The Russian Studies Programme is an interdisciplinary programme which deals with topics relating to Russia. The programme offers high quality instruction on Russian history, politics, economy, literature and about its cultural, religious, social structures and institutions. Teaching is based on the latest research and international expertise, and it is given by Finnish and foreign scholars. The teaching languages are English and Finnish. No knowledge of Russian is required in order to be able to follow the non-language teaching. For those interested in the Russian language, the Russian Studies Programme offers language courses. If no courses are offered in a particular area, credits can be gained through independent study (book examination or essays).  Book examinations are taken on the examination days listed on the programme that is published at the beginning of the academic year.
The Russian Studies Programme has two levels: basic studies (25 ECTS) and intermediate studies (35 ECTS). It is also possible to take the whole programme: basic and intermediate studies (60 ECTS), or basic or intermediate studies or even individual courses. The basic studies level (25 ECTS) offers basic understanding of Russian history, culture, literature, society and politics. The basic studies can be chosen as a minor subject for BA studies. Russian language course (RST1) is possible to include either in the basic studies or in the intermediate studies. Those who already have knowledge of Russian language can participate in the courses of the Russian Language and Culture department.
The Intermediate studies consist of 35 credits. In these courses the methodological and theoretical foundations introduced in the Basic studies are discussed more in-depth. Intermediate studies can be chosen as a minor for MA studies. In the intermediate studies there is a Russian Studies Seminar combination which contains a methodology seminar and special courses. The seminar offers students a possibility to get supervising in the field of Russian studies, which they will not necessarily get from their own departments. The seminar enables students to deepen their knowledge of Russia and create expertise on the field of Russian Studies. Teaching at the Russian Studies Seminar will be implemented by the regular staff and visiting scholars. The seminar is particularly useful for students planning to write their master’s thesis or doctoral dissertation on the topic of Russian Studies.
The department in charge of the Russian Studies Programme is Russian Language and Culture at the Department of Modern Languages and Translation Studies.