Government and International Affairs

The Bachelor's Degree Programme in Government and International Affairs at MGIMO University offers students comprehensive training in the core principles and practical aspects of global governance, international relations, and diplomatic practice. Designed to prepare future leaders and experts in the fields of international politics, diplomacy, and global policy-making, this programme emphasizes a deep understanding of the political, economic, legal, and cultural factors shaping international interactions. Students will explore key topics such as international security, regional studies, international law, global economy, and foreign policy analysis, gaining both theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for navigating complex international environments. The curriculum features a blend of lectures, seminars, case studies, and simulation exercises, fostering critical thinking, analytical abilities, and effective communication skills. Students are encouraged to develop linguistic proficiency in multiple foreign languages, enabling them to operate effectively in diverse diplomatic and international contexts. The programme also provides opportunities for internships, collaborations with international organizations, and participation in conferences, preparing graduates for careers in government, international institutions, think tanks, and diplomatic missions. By combining rigorous academic coursework with real-world practical experience, the programme aims to produce versatile professionals capable of addressing contemporary global challenges. Graduates will be equipped with a solid foundation in international relations, policy analysis, and diplomatic negotiation, making them valuable contributors to national and international efforts in maintaining peace, security, and sustainable development. The education at MGIMO, renowned for its excellence in international studies and diplomatic training, ensures that students receive not only academic knowledge but also the cultural competence and ethical understanding necessary for effective global leadership.

Detailed Course Facts

Application deadline July 31, 2014 Tuition fee

• EUR 7800 Year (International)

Tuition fee: 350 000 RUR per academic year (or approx. 7800 EUR, depending on exchange rate on the day of payment)

Start date September 2015 Classes will start on September 1, 2014. Integration week will be held from August 25 till September 1. Credits (ECTS) 240 ECTS

TOTAL DEGREE REQUIREMENTS: 240 credits (over 4 years, 30 credits per semester)

CORE SUBJECTS:
International Relations, World Politics and Political Science: 39 credits
Governance and Management: 21 credits
Social Sciences and Humanities: 14 credits
Law: 16 credits
Economics: 19 credits
Foreign Language: 92 credits (*)

RESEARCH: 16 credits (including undergraduate thesis preparation)

INTERNSHIP: 5 credits

FINAL ASSESSMENT: 6 credits

Duration full-time 48 months Languages Take an IELTS test

• English

Delivery mode On Campus Educational variant Full-time Intensity Flexible

Course Content

TOTAL DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
240 credits (over 4 years, 30 credits per semester)

CORE SUBJECTS:
International Relations, World Politics and Political Science: 39 credits
Governance and Management: 21 credits
Social Sciences and Humanities: 14 credits
Law: 16 credits
Economics: 19 credits
Foreign Language: 92 credits (*)

AMONG COMPULSORY COURSES:
History of International Relations: 4 credits
Contemporary International Relations: 2 credits
Contemporary Global Problems: 3 credits
Political System of Contemporary Russia: 4 credits
System of Public Management and Municipal Administration: 2 credits
Strategic Governance: 3 credits
Macroeconomics and Microeconomics: 4 credits
International Economic Relations: 4 credits
International Organizations: 4 credits
Law (Constitutional, Administrative, Civil, Finance, etc.): 16 credits
World History and Russian History: 8 credits
Philosophy: 4 credits

ELECTIVE COURSES: 12 credits

RESEARCH: 16 credits (including undergraduate thesis preparation)

INTERNSHIP: 5 credits
MGIMO Department for Work with Students and Graduates and School of Government and International Affairs provide assistance to students regarding organization of internship in Russia and abroad.

(*) Language Training includes two foreign languages:
1. For non-Russian-speaking students: a) Russian, b) French or Spanish (availability depending on the year of application); Major in Russian
2. For students with a good command of Russian language: a) Advanced English as a Foreign Language and the language of instruction; b) French or Spanish (availability depending on the year of application). Major in a language other than English or Russian.

