Russian
Encounter Russian in its original form.
Russian is one of the world’s most widely spoken languages and has a long literary and cultural tradition.
It may be of particular interest if you enjoy literature, history, languages or international affairs.
Learning Russian allows you to encounter words, works and ideas without always relying on translation.
You’ll become familiar with the Cyrillic alphabet and gradually make sense of both written and spoken forms.
With courses at different levels, you can begin from scratch or build on what you already know.
Available study options:
- Full-year study – two semesters (September to May), with 3-contact hours per week.
- Russian 1 is taught online.
- Russian 2 is taught on campus.
Levels available range from absolute beginner to intermediate level, A2 standard as per the Common European Framework.
Full-year study course (online)
Course overview
- Credits: 20
- Pre-requisite: This unit is suitable for those who have never studied Russian before.
- Co-requisite: If you are studying a Modern Languages Degree, either single or joint honours, please refer to relevant guidance about eligibility for LEAP units on your programme structure.
- Taught during: Both semesters (September to May).
- Level of attainment: (A1) By the end of the course, students should be able to perform at Level A1 of the Common European Framework.
- Timetable: See timetable information
Course description
This course is for absolute beginners. It is designed for those who wish to attain a basic understanding of the Russian language covering four skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing.
It aims to introduce students to the Russian alphabet, the basic language structure and the basics of Russian grammar.
Students will also acquire limited vocabulary to be able to read simple texts and conduct basic conversation in key areas of everyday communication.
The course provides students with the solid basis for further language learning.
Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:
- handle some of the basic grammatical structures of Russian;
- understand and read some familiar and daily expressions used in common everyday situations and write very simple messages;
- communicate orally at a basic level in a limited number of common everyday situations;
- have some understanding and knowledge of Russian life and culture.
By the end of the course, students should be able to perform at Level A1 of the Common European Framework.
Transferable skills
Pair and teamwork, focussed listening, informal presentations, language awareness, and cultural appreciation.
Teaching and learning methods
This course combines asynchronous (pre-recorded) and synchronous (live) learning for a flexible yet structured approach.
Course Structure:
- 1 hour asynchronous learning – Students receive a pre-recorded lesson to study at their own pace independently before each live session.
- 2 hours synchronous face-to-face instruction – Face-to face interactive learning (live sessions are not recorded in compliance with data protection best practices).
This course will be delivered online.
- Data Protection Notice:
All personal data and session materials are processed in accordance with GDPR and UK data protection laws. - Recordings (asynchronous content) are stored securely and accessed only for educational purposes on Canvas.
- Live sessions operate under a no-recording policy to protect participant confidentiality and encourage open participation.
- For full details, please refer to The University of Manchester’s Data Protection Policy.
This will also include online digital learning available through the University VLE platform and will be supplemented by extra online resources to aid students in their independent learning.
Teaching hours
69 hours (3 hours per week) including assessment time.
Independent study hours
131 hours (not including assessment time).
Assessment
*All assessments for credited students are summative and will take place on campus during the official exam period. This includes written and speaking exams.
Non-credit students and members of the public need to be aware that written exams will not take place during lesson time.
However, assessments for non-credit students and members of the public are not compulsory, but they have the option of taking the exams on campus during the exams official period or sit an online written exam (dates to be confirmed).
Please refer to LEAP assessment policy for Non-Standard students.
Semester 1
- Written exam; 30% weighting; held in university's Semester 1 exam period in January
Semester 2
- Speaking exam; 40% weighting; held in week 12
- Written exam; 30% weighting; held in university's Semester 2 exam period in May/June
Dates to be confirmed.
Nature and timing of feedback
Feedback will include a combination of informal ongoing feedback resulting from class-based learning activities and formal written feedback given following summative assessments.
Convenor
Elena Simms
Taught by
Elena Simms
Maximum entry
21 per group online
Set texts
Privet, Rossija! / Hello Russia! Russian Textbook for the Basic Level A1 (2025 edition)
ISBN: 978-5-907813-08-3
Authors: Vera Aleksandrovna Stepanenko, M. Nakhabina, E. Kolovska and O. Plotnikova
Next pathway
ULRU51020 - LEAP Russian 2 (A2)
Full-year study course (on-campus)
Course overview
- Credits: 20
- Pre-requisite: ULRU51010 - LEAP Russian 1 (A1) or equivalent e.g. GCSE grade 4 or 5 taken in the last 3 years.
- Co-requisite: If you are studying a Modern Languages Degree, either single or joint honours, please refer to relevant guidance about eligibility for LEAP units on your programme structure.
- Taught during: Both semesters (September to May).
- Level of attainment: (A2) By the end of the course, students should be able to perform at Level A2 of the Common European Framework.
- Timetable: See timetable information
Course description
This course is designed for students who already have some knowledge of the Russian language, who are already familiar with the script, and who have a basic understanding of the grammar system.
The course aims to develop skills acquired in ULRU51010 - LEAP Russian 1 (A1) in speaking, listening, reading and writing.
It lays emphasis on communication and comprehension skills but also builds on the fundamentals of grammar already acquired.
The course introduces students to a wider range of vocabulary to enable them to read longer texts and conduct a more general conversation on familiar topics of everyday communication.
Topics covered in LEAP Russian 1 will be revised and extended and new themes will be introduced which will develop understanding of the society and culture of contemporary Russia.
Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:
- demonstrate better understanding and knowledge of key grammar points with appropriate usage;
- demonstrate reasonable competency in comprehension and listening through accurately extracting key information from written and audio sources on specific familiar topics;
- communicate orally in simple, routine situations and handle short social exchanges about familiar topics.
By the end of the course, students should be able to perform at Level A2 of the Common European Framework.
Transferable skills
Pair and team work, focussed listening, informal presentations, language awareness, and cultural appreciation.
Teaching and learning methods
One three-hours or two 90 minutes seminars per week, delivered through blended learning which integrates on campus and on-line instruction as necessary.
This will also include online digital learning available through the University VLE platform and will be supplemented by extra online resources to aid students in their independent learning.
Teaching hours
69 hours (3 hours per week) including assessment time.
Independent study hours
131 hours (not including assessment time).
Assessment
All assessments are summative.
Non-credit students and members of the public need to be aware that written exams will not take place during lesson time.
Semester 1
- Written exam; 30% weighting; held in university's Semester 1 exam period in January
Semester 2
- Speaking exam; 40% weighting; held in week 12
- Written exam; 30% weighting; held in university's Semester 2 exam period in May/June
Dates to be confirmed.
Nature and timing of feedback
Feedback will include a combination of informal ongoing feedback resulting from class-based learning activities and formal written feedback given following summative assessments.
Convenor
Elena Simms
Taught by
Elena Simms
Maximum entry
23 per group
Set texts
Я люблю русский язык. Учебное пособие для продолжающих A2. / I love Russian. Liden & Denz. 2017. ISBN:9783952478714
Next pathway
None.
Timetables – 2026/27
Please note the timetable is subject to change up to and including the start of courses. Please check these pages regularly and check your personal timetable ahead of classes.
Find your classrooms and make your way around campus quickly with our interactive map.
Russian 1 (online course) is comprised of 1 hour asynchronous study per week (a pre-recorded lesson, which students study at their own pace) ahead of a 2 hour synchronous session delivered remotely by the tutor.
Courses are taught in 2 or 3 hour sessions – view the timetables below:
Course code: ULRU51010/ULRU71010/ULRU50010/ULRU90010
- Online – Wednesday, 5–8pm
Course code: ULRU51020/ULRU71020/ULRU50020/ULRU90020
- Thursday, 5.30–8.30pm – Sam Alex_A18
Hear from our students
If you have any questions or need more information, please contact us by phone or email leap@manchester.ac.uk.