• A
  • A
  • A
  • ABC
  • ABC
  • ABC
  • А
  • А
  • А
  • А
  • А
Regular version of the site

HSE University to Offer English Preparatory Programme in Economics

HSE University to Offer English Preparatory Programme in Economics

© iStock

The English Preparatory Programme in Economics is designed to prepare students for degree-level study in the field of Economics at the International College of Economics and Finance, as well as other HSE University schools. Alexander Deev, HSE Director of International Admissions, spoke with the HSE News Service about the admissions requirements and the study trajectories of the course.

Project Idea and Course Purpose

The idea to launch such a course first came from the International Admissions Office and the International Preparatory Programmes Centre. The preparatory programme includes subject-specific modules along with an English language course, thus helping international applicants better prepare for enrolling in highly selective English-taught programmes offered by ICEF and other HSE University schools.

The programme enables students to boost their knowledge of Economics-related disciplines so that they can smoothly transition to intensive Economics or Finance degree programmes. In addition, its launch will allow the university to give access to those who don’t have sufficient proficiency in English, providing them with an opportunity to develop their language skills.

Ivan Prostakov, Vice Rector of HSE University

Ivan Prostakov, Vice Rector of HSE University

Over 50 programmes at HSE University are English taught, including those which offer the opportunity to earn a parallel degree from an international university. While many international students are interested in such programmes, their English proficiency unfortunately doesn’t always meet the high requirements set by the programmes (their grade should be no lower than IELTS 6.0). That’s why we are launching English-taught preparatory courses, which we hope will improve their opportunities for education and career development.

Admission Requirements and Syllabus

To be admitted to the course, prospective students must take two exams: an online English language test, and an on-site Mathematics test. The minimal passing score is 55 on the English exam and 60 for Maths. You can take the mock tests to assess your current level.

The curriculum for the course, which runs from February to August, has been developed jointly with ICEF professors.

The syllabus consists of two modules: language-oriented and subject-oriented. The first module includes General English and English for Academic Purposes. The second module includes 360 hours in Economics-related subjects (including Economics, Mathematics, Introductory Finance, Introduction to Probability Theory and Statistics, Data Science, and Game Theory).

Course Advantages

The main advantage of the course is that the students will be prepared for the university entrance examinations and for the future study. It’s one thing to enter HSE University, but being able to continue with one’s studies can prove challenging.

The university’s English-taught bachelor’s programmes offer double degree opportunities (with LSE, for instance), which means that they have very high knowledge prerequisites. The English-taught master’s programmes are also quite selective and require students to have strong portfolios.

Successful graduates of the English Preparatory Programme in Economics are eligible for a scholarship of up to 50% on further tuition-paid degree programmes.

More information on HSE International Prepratory Programmