St Petersburg University academic programmes in Linguistics: in-depth study of Russian and English
The bachelor’s programme ‘Russian as a Foreign Language’ trains specialists who are proficient in teaching methodology and teaching techniques of Russian as a foreign language.
During training, students acquire fundamental theoretical knowledge of the Russian language, and Russian and foreign literature; study special disciplines necessary for professional and educational activities; and get acquainted with the rich history and culture of Russia. The main academic courses and elective courses will help to develop the skills and requisite professional competencies.
It should be noted that in our country, the State Test of Russian as a foreign language (TORFL) has been largely developed due to the efforts of St Petersburg University specialists. The research potential of TORFL was determined precisely at the University.
In 2019, St Petersburg University and the Ministry of Education of Russia held a large-scale international online Olympiad in Russian as a foreign language for the first time. The event brought together more than 7,000 people from 131 countries around the world.
The bachelor’s students in ‘English’ acquire communication skills in a foreign language, study the teaching methods and translation/interpreting techniques. As part of the programme, students can choose a second foreign language (French, German, Spanish). Additionally, students gain theoretical knowledge in: Gothic; the history of English; translation studies; and British and US studies through language. Also, the University delivers other crucial humanitarian and socio-economic courses of the specialty.
Both programmes are implemented in Russian and English and aimed at: developing not only linguistic but also professional skills; making graduates more competitive in our country and abroad; and opening up great opportunities for an international career. At the same time, foreigners achieve a high level of Russian language proficiency. Due to studying in Russia, they gain invaluable experience in communicating with native speakers, acquire knowledge of linguistics and culture, study linguistic features during practice-based language learning process and develop foreign language communicative competencies.
Students conduct research on specific areas of linguistics with their research supervisors and independently. There are schools of thought in: Modern Linguistics; Russian Studies and Linguistics; the History of Romance and Germanic Literature; and the School of History and Literature to name just a few.
Teaching and translation practices are compulsorily implemented: students are invited to work in large companies, educational institutions, and language schools. For example, they work as employees of the translation agency at the ‘Social Translation Centre’ (Linguistic Clinic) of St Petersburg University. Under the supervision of teachers, students provide free services in interpreting and translation to socially unprotected categories of citizens and non-profit organisations. The centre provides translation services in seven languages, including English and Russian. Linguistics graduates continue their career path in scientific research or in various humanitarian fields.
The programmes cooperate with various centres for teaching and learning as well as language and research centres around the world: the University of Hamburg (Germany); the State University of New York at Stony Brook (USA); Osaka University, and the University of Tsukuba (Japan) to name just a few. Internships are regularly organised as part of academic mobility. The faculty employs invited foreign teachers who deliver lectures and classes.
The field of study: ‘Linguistics’. Bachelor’s programme: ‘Russian as a Foreign Language’; ‘English’.
The key information on accepting international citizens is available here.
International applicants have the following advantages for admission and further training at St Petersburg University: St Petersburg University recognises applicants’ national academic credentials confirming their previous studies. Documents can be submitted remotely (through the ‘Personal Account’) on the University website. Also, international applicants have the opportunity to apply for government-funded places. Moreover, the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation allocate quotas. The University provides accommodation at its halls of residence and visa support (if it is necessary, the University submits an application for a visa invitation). Financial support is provided: scholarships and research grants; and payment for participation in leading international conferences and seminars. St Petersburg University programmes are highly ranked by the world’s leading experts and ranking agencies in the field of education.