ASSESSMENT
Final University Examinations (Finals) taken by students
at the end of the 4th year: 6 credits,
including:
Interdisciplinary Examination: 2 credits
Foreign Language: 2 credits
Undergraduate Thesis Presentation: 2 credits

Audience

The course may be of interest for applicants from countries other than Russia who take interest in state and international relations, law and economics, governance and management, Russian domestic politics.

Lecturers

Our innovative, multi-disciplinary curriculum is delivered by top-class faculty members and prepares our students for the leadership challenges of tomorrow. With a global outlook at the heart of everything we do, the School builds on MGIMOs outstanding strengths in international research.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6 TOEFL paper-based test score : 550 TOEFL iBT® test : 80

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

take an IELTS test. More About IELTS

Requirements

Your application should be supported with the following documents:

• Secondary school diploma and/or leaving examination certificate(s), if you already have received it. If not, you will need to send it to us as soon as you receive it from your school.
  ATTENTION: once admitted, you will have to present the originals of these documents during the academic registration and undergo the procedures of (1) notarial certification of translation of the documents into Russian language and (2) nostrification, or approval of your documents by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation. MGIMO-University will provide all the necessary assistance to pass these procedures smoothly. Please note that the nostrification procedure is not necessary for citizens of countries which have signed treaties on recognition and equivalence of diplomas with the Russian Federation, though additional conditions may be in force based on a particular treaty.
• Photo of an applicant (at least 300 dpi; by e-mail).
  ATTENTION: eight printed photos 3x4 cm (matte with white background only; black & white or color) must be submitted upon your admission and arrival at our campus.
• CV/Résumé (free-form).
• Motivation letter (personal statement), up to 1000 words. See our advice in this section before writing and submitting.
• Academic and/or professional references (at least two). Please do not collect references yourself. Provide us with e-mail addresses and other contact information of your referees so that we could request their references. Also ask your referees to prepare reference letters so that we could collect them. For more advice, see this section.
• English language test certificate (International English Language Testing Service (IELTS) academic test with a total score of 6.0 and 5.5 in each of the components; and/or Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 80 and 20 in each of the four skills).
• Written admittance form.
  ATTENTION: filled only once admitted.
• Education services contract (MGIMO-University form; signed only once admitted).
• Photocopy of your ID: passport or ID card.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Alumni Study Travel Fund

  Scholarships for students who are already attending the University of Reading.

• Amsterdam Merit Scholarships

  The University of Amsterdam aims to attract the world’s brightest students to its international classrooms. Outstanding students from outside the European Economic Area can apply for an Amsterdam Merit Scholarship.

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than Moscow State Institute of International Relations.

Funding

The program is maintained by the University, students pay tuition fees. Several company-sponsored courses are planned to be added to the curriculum as elective courses.

The Bachelor's degree program in Government and International Affairs at MGIMO University is designed to prepare students for careers in diplomacy, international organizations, government agencies, and the private sector dealing with international relations. The program provides a comprehensive education in political science, international law, global security, economic diplomacy, and foreign policy analysis. Students gain a solid understanding of the political systems of Russia and other countries, as well as the functioning of international organizations such as the United Nations, WTO, and others. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical skills, including diplomatic protocol, negotiation techniques, foreign language proficiency—particularly in English and other major world languages—and intercultural communication. The program also offers opportunities for internships at government bodies, international institutions, and diplomatic missions, fostering real-world experience and professional network development. Students are encouraged to participate in various academic and extracurricular activities, including conferences, model UN simulations, and research projects. The faculty comprises experienced diplomats, international lawyers, political scientists, and experts in international relations, ensuring students receive a high-quality education grounded in current global developments. The program aims to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deep understanding of international issues, preparing graduates for successful careers in international diplomacy, policy analysis, foreign service, and related fields. Graduates of this program often pursue further education, such as master's degrees in international relations, international law, or public policy, both at MGIMO and abroad. The program is delivered in Russian, with a focus on preparing students for international professional environments, and often includes courses taught in foreign languages. The curriculum is periodically reviewed and adapted to reflect changing global dynamics and the evolving needs of national and international institutions, ensuring that students are equipped with relevant knowledge and skills for a competitive career in Government and International Affairs.