Master's degree in Russia
This page will help you to explore the second stage of higher education – the master's degree. First implemented in Russia after joining the Bologna system in 2003, it greatly simplified the admission of international applicants to Russian universities.
Master's is a continuation of the bachelor's programme, according to the two-level system 4 + 2 (4 years of bachelor's + 2 years of master's degree). It will allow you to get a more specialized education.
How to apply for a master's degree in Russia?
You can always find the most up-to-date information on the admission rules in our detailed guide – Apply to a Russian university in 5 easy steps.
The first requirement is a bachelor's degree from any educational organization in the world or a specialist diploma from a Russian university. Please note that you can graduate from a bachelor's degree in one speciality and then enrol in a master's degree in another. This is a great opportunity to expand your competencies and acquire new qualifications.
The second requirement is an interdisciplinary exam. Some universities in Russia may also ask you to write a motivational essay.
Russian universities offer both classical master's programmes in fundamental and innovative disciplines, which will provide knowledge in the most relevant and interdisciplinary fields. Below you'd find a selection of popular master's programmes.
Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University offers over 40 master's programmes to international applicants. In 2010, it received the status of a federal university of the Russian Federation. IKBFU is focused on innovation, but at the same time, observes the traditions of a classical university. It operates a research centre, five scientific and educational centres, a research institute, more than 25 laboratories, a techno park, a business incubator and a design bureau. One of the most popular English-language master's programmes is Functional Nanomaterials. Students study modern experimental and theoretical methods for the creation of nanotechnology and the use of functional nanomaterials. The programme is held in partnership with the Gdańsk University of Technology. This allows students to obtain two degrees at once. IKBFU is distinguished by the high level of educational programmes in law. Master's students can choose from several law programmes, such as Law enforcement studies or Public law studies.
The National Research University Higher School of Economics also has a wide variety of programmes. The Data Science programme is quite unique. Here you can study existing machine learning technologies as well as analyse and construct your own mathematical models and data analysis algorithms. Learn to solve the problems of searching, storing and analysing data and interpret the obtained results. The programme is taught entirely in English.
One of the oldest educational organisations in Russia is the Kazan Federal University, founded in 1804. It offers to international applicants over 700 basic educational programmes from chemistry to linguistics, among them 250+ master's degrees. The English-language Oil and Gas Business is one of the most popular. Students learn to identify locations for oil and gas wells, monitor their productivity, plan an optimal programme for the development and operation, taking into account the potential volumes of oil and gas production. Management and international relations programmes are also very popular among master's students. The English-language Digital Diplomacy programme is one of them.
The National University of Science and Technology MISIS is known for training highly qualified engineers in the field of metallurgy and mining. NUST MISIS master's programmes are among the most in-demand in Russia and the world. For example, the English-taught Solar Energy. Science and Materials programme is aimed at training specialists in the research and conversion of solar energy.
Founded in 1959 on the foundation of Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk State University provides high-quality education for future scientists. Most of the lecturers work for the institutes of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences. At the moment NSU has over 115 master's programmes. A number of them are taught in English. For example, Oil and Gas Management. The programme is focused on applied research and analytics and includes visits to oil fields in Siberia. After graduation, you can go on to have a career as a manager or analyst in energy and business.
Another popular English-language programme is a master's degree in Big Data Analytics. Students study artificial intelligence and large-scale analysis dataset for solving economic problems. Graduates of the programme are working for IT industry giants like Microsoft, Facebook, Google, Parallels, Yandex, Kaspersky and Huawei.
The Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia is especially popular among international applicants – almost 10,000 students from different countries of the world study at RUDN University every year. The multidisciplinary Master's Programme in Foreign Language of Professional Communication and Specialized Translation is a great opportunity to study all the major aspects of modern linguistics at once. Students perfect the skill of simultaneous translation, the highest level of translator's work, and study the methods of teaching international languages. The graduates gain access to the widest range of future professions: simultaneous translator, interpreter and translator, foreign languages teacher, a specialist in international cooperation, etc.
Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University offers applicants more than 160 master's programmes. The English-taught Intelligent Systems programme is one of the most popular. After graduation, you will be able to work in information data analysis, software development, automation and intelligent robotics. Nuclear Power Engineering is another popular English-language programme. Here students learn the nuclear power plant safe operation principles. Also in demand among international applicants are programmes in electric power and electrical engineering and the English-language International Business.
Siberian Federal University offers new master's programmes every year. Some of the most popular among international students are the English-language programmes in Biological Engineering, Petroleum Chemistry and Refining.
The university also leads education programmes for the most relevant professions in the modern employment market – Marketing, Banking, Corporate Lawyer. And innovative programmes that allow you to study in related fields of science, IT and others. For example, Bioluminescent Technologies, Information support of financial intelligence, Applied Computer Science in Arts and Humanities.
At the National Research Tomsk State University, international students often choose master's programmes in Big Data Mining and Data Science and Information technologies in science and professional equipment engineering. Both are suitable for applicants interested to continue their education in IT or applied mathematics. If you choose humanities, the university can offer you a number of English-language programmes, including International Journalism in the World of New Media.
The University of Tyumen leads more than 40 master's programmes in a wide variety of profiles for international applicants. Among them are anthropology and ethnology, biology, state and municipal administration, records management and archival science, history, linguistics, mathematics, media communications, management, teaching studies, applied informatics, psychology, sociology, physics, philology, chemistry, economics and others.
You can also study for a master's degree in double degree programmes. It is one of the fastest-growing areas in Russian education today. In 2 years, you will be able to gain not only deep knowledge in your professional field but also a unique experience of working in a global academic environment, as well as raise your proficiency of a foreign language to a whole new level. Graduates go on to receive two state diplomas. These programmes are available in many universities, for example, at SPbPU, UrFU, TSU, FEFU, ITMO University, NUST MISIS, SibFU, SUSU, NSU, UTMN and others. This is your chance to study at the best universities in Germany, Belgium, France, Finland, the USA and others.
Master's studies
The master's programme usually takes 2 years: in the first year of study, students mainly attend lectures in specialized subjects and acquire new knowledge; in the second year, they lead active research work, work on a dissertation, and then defend it. An individual approach and work with an academic adviser is a distinctive feature of the Master's programme.
In Russia, you can study for a master's degree on both paid basis and state scholarship. The duration of the programme is shorter than a bachelor's degree and the cost is lower.
Career and further academic activities
The Master's programme will provide you with highly specialized knowledge and skills that will deepen the fundamental education you've received with a bachelor's or specialist degree. It is also an excellent opportunity for already established specialists to improve their skills and access the world of innovative technologies and the latest developments in their professional field. A master's degree will add value to your resume for organizations in the commercial and government sectors.
Graduates will also gain a way to start a scientific career anywhere in Russia or the world. Experience in scientific work and independent research, publications in academic journals and participation in conferences create an excellent basis for a future in science. Masters have the opportunity to continue their studies in PhD schools – the third level of higher education.
|
Degree |
Length |
Final examination |
Education document |
Features |
|
Master |
1-2 years |
Master's dissertation defence |
Master's diploma |
PhD study opportunity |
Master
1-2 years
Master's dissertation defence
Master's diploma
PhD study opportunity
To choose a programme that fits you best, use the convenient search on our website. Choose as many as you like and apply for free directly to the chosen university!
