BA Politics and Russian

One of the most exciting parts of this degree is how much you get to learn by doing. From day one, you won’t just be sitting in lectures—you’ll be actively developing the kind of skills employers value. That means debating real political issues in seminars, improving your Russian through interactive language labs, and using specialist resources that make the learning experience practical and engaging. You’ll also get the chance to immerse yourself in Russian culture during a year abroad, which is often the highlight of the degree for many students.

Here’s what that looks like in practice:

• Year abroad – live, study, or work in a Russian-speaking country to build confidence, fluency, and cultural knowledge.

• Language learning facilities – access interpreting suites, recording rooms, and digital tools for translation and multilingual word-processing.

• 24/7 study spaces – the Alan Gilbert Learning Commons gives you round-the-clock access to flexible, tech-enabled study environments.

• World-class libraries – explore the John Rylands Research Institute and Library’s rare political and cultural collections.

• Cultural inspiration on campus – the Whitworth Art Gallery and Manchester Museum are right on your doorstep.

• Student societies and trips – join language and international societies that host cultural events and organise trips abroad.

• Partnerships with cultural institutes – connect with places like Instituto Cervantes, Alliance Française, and the Manchester China Institute for extra cultural immersion.

• Collaborative learning – sharpen teamwork and communication skills through group presentations, discussions, and tutorials.

• Careers support – benefit from tailored careers advice and opportunities to secure internships during and after your studies.

Here’s what helps students at Manchester stand out:

• Dedicated Careers Support
  You’ll have access to the university’s Careers Service while you study and for two years after you graduate. They’ll help with everything from shaping your CV to practicing interviews and connecting you with internships. Many students also take part in the Manchester Leadership Programme or the Graduate Internship Programme, both of which are great ways to gain hands-on experience and build your network.

• Graduate Success & Job Prospects
  According to Discover Uni, around 85% of Politics and Russian graduates are in work or further study within 15 months, with many moving straight into professional careers. Employers often highlight Manchester graduates as adaptable, independent thinkers with strong communication skills.

• Industry Connections
  Manchester is one of the most targeted universities by top graduate employers in the UK. Alumni from Politics and Russian have gone on to work with the BBC, the United Nations, Accenture, Deloitte, Google, and even organisations like the Westminster Russia Forum. These links really help when you’re starting to build your career.

• A Globally Respected Degree
  As part of the Russell Group, Manchester carries real weight on your CV—both in the UK and internationally. You’ll benefit from the combined expertise of two leading schools: Politics and Languages. That blend of political knowledge and language fluency is rare, and employers know it.

• Graduate Outcomes
  Alongside career options, this degree builds life-long skills: confidence, independence, and intercultural awareness. The year abroad in a Russian-speaking country is often described by students as life-changing—it makes you stand out to employers and helps you grow personally too.

Further Academic Progression:
Plenty of students decide to keep studying after their BA. You could go on to a Master’s in International Relations, Political Communication, Russian & East European Studies, or even Translation & Interpreting. Some graduates also choose routes like Law conversion courses, Public Policy, or Journalism. And if you’re drawn to research, Manchester offers strong MPhil and PhD programmes in Politics and Area Studies, with opportunities for funding and global collaboration.