Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the advantages of your Master’s programme comparing to the similar ones?
A: We are the only English-language Master’s programme in Cognitive Sciences in Russia. Our lecturers are active world-class scientists including the highly cited researchers in the fields of cognitive psychology, cognitive neuroscience, neuroeconomics, neurolinguistics. Our partners’ labs also have an access to the whole range of neuroimaging techniques which provides unique opportunity for the development of young researcher.
Q: I have no background in psychology or neuroscience. Am I eligible for the program?
A: Yes! We encourage students with non-psychological and non-biological background to apply.
Q: Will I be able to study without any knowledge in psychology?
A: Our program offers introductory courses at the beginning of education for students with no background in psychology.
Q: I already have a Master/PhD degree. Am I eligible for the program?
A: Russian citizens who earned Master/Specialist degree in Russian Federation can only apply for slots with tuition fees. Russia citizens who have received a "Certified specialist" (Дипломированный специалист) or PhD degree can apply also for state-funded slots. International students who earned Master or PhD degree abroad may apply for the admission to the programme without any limitation.
Q: What documents should I include in my portfolio package?
A: Portfolio package contents are exhaustively described here.
Q: What English-language test scores should I obtain to have right to enter programme?
A: List of relevant English-language test and sufficient scores for the enrollment is presented here.
Q: What criteria do you set when selecting the applicants?
A: You may find the full list of criteria here.
Q: How can I increase my chances for the enrollment in the programme?
A: Students who previously worked in laboratories studying cognitive phenomena and, therefore, obtained relevant letters of recommendation have better chances to be enrolled in the programme.
Q: What is the cost of the program?
A: Tuition fees are 400.000 rub per year.
Q: Do I have an opportunity to receive a stipend during my education at HSE?
A: All state-funded students (Russian and international) receive the government stipend.
Q: Do you offer scholarships to the international students?
A: We have a scholarship option for international students. You can apply for a Government Scholarship (so called 'quota place'), which is equivalent to a state-funded study slot. Please find more about Government Scholarship here.
Q: What is Government Scholarship?
A: Government scholarship is a merit-based scholarship that completely waives all tuition fees for select full-degree Bachelor's and Master's programmes at HSE. Please find more information here.
Q: Is it possible to work outside HSE during education at the programme?
A: Our programme is full-time. Education includes intense studying and research work which cannot be compatible with a job outside HSE.
Q: Do I have the opportunity to get a job in your partners’ research labs?
A: Vacancies in the partners’ laboratories are being filled on the competitive basis. Our students are always encouraged to participate in competition.
Q: Does HSE provide the dormitory for the non-Moscow residents?
A: You can find more information about the accomodation here (for the Russian students) or here (for the international students).
Q: Why do you have so many math classes in the curriculum?
A: Math courses are introductory courses and provide the basis for the large variety of subsequent classes including Digital Signal Processing, Computational Modelling, Computational Neuroscience, Neuroimaging Techniques etc.