Overview
The Russian Studies degree at Queen Mary University of London has a longstanding expertise in Soviet cinema and writing, memory and trauma in 20th Russia, and 19th century literature and culture, with seminal studies on Chekhov, Dziga Vertov and films of the holocaust, among others.
- There is also a strong focus on Russophone and postcolonial studies, with the department being one of the few in the world where students can study post-Soviet literature and film from the Caucasus and Central Asia.
- Decolonial approaches are also increasingly permeating Russian language teaching, including translation practice and theory, another particular strength of the department.
Key Information
Duration: Full-time: 36 months; Part-time: 72 months
Start Dates: September 2026, January 2027, April 2027. Apply anytime. There is no fixed application deadline; decisions are made as quickly as possible.
Language: English
Delivery: On Campus
Campus Location: London, United Kingdom
Programme Structure
Curriculum:
- 19th century Russian literature
- Soviet literature
- Soviet cinema
- Memory and trauma in twentieth century Russia
- Russophone postcolonial theory, literature and culture
Academic Requirements
GPA: Upper Second Class
English Requirements
- TOEFL® iBT: 100
- PTE Academic: 76
- IELTS: 7
General Requirements
- A Bachelor's degree (or international equivalent) in the relevant subject, with a minimum final degree classification of 2.1 (or international equivalent)
- A Master's degree (or international equivalent) in the relevant subject, with a minimum final degree classification of Merit (or international equivalent)
- Proof of proficiency in academic English (e.g., minimum IELTS 7.0, with a minimum of 7.0 in writing), where applicable
- A compelling research proposal that closely aligns with the research interests and expertise of staff in the department
- Capacity to conduct independent and original PhD-level research (as evidenced by a statement of purpose and letters of reference)
Tuition Fees
International: 43,381 AUD / year (≈ 23,050 GBP / year)
Domestic: 9,008 AUD / year (≈ 4,786 GBP / year)
Living costs (London): 2,140-4,060 AUD / month