Summary of Degree Programme
41.03.06 Public Policy and Social Sciences
41.03.05 International Relations
No
4 года 
Full-time, 240
ENG
Instruction in English
Bachelor
No
With online tools
2026/2027 Academic year
International Business and Finance
Public Policy
Strategic Communications Management
2025/2026 Academic year
International Business and Finance
PC-1
Able to identify key trends in the development of the global economy and international relations, based on their complex and systemic interconnections.
PC-2
Able to provide a comprehensive profile of a country and/or region, identify and explain the main trends in its development, drawing on historical, political, socio-economic, demographic, cultural, and other factors.
PC-3
Able to analyse the factors influencing a state’s domestic and foreign policy, and determine and explain the dynamics and patterns of their change.
PC-4
Able to apply, in the study of political and international issues, the conceptual and terminological framework, core approaches, theories, and methods of the social sciences, as well as specialised approaches and methods in the field of international relations.
PC-5
Using modern methods and approaches, able to conduct professional communication, identify the most relevant areas for international cooperation, and develop such cooperation in political, business, humanitarian, cultural, and other fields.
A graduate may pursue the following positions:
- assistant manager;
- analyst;
- supervisor;
- organizer and coordinator of international events of political, economic, socio-social, cultural and educational orientation;
- researcher;
- financial analyst, etc.
Public Policy
PC-1
Able to identify key trends in the development of the global economy and international relations, based on their complex and systemic interconnections.
PC-2
Able to provide a comprehensive profile of a country and/or region, identify and explain the main trends in its development, drawing on historical, political, socio-economic, demographic, cultural, and other factors.
PC-3
Able to analyse the factors influencing a state’s domestic and foreign policy, and determine and explain the dynamics and patterns of their change.
PC-4
Able to apply, in the study of political and international issues, the conceptual and terminological framework, core approaches, theories, and methods of the social sciences, as well as specialised approaches and methods in the field of international relations.
PC-5
Using modern methods and approaches, able to conduct professional communication, identify the most relevant areas for international cooperation, and develop such cooperation in political, business, humanitarian, cultural, and other fields.
Strategic Communications Management
PC-1
Able to identify key trends in the development of the global economy and international relations, based on their complex and systemic interconnections.
PC-2
Able to provide a comprehensive profile of a country and/or region, identify and explain the main trends in its development, drawing on historical, political, socio-economic, demographic, cultural, and other factors.
PC-3
Able to analyse the factors influencing a state’s domestic and foreign policy, and determine and explain the dynamics and patterns of their change.
PC-4
Able to apply, in the study of political and international issues, the conceptual and terminological framework, core approaches, theories, and methods of the social sciences, as well as specialised approaches and methods in the field of international relations.
PC-5
Using modern methods and approaches, able to conduct professional communication, identify the most relevant areas for international cooperation, and develop such cooperation in political, business, humanitarian, cultural, and other fields.
A graduate may pursue the following positions:
- assistant manager;
- supervisor;
- organizer and coordinator of international events of political, economic, socio-social, cultural and educational orientation;
- researcher;
- project management and etc.
2024/2025 Academic year
International Business and Finance
PC-1
Able to identify key trends in the development of the global economy and international relations, based on their complex and systemic interconnections.
PC-2
Able to provide a comprehensive profile of a country and/or region, identify and explain the main trends in its development, drawing on historical, political, socio-economic, demographic, cultural, and other factors.
PC-3
Able to analyse the factors influencing a state’s domestic and foreign policy, and determine and explain the dynamics and patterns of their change.
PC-4
Able to apply, in the study of political and international issues, the conceptual and terminological framework, core approaches, theories, and methods of the social sciences, as well as specialised approaches and methods in the field of international relations.
PC-5
Using modern methods and approaches, able to conduct professional communication, identify the most relevant areas for international cooperation, and develop such cooperation in political, business, humanitarian, cultural, and other fields.
A graduate may pursue the following positions:
- assistant manager;
- analyst;
- supervisor;
- organizer and coordinator of international events of political, economic, socio-social, cultural and educational orientation;
- researcher;
- financial analyst, etc.
This professional track is for students with a mathematical and analytical mindset, who are able to make complex calculations and constantly look for cause-and-effect relationships. Within this track, students will study the following courses: 2nd year: International Entrepreneurship and Business; Financial Accounting; 3rd year: Corporate Finance; Digital Economics; 4th year: Banks and Banking Systems; Corporate Finance: International Practices
Public Policy
PC-1
Able to identify key trends in the development of the global economy and international relations, based on their complex and systemic interconnections.
PC-2
Able to provide a comprehensive profile of a country and/or region, identify and explain the main trends in its development, drawing on historical, political, socio-economic, demographic, cultural, and other factors.
PC-3
Able to analyse the factors influencing a state’s domestic and foreign policy, and determine and explain the dynamics and patterns of their change.
PC-4
Able to apply, in the study of political and international issues, the conceptual and terminological framework, core approaches, theories, and methods of the social sciences, as well as specialised approaches and methods in the field of international relations.
PC-5
Using modern methods and approaches, able to conduct professional communication, identify the most relevant areas for international cooperation, and develop such cooperation in political, business, humanitarian, cultural, and other fields.
Public policy shapes the political, economic, and social landscapes of states and international institutions. This track provides students with a comprehensive introduction to the foundational theories and analytical tools necessary to understand and evaluate policymaking processes in diverse political contexts. The first part of the track explores the core theoretical frameworks that explain how policies are formulated, adopted, implemented and etc.
Strategic Communications Management
PC-1
Able to identify key trends in the development of the global economy and international relations, based on their complex and systemic interconnections.
PC-2
Able to provide a comprehensive profile of a country and/or region, identify and explain the main trends in its development, drawing on historical, political, socio-economic, demographic, cultural, and other factors.
PC-3
Able to analyse the factors influencing a state’s domestic and foreign policy, and determine and explain the dynamics and patterns of their change.
PC-4
Able to apply, in the study of political and international issues, the conceptual and terminological framework, core approaches, theories, and methods of the social sciences, as well as specialised approaches and methods in the field of international relations.
PC-5
Using modern methods and approaches, able to conduct professional communication, identify the most relevant areas for international cooperation, and develop such cooperation in political, business, humanitarian, cultural, and other fields.
A graduate may pursue the following positions:
- assistant manager;
- project manager;
- analyst;
- supervisor;
- organizer and coordinator of international events of political, economic, socio-social, cultural and educational orientation;
- researcher;
This professional track is designed for students who know how or want to learn how to competently build communication between different interest groups. Within this specialization, students will study the following courses: 2nd year: Introduction to Global Communication; GR and lobbying 3rd year: Internal Communications; Business Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility; Media landscape and Interaction with the Media 4th year : Brand Management; Political Consulting
2023/2024 Academic year
International Management and Finance
PC-1
Able to identify key trends in the development of the global economy and international relations, based on their complex and systemic interconnections.
PC-2
Able to provide a comprehensive profile of a country and/or region, identify and explain the main trends in its development, drawing on historical, political, socio-economic, demographic, cultural, and other factors.
PC-3
Able to analyse the factors influencing a state’s domestic and foreign policy, and determine and explain the dynamics and patterns of their change.
PC-4
Able to apply, in the study of political and international issues, the conceptual and terminological framework, core approaches, theories, and methods of the social sciences, as well as specialised approaches and methods in the field of international relations.
PC-5
Using modern methods and approaches, able to conduct professional communication, identify the most relevant areas for international cooperation, and develop such cooperation in political, business, humanitarian, cultural, and other fields.
A graduate may pursue the following positions:
- assistant manager;
- analyst;
- supervisor;
- organizer and coordinator of international events of political, economic, socio-social, cultural and educational orientation;
- researcher;
- financial analyst, etc.
This professional track is for students with a mathematical and analytical mindset, who are able to make complex calculations and constantly look for cause-and-effect relationships. Within this track, students will study the following courses: 2nd year: International Entrepreneurship and Business; Financial Accounting; 3rd year: Corporate Finance; Marketing Research; 4th year: Banks and Banking Systems; Corporate Finance: International Practices
Strategic Communications Management
PC-1
Able to identify key trends in the development of the global economy and international relations, based on their complex and systemic interconnections.
PC-2
Able to provide a comprehensive profile of a country and/or region, identify and explain the main trends in its development, drawing on historical, political, socio-economic, demographic, cultural, and other factors.
PC-3
Able to analyse the factors influencing a state’s domestic and foreign policy, and determine and explain the dynamics and patterns of their change.
PC-4
Able to apply, in the study of political and international issues, the conceptual and terminological framework, core approaches, theories, and methods of the social sciences, as well as specialised approaches and methods in the field of international relations.
PC-5
Using modern methods and approaches, able to conduct professional communication, identify the most relevant areas for international cooperation, and develop such cooperation in political, business, humanitarian, cultural, and other fields.
A graduate may pursue the following positions:
- assistant manager;
- project manager;
- analyst;
- supervisor;
- organizer and coordinator of international events of political, economic, socio-social, cultural and educational orientation;
- researcher and etc.
This professional track is designed for students who know how or want to learn how to competently build communication between different interest groups. Within this specialization, students will study the following courses: 2nd year: Introduction to Global Communication; GR and lobbying 3rd year: Internal Communications; Business Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility; Media landscape and Interaction with the Media 4th year : Brand Management; Political Consulting
2022/2023 Academic year
International Management and Finance
PC-1
Able to identify key trends in the development of the global economy and international relations, based on their complex and systemic interconnections.
PC-2
Able to provide a comprehensive profile of a country and/or region, identify and explain the main trends in its development, drawing on historical, political, socio-economic, demographic, cultural, and other factors.
PC-3
Able to analyse the factors influencing a state’s domestic and foreign policy, and determine and explain the dynamics and patterns of their change.
PC-4
Able to apply, in the study of political and international issues, the conceptual and terminological framework, core approaches, theories, and methods of the social sciences, as well as specialised approaches and methods in the field of international relations.
PC-5
Using modern methods and approaches, able to conduct professional communication, identify the most relevant areas for international cooperation, and develop such cooperation in political, business, humanitarian, cultural, and other fields.
A graduate may pursue the following positions:
- assistant manager;
- analyst;
- supervisor;
- organizer and coordinator of international events of political, economic, socio-social, cultural and educational orientation;
- researcher;
- financial analyst, etc.
This professional track is for students with a mathematical and analytical mindset, who are able to make complex calculations and constantly look for cause-and-effect relationships.
Strategic Communications Management
PC-1
Able to identify key trends in the development of the global economy and international relations, based on their complex and systemic interconnections.
PC-2
Able to provide a comprehensive profile of a country and/or region, identify and explain the main trends in its development, drawing on historical, political, socio-economic, demographic, cultural, and other factors.
PC-3
Able to analyse the factors influencing a state’s domestic and foreign policy, and determine and explain the dynamics and patterns of their change.
PC-4
Able to apply, in the study of political and international issues, the conceptual and terminological framework, core approaches, theories, and methods of the social sciences, as well as specialised approaches and methods in the field of international relations.
PC-5
Using modern methods and approaches, able to conduct professional communication, identify the most relevant areas for international cooperation, and develop such cooperation in political, business, humanitarian, cultural, and other fields.
A graduate may pursue the following positions:
- assistant manager;
- analyst;
- project manager;
- supervisor;
- organizer and coordinator of international events of political, economic, socio-social, cultural and educational orientation;
- researcher and etc.
This professional track is for students with a mathematical and analytical mindset, who are able to make complex calculations and constantly look for cause-and-effect relationships.
The BA programme “International Relations and Global Studies” builds on two fields of study: “International Relations” and “Public Policy and Social Sciences” that function as two majors. The programme is a unique combination of Russian expertise and international standards, ensuring a high level of academic rigour. It values an interdisciplinary problem-oriented approach focusing on real-life questions raised in the fields of international relations and public policy. Many courses are taught by practitioners and experts from the fields that are covered by the curriculum. The programme is taught entirely in English, and all courses employ best international practices, allowing for a seamless transition into the global workforce. Each student can tailor their individual curriculum to develop skills that would best suit their professional goals.
All IRGS students follow courses in international relations, public policy, social sciences and gain profound understanding of how society and politics operate in East and South-East Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, Eurasia, Europe and the USA. They receive intensive methodological and analytical training, develop various hard and soft skills, and master professional communication in English. Students also learn at least one foreign language (to pick from 10 languages on offer), and get training in mathematics, economics and data analysis, which prepares students for successful careers in both the corporate sector and public administration.
Students are free to choose their own area of specialization. Starting from the second year, they can pick one of the three educational tracks: “International Business and Finance”, “Strategic Communications Management” or “Public Policy”. Within their specialization courses students learn from best experts and practitioners representing the respective fields. This knowledge is then solidified through a series of projects and the mandatory internship, which facilitates students’ integration in the immediate labour market as well as in respective communities of practice worldwide. All IRGS students also develop various soft skills relevant to career planning and jobhunting strategies.
The International Relations and Global Studies (IRGS) programme offers graduates a wide range of educational and professional opportunities in Russia and in the global market. Practice-focused specializations, language training, project activities and internships aligned with the current international agenda, together with the core curriculum that evolves in response to global developments, equip our students and graduates with knowledge and skills necessary to enter the international labour market with confidence.
Career prospects extend to expert-analytical, managerial, diplomatic, and other relevant positions in leading Russian and international companies, public authorities, international organizations, analytical centres and mass media. The main career trajectories include corporate management, international relations and negotiations, public service, trade and economic operations, public and government relations, consulting, analysis, advertising, and media.
The programme’s high academic standards and English-language instruction enable graduates to apply for master’s degrees at leading universities worldwide. Another pathway is an academic career with the goal of obtaining a PhD or equivalent.
The professional competencies set out in the programme profile are specific to graduates of this programme. They are defined on the basis of professional standards relevant to the graduates’ career fields, as well as through analysis of labour market requirements, review of international best practices, and consultations with leading employers and industry associations in sectors where our graduates are in demand. In addition to these programme-specific competencies, graduates of HSE University also acquire universal competencies (as defined in Part I of the Educational Standard) and general professional competencies (as defined in the Educational Standard profiles for the relevant fields of study).
The combination of all universal, general professional, and professional competencies acquired by the graduate ensures their ability to carry out professional activities in at least one field or area of professional practice, or to perform tasks corresponding to at least one type of professional activity as defined in the Educational Standard.
PC-1
Identify key trends in the development of the global economy and international relations, based on their complex and systemic interconnections.
PC-2
Provide a comprehensive profile of a country and/or region, identify and explain the main trends in its development, drawing on historical, political, socio-economic, demographic, cultural, and other factors.
PC-3
Analyse the factors influencing a state’s domestic and foreign policy, and determine and explain the dynamics and patterns of their change.
PC-4
Apply, in the study of political and international issues, the conceptual and terminological framework, core approaches, theories, and methods of the social sciences, as well as specialised approaches and methods in the field of international relations.
PC-5
Using modern methods and approaches, conduct professional communication, identify the most relevant areas for international cooperation, and develop such cooperation in political, business, humanitarian, cultural, and other fields.
The Major includes the Core Professional Block and the Elective Professional Block.
The Core Professional Block includes key compulsory courses in methodology and methods of research in international relations, public policy and broader social sciences; economic and political history; history of international relations; theory of international relations; political science; international law; area and country studies; international political economy; as well as courses in history of social and political thought, sociology, public policy, political communications, intercultural communication, and related fields.
It also comprises two English language courses (in the first year of study) and a second foreign language (throughout the programme) chosen by students from the following options: Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, Turkish, Farsi, German, French, Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, and, additionally, Russian for international students.
The block also includes “Area Studies” – courses devoted to the historical, political, social, and economic development of one of five political and geographical regions (areas): the USA, the Middle East, Latin America, Southeast and East Asia, or Africa (each student picks one course from this list for their individual curriculum).
The Elective Professional Block includes the research seminars, the elective courses divided into several blocks (from year 2 to year 4), as well as the courses of the three educational tracks / specializations (to be chosen by the students).
Research Seminars (“Research Seminar “Academic Writing” (32h)”,”Research Seminar “Logic of Inquiry and Key Research Methods in International Relations and Public Policy” (32h)”, “Research Seminar “Advanced Acadеmic Writing” (24h)”; “Research Seminar “Term paper research and writing workshop” (40h)”, “Research Seminar “Policy Briefs and Policy Papers” (16h)”, “Research Seminar “Business Mediation”(16h)” , “Research Seminar “BA research and writing workshop” (36h)”) guide students step by step through the development of their academic and analytical research skills. Starting with the foundations of academic writing and research design, moving through methodology and writing workshops for term papers and policy briefs, and culminating in full support for the Bachelor’s thesis. The seminars are designed to build confidence, structure and independence in research across all stages of the programme and prepare programme graduates for various career trajectories that require research skills.
Elective issue-focused courses ( eg, “Climate Change and IR”, “Migration Policy”, “Cultural Policy”, “Public Diplomacy”, “Global Food Security”, “International Organizations “(from 40 to 48 contact hours, offered from the second to the fourth year)) give students a deeper understanding of global governance, international law and diplomacy, while elective region-focused courses like “Doing Business and GR in Africa”, “Urban Policy and Governance in the BRICS Countries”, “Arctic Politics, Security and International Relations” or “EAEU Law” link academic study to practical contexts in specific countries and regions. Such courses prepare students to address complex global challenges across different sectors. Courses such as “Introduction to International Development”, “Management of International Development” and, “Business and Management in Global Context” examine the main approaches to international development and global business, showing how and with what effects economic strategies, institutions, and management practices operate in varied regional and political environments.
Students chose one of the three educational tracks after the first year of study: “International Business and Finance”, “Strategic Communications Management” or “Public Policy”. Each educational track spans three years of study (2-4) and consists of 7 courses (total 25 credits).
Internships include Professional Internship, Project Internship and Research Internship.
Professional Internship takes the form of Work Experience Internship (3rd year of study).
The Work Experience Internship is designed to help students strengthen their professional skills in research, project management, analytical work and other areas covered by the programme. Throughout the internship, students apply their theoretical knowledge in practice, build hands-on experience in independent research or work on real-world projects in international relations and public policy. They also gain exposure to international cooperation and related fields, further developing their expertise.
Project Internship includes mandatory and elective projects.
The projects “Academic Reading” / “Academic Reading: Advanced Level” projects are mandatory projects for first- and second-year students of the programme. Their primary aim is to engage students in slow, thoughtful and critical reading of a book on political, social, or economic issues, with the second-year component offering a more in-depth and complex level of analysis.
The Project Internship (elective projects) is designed to build on students’ knowledge, strengthen their skills, and develop professional competencies by working on a real-world task. They should deliver a specific product: an intellectual concept, an information resource, a service or something else.
Research Internship includes Research Term Papers during the second and third years of study, and BA Thesis preparation (4th year of study).
Term papers (hereinafter TP) are completed by students of the programme during their second and third years of study. In the second year, the TP is conducted exclusively as a research project. In the third year, students can choose between two formats: a research TP (focused on independent academic inquiry) or an analytical TP (focused on information analysis, synthesis and subsequent policy recommendations).
BA Thesis preparation (hereinafter BA Thesis) is completed by students of the programme during their fourth year of study. A research-based BA Thesis must represent the outcome of a fully developed independent academic research and demonstrate the student’s ability to apply acquired knowledge and skills. The thesis should include a well-structured literature review in international relations / public policy, and related disciplines, a justified theoretical and methodological framework, and its correct application within the student’s own study, as well as collection and analysis of empirical data to generate theoretically and/or practically relevant results.
The “General courses” module includes the following courses: safe living basics, physical culture as well as five courses from the general university pool, which are determined by the academic supervisor of the programme (“Foundations of the Russian Statehood”, “Russian History”, “Introduction to Law”, “Philosophy”, “Economic Theory”).
The module “Data Culture” includes disciplines from the field of Data Culture of the basic level.
The module “Final State Certification” is the final element of the programme implying writing as well as publicly defending a graduation qualification thesis (BA Thesis) in English on a research topic related to the study of international relations and/or public policy.
2026/2027 ACADEMIC YEAR
International Business and Finance
Track Supervisor: Khromova (Fokina), Ella
Language of instruction: English
Use of online learning: With online tools
Qualification upon graduation: Bachelor
Public Policy
Track Supervisor: Korneev, Oleg
Language of instruction: English
Use of online learning: With online tools
Qualification upon graduation: Bachelor
Strategic Communications Management
Track Supervisor: Bodishteanu, Nicole
Language of instruction: English
Use of online learning: With online tools
Qualification upon graduation: Bachelor
2025/2026 ACADEMIC YEAR
International Business and Finance
Track Supervisor: Khromova (Fokina), Ella
Language of instruction: English
Use of online learning: With online tools
Qualification upon graduation: Bachelor
Public Policy
Track Supervisor: Korneev, Oleg
Language of instruction: English
Use of online learning: With online tools
Qualification upon graduation: Bachelor
Strategic Communications Management
Track Supervisor: Bodishteanu, Nicole
Language of instruction: English
Use of online learning: With online tools
Qualification upon graduation: Bachelor
2024/2025 ACADEMIC YEAR
International Business and Finance
Track Supervisor: Khromova (Fokina), Ella
Language of instruction: English
Use of online learning: With online tools
Qualification upon graduation: Bachelor
Public Policy
Track Supervisor: Korneev, Oleg
Language of instruction: English
Use of online learning: With online tools
Qualification upon graduation: Bachelor
Strategic Communications Management
Track Supervisor: Bodishteanu, Nicole
Language of instruction: English
Use of online learning: With online tools
Qualification upon graduation: Bachelor
2023/2024 ACADEMIC YEAR
International Business and Finance
Track Supervisor: Khromova (Fokina), Ella
Language of instruction: English
Use of online learning: With online tools
Qualification upon graduation: Bachelor
Strategic Communications Management
Track Supervisor: Bodishteanu, Nicole
Language of instruction: English
Use of online learning: With online tools
Qualification upon graduation: Bachelor
This degree programme of HSE University is adapted for students with special educational needs (SEN) and disabilities. There is a specially designed Physical Education course available for such students (Syllabus of the adapted Physical Education course). Special assistive technology and teaching aids are used for collective and individual learning of students with SEN and disabilities. The specific adaptive features of the programme are listed in each subject's full syllabus and are available to students through the online Learning Management System.
All documents of the degree programme are stored electronically on this website. Curricula, calendar plans, and syllabi are developed and approved electronically in corporate information systems. Their current versions are automatically published on the website of the degree programme. Up-to-date teaching and learning guides, assessment tools, and other relevant documents are stored on the website of the degree programme in accordance with the local regulatory acts of HSE University.
I hereby confirm that the degree programme documents posted on this website are fully up-to-date.
Vice Rector Sergey Yu. Roshchin
Summary of Degree Programme 'International Programme 'International Relations and Global Studies''
