Arabic - By choosing to study Arabic, you will learn the language of the Arabic media as well as classical and modern Arabic languages and literature. All Arabic modules prioritise the building of a high level of competence in language skills, and after completing the first two years of your course, you will be able to read, write and converse in basic Modern Standard Arabic. If you take Arabic with another language, you will have the opportunity to take an integrated year abroad between second and third year in a country where your other chosen language is spoken.
Comparative Literature - Comparative Literature at St Andrews gives you the chance to explore a range of literatures – Arabic, Persian, French, German, Italian, Russian and Spanish in English translation, as well as texts from the UK and US – allowing you to gain insight into the different cultural traditions, socio-political and historical forces that have helped to form national and transnational canons. A focus on close reading and an introduction to issues surrounding literary translation as well as comparative methodologies will develop your analytical, descriptive, and evaluative skills. You will have the opportunity to read, discuss, and present reasoned arguments, and work on writing with precision and clarity.
Russian - Russian teaches you to use Russian with sound grammatical accuracy and a high level of oral aptitude. In addition to language teaching, you will also be given a deeper and more diverse understanding and appreciation of different aspects of Russian culture through modules dedicated to literature, history and Russian society. Russian at St Andrews uses a specially designed language teaching programme that caters both for students who have already studied Russian as a main subject at school and for absolute beginners. Upon completing the degree, you will have an excellent command of the Russian language and have gained an invaluable understanding and appreciation of the Russian-speaking world. During your degree, you have the opportunity to spend time studying abroad in Russia. Time in Russia is not compulsory, but is strongly recommended as the best way to master the language and to better know the country.
8 September 2025
Main Site
16 St Katharine's West,
St Andrews,
KY16 9AX, Scotland
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.