Russian programs can encompass a wide variety of historical, cultural and linguistic topics. Common classes include Cold War history, modern Russian politics, classical literature, Russian art, Russian authors, women in the Soviet Union, regional analysis, Christianity in Russian and Russian culture.

A course is the study of a particular topic within a wider subject area and is the foundation of a qualification. A typical course includes lectures, assessments and tutorials.

Part-time learning allows one to obtain a degree or qualification even if one cannot attend school on a full-time basis. One can learn at one's own pace, gradually accumulating credits that count towards a final qualification.