International Relations in the post-Soviet Area

The Master's programme in International Relations in the Post-Soviet Area at Saint Petersburg State University offers students a comprehensive understanding of the political, economic, and social dynamics that shape the post-Soviet region. The programme is designed to equip future experts with in-depth knowledge of the historical developments, current issues, and future prospects of countries in the Post-Soviet space, including Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, the Baltic States, Central Asia, and the Caucasus. students will explore key topics such as regional security, international diplomacy, conflict resolution, economic integration, and the role of international organizations in the area. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical approaches and practical skills, preparing graduates for careers in international organizations, governmental agencies, think tanks, and diplomatic services.

The programme features a distinctive interdisciplinary approach, combining political science, international law, regional studies, and history to provide a well-rounded perspective on the complexities of the post-Soviet region. Students will benefit from courses taught by leading experts in the field, as well as from opportunities to engage in research projects, seminars, and conferences that foster analytical thinking and policy analysis. The programme also encourages language acquisition, with Russian and regional languages as integral components, enhancing students' communication skills and cultural understanding.

A particular focus is placed on current conflicts, security issues, economic reforms, and the evolving geopolitical landscape of the Post-Soviet countries. Through active engagement with case studies and real-world scenarios, students develop critical thinking abilities essential for policy-making and diplomatic negotiations. The programme aims to foster a new generation of scholars and practitioners capable of contributing to regional stability, international cooperation, and sustainable development in the Post-Soviet area. Graduates will receive a Master's degree in International Relations, opening pathways to diverse professional opportunities both within Russia and internationally.

Main courses:

• Integration and disintegration in the post-Soviet space
• Security issues in the post-Soviet space
• Post-Soviet states in the contemporary system of international economic relations
• The post-Soviet info-sphere
• Russia's policy in the post-Soviet space

Elective courses:

• EU policy in the post-Soviet space
• The religious factor in the post-Soviet space
• 'Colour revolutions' in the post-Soviet space
• Military reform in the CIS countries: Comparative analysis

Admissions of Russian and foreign citizens are arranged in accordance with the "Rules of admission to St. Petersburg State University for the major educational programs of higher education (undergraduate programs, training programs, graduate programs) in 2014". There are admission quota financed by the federal budget, as well as the fee-paying quota based on contracts with individuals and / or entities.

Admissions of foreign citizens 
International applicants can be admitted to SPbU both to places on a fee-paying (contractual) basis and places funded by the Russian Government (on references from the Russian Federation Ministry of Education).

International applicants can be admitted to SPbU both to places on a fee-paying (contractual) basis and to places funded by the Russian Government (Scholarship includes tuition fee).

Admission procedure on a fee-paying (contractual) basis includes entry examinations for foreign applicants.

List of the required documents for application:

1.application form for an educational programm of the relevant level, stated by an Admission Committee;

2.educational certificate/diploma* (or its notarized copy) and its transcript (in case it is provided bu the legal system of a foreighn state that issued the certificate/diploma);

3.copy of identity document;

4.copy of entry visa to the Russian Federation (if there is one);

5.copy of migration card;

6."Stay Regulations for Foreighn Citizens in Russian Federation" sighned;

7.4 (four) photographs 3z4 sm.

How to apply:

1.To register at the Personal Account on the website of Admission Office;

2.To fill an application form for an educational program;

3.Signed application with other documents submit by one of the following ways:

-          attach at the Personal Account,

-          in person,

-          by post.

Deadline for application in 2015:

• April 01 - August 10: for applicants not requiring an entry visa
• April 01 - July 10: for applicants requiring an entry visa

Periods for the admissions tests in 2015:

• May 5 – 19;
• June 15 – 30;
• July 13 – 24;
• August 03 – 17.

*The educational certificate needs to be

• legalised if required
• recognized in the Russian Federation (to have either a recognition certificate or an equivalence certificate if required)

List and Forms of 2015 Admissions Tests for Main Master Programmes at St. Petersburg State University http://abiturient.spbu.ru/images/2015/VI/mag_ino_2015_EN.htm

FOR APPLICANTS ON GOVERNMENT-FUNDED BASIS 
Requirements for documents 2014 http://abiturient.spbu.ru/images/2014/foreigns/kriterii_en.htm

As specified in the Governmental decree of Russian Federation (October, 8 2013 № 891"On Fixing an Education Quota for Foreign Nationals and Stateless Citizens in the Russian Federation"), foreign citizens are provided an opportunity to take part in an Competition for state-funded educational places at Universities in Russian Federation, including SPbU (funded from the budget of Russian Federation). Information about order of admission will be available on this page in the terms defined by the Government of the Russian Federation. http://abiturient.spbu.ru/index.php/russkij/admissions-of-foreign-citizens/admissions-of-foreign-citizens/m-admission-procedure-gov

Full information on the rules and admission process for undergraduate and graduate programs can be found on the official website of St. Petersburg State University Admissions Commission: http://abiturient.spbu.ru/