Major in Russian Language and Culture

This program is currently under revision. At this time, we are not accepting applications.

The Department of Modern Languages and Literatures offers a range of courses focusing on the language, history and culture of a fascinating countryRussia. Russian, which is spoken in Russia and throughout the former Soviet Union, in the now independent states in Central Asia and Eastern Europe, ranks fourth among the world's most widely used languages. Russia has a population of some 143 million and is the largest country in the world, geographically speaking.

In the Russian program you will learn first-hand about Russian civilization: its famed writers, such as Tolstoy and Dostoevsky, its innovative cinema, theatre and ballet, and many other aspects of Russian culture and the arts.

Canada and Russia share a northern identity and there are many joint initiatives, including Arctic and space exploration. If you wish to pursue a career in these fields, knowledge of the Russian language and culture is a great asset. Since the fall of communism, the Russian economy and Russian life in general have gained new vigour, presenting numerous opportunities for cultural, scientific and business projects.

If you wish to discover the world and learn Russian at the same time, the major is for you. It includes a mandatory immersion stay abroad in a Russian-speaking university. A mobility scholarship to help you cover the cost of your travel and stay is available.

Courses in this program are taught in Russian, English or French.

If you’re applying for an English-language program and have not completed at least three years of full-time study in an institution where English is the only language of instruction (aside from in language courses) in a country where English is an official language, you must submit your official score in one of the following language tests. The official results must be sent directly to us online from the test centre.

In order to be considered for a program offered in English at the University of Ottawa, you must demonstrate that you are sufficiently proficient in the language to follow a postsecondary academic program. Please note that citizenship is not considered when evaluating English proficiency. To show that your English proficiency is at the academic level required for university studies, provide proof of either:

• Postsecondary studies in English; or
• Last three years of high school taken in English (Grades 10, 11 or 12)

Remember: Language requirements are not based on citizenship. They are based on your country of study.