Russian

What is it? The study of the language and culture of Russia. At AS-level, you concentrate on the four key language skills: speaking, listening, reading and writing. At A2, you have the chance to study great Russian writers such as Tolstoy, Chekhov and Pushkin, or you can focus on an aspect of Russian culture or history – the life of Tchaikovsky, Stalinism, or the mafia in today's Russia, for example.

Why do it? Russian-speakers in Britain are sought-after, but thin on the ground. Graduates in Russian are often headhunted by big firms eager to expand eastwards.

What skills do you need? Russian GCSE helps, but is not vital.

How much practical work is there? None.

Ratio of coursework to exams: 1:6. The coursework module is optional, but most students take it.

Is it hard? "No. People assume that it's a difficult language to learn because it uses a different alphabet, but, in my experience, students learn that in three or four weeks and then it's just like learning any other language," says Rachel Smith, principal examiner in Russian at Edexcel. "I teach French as well, and I find that students often get the same grades in Russian as they do in French."

Who takes it? An even number of boys and girls.

How cool is it? "It's very cool," says Edexcel's Rachel Smith. "If you say that you're learning Russian, people are always interested. It's got a hint of the exotic about it."

Added value: Many schools go on trips to Moscow and St Petersburg.

What degrees does it lead to? You can study Russian on its own, or in combination with subjects from business to French. Most degree courses teach the language from scratch, so having the A-level will make life a lot easier in the first year.

Will it set you up for a brilliant career? Yes. Russian is a major world language – one of the official languages of the UN. The Ministry of Defence and the Army both employ translators. Retailers such as Bhs and Benetton are expanding into Russia. All the major accountancy firms have offices there.

What do the students say? "I found Russian quite easy to learn," says Ellie Evans, 18, who is also studying for A-levels in French and Classics at Colston's Girls' School in Bristol. "We're reading Chekhov's Lady with Lapdog at the moment, which I'm really enjoying. It's about an adulterous affair. In class today, we were discussing moves in Russia to lower the age of consent for marriage to 14."

What subjects go with it? Anything.

Which awarding bodies offer it? Edexcel.

How widely available is it around the country? Fairly widely.

c.rudebeck@independent.co.uk