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Russian has 140-150 million native speakers and is spoken as a second language by over 120 million people in Russia and the neighbouring countries of Central Asia. Russia has been identified as one of the four major world powers whose influence is growing fast.

British Council, (2014) Languages for the Future

What's it like to learn Russian with the IWLP?

Don't be intimidated by Russian’s reputation as a challenging language to learn. In fact, it takes very little time to master the Cyrillic script (only a week or so), and after that it’s just a matter of building up vocabulary and grammar step-by-step. By the end of Stage 2, a student will typically be able to read a simple Chekhov short story.

Read posts from former IWLP students on our blog. You can also read about how you’ll learn a language and the reasons why you should take a language.

Students of IWLP Russian may also get the chance for some extra-curricular activities, such as events celebrating Russian folklore. You could also join the Russian Speakers' Society and learn more about Russian-speaking cultures.

How do I sign up?

For detailed information, see our how to apply page. New students arriving for their first year who want to take IWLP for credit need to request to take the module via their support centre before week two of Semester 1. Existing students who want to take an IWLP module for credit in the following academic year need to sign up via RISIS module selection in April. All non-credit students need to submit the non-credit application form please note that non-credit applications open in September.

Placement test

If you have any previous knowledge of Russian, you must complete the placement test so that we can put you in the correct stage please note that the placement test is only open from April to October.

Modules available

LA1PR1-IWLP RUSSIAN 1

This beginner’s module is for students who have no prior knowledge or virtually no knowledge of Russian. This module will provide an introduction to Russian, concentrating on its use in familiar, everyday situations. Students will acquire a basic understanding of the language and the ability to communicate at a survival level.

Russian 1 module description 

LA1PR2-IWLP RUSSIAN 2

This post-beginner module is for students who have some basic knowledge of Russian, such as that acquired by attending LA1PR1 or equivalent. Students will increase their ability to communicate in Russian by consolidating and building on their existing knowledge of language necessary for everyday situations.

Russian 2 module description 

LA1PR3 - IWLP RUSSIAN 3

This lower-intermediate module is for students who have some previous knowledge of Russian, such as that acquired by attending LA1PR2 or equivalent. Students will increase their ability to communicate in Russian through engagement with a range of socially relevant and interesting topics, such as local traditions, healthcare and social inequality, and a short research project.

Russian 3 module description


If you wish to take Russian at a higher level than we currently offer, contact us via iwlp@reading.ac.uk.