed through a variety of different learning activities and assessment tasks: classroom sessions, elements of distance learning, interactive Moodle exercises and self-study.

Career prospects

Those who have completed the course have gone into teaching, commerce, financial services, translating, postgraduate study and other occupations.

Academic entry requirements

Entry requirements for postgraduate taught programmes are a 2.1 Honours degree or equivalent qualification (for example, GPA 3.0 or above) in a relevant subject unless otherwise specified.

International students with academic qualifications below those required should contact our partner institution, Glasgow International College, who offer a range of foundation courses.

English language requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training):

• overall score 6.5
• no sub-test less than 6.0
• or equivalent scores in another recognised qualification (see below)
   

Common equivalent English language qualifications:

• ibTOEFL: 92; no sub-test less than 20
• CAE (Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English): B minimum
• CPE (Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English): C minimum
• PTE Academic (Person Test of English, Academic test): 60; no sub-test less than 59

Pre-sessional courses
The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the Language Centre Pre-sessional courses. We also consider other BALEAP accredited pre-sessional courses:

• Language Centre, University of Glasgow
• BALEAP guide to accredited courses 

FAQs

Visa requirements and proof of English language level

It is a visa requirement to provide information on your level of English based on an internationally recognised and secure English language test. All test reports must be no more than 2 years old. A list of these can be found on the UK Border Agency website. If you have never taken one of these tests before, you can get an initial idea of your level by using the Common European Framework self-assessment grid which gives you a level for each skill (e.g. listening B1/writing B2 etc.) However, please note that this is not a secure English language test and it is not sufficient evidence of your level of English for visa requirements.

If you require a Tier 4 student visa, your qualification must be one of the secure English language tests accepted by UK Border Agency:

• UK Border Agency Tier 4 English Language requirements
• UKBA list of approved English language tests [pdf]

For further information about English language requirements, please contact the Recruitment and International Office: pgadmissions@glasgow.ac.uk

Apply now

For 2013-14

PgDip

PgCert