Cultural Studies is an exciting interdisciplinary programme which offers you an insight into cultural practices, histories and meanings. You'll learn to look at film, history, literature, philosophy and visual culture in new ways and apply different theories of culture to issues of gender, race, class and media among others. You'll combine core and optional modules to build your understanding of cultural analysis while gaining specialist knowledge on topics that suit your interests.
If you have little or no knowledge of Russian, this degree will allow you to learn the language from scratch and introduce you to various aspects of Russian culture, history and politics. Core modules will develop your speaking, reading, listening and writing skills and you'll spend your second year studying in Russia refine your language skills. You'll also be introduced to Russian culture and literature and choose from a wide range of optional modules exploring topics that suit your interests.
Specialist facilities
The world class Brotherton Library holds a wide variety of manuscript, archive and early printed material in its Special Collections- valuable assets for your independent research. Our additional library resources are also excellent, and the University Library offers a comprehensive training programme to help you make the most of them.
If you're choosing to study a language as part of your Joint Honours degree, our fully equipped Language Centre, including digital language labs, audio/video practice booths and Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL). We also have our Electronic Resource Information Centre, which features specialised computing facilities for translation studies, and Interpreter Training Suites offering you the chance to explore a career in interpreting.
Course content
A Joint Honours degree allows you to study the same core topics as students on each Single Honours course, but you'll take fewer options and discovery modules so you can fit in both subjects. You'll study one of our Cornerstone modules in Year 1 to draw your two subjects together, and apply your knowledge and skills to a major research project in either subject in your final year.
Cultural Studies
In your first year you'll take core modules introducing you to different methods and approaches in cultural analysis. You'll also choose optional modules or take discovery modules from across the University. With this grounding you'll be able to make the most of the choice on offer in the following year, when you'll select from modules on topics like the art market, aesthetics and Asian visual culture. You'll continue to follow your interests through options in your final year.
Russian B
Core modules in your first year will develop your language skills and introduce you to Russian literature and culture. This will prepare you for the following year, when you'll study at a Russian university to improve your language skills and cultural awareness. When you return, you'll spend the next two years taking advanced language classes, and choose from optional modules on topics such as 19th century literature, new media in Russia and translation.
Course structure
These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.
Year 1
Compulsory modules
Entry requirements, fees and applying
Entry requirements
A-level: ABB
Career opportunities
Studying for a Joint Honours degree allows you to gain an in-depth knowledge of two subjects, including proficiency in a major world language. As well as demonstrating that you're intellectually versatile, your degree will equip you with a wide range of skills across different disciplines that employers actively seek.
You'll have good research skills, and you'll be able to analyse complex information from multiple sources before drawing your own conclusions. You'll then be able to communicate and defend your views clearly, either verbally or in writing. In addition, you'll have strong research and organisational skills and be confident working independently or in a team. You will also have a strong understanding of cultural diversity, allowing you to work effectively with people whose backgrounds differ from yours.
All of these qualities are very attractive to employers, and graduates have pursued careers across the globe that reflect the diversity of their degrees. They've gone on to be successful in education, the media, law, publishing, the civil service, business and finance and the charity sector to name a few. Many others have also pursued postgraduate study, including further training in language-based careers such as translating and interpreting.
To find out more about graduate destinations in your subjects, please see the relevant Single Honours pages.
Careers support
We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That's one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.
Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.
The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.
Study abroad and work placements
Residence abroad
You'll spend your second year studying at the Institute of Russian Language and Culture at Moscow State University. It's a fantastic opportunity to benefit from expert instruction in intensive language classes, as well as optional seminars on topics such as history, grammar and the media. Of course, you'll also have plenty of time outside the classroom to travel and explore the real Russia.
Read more about the Residence Abroad in Russia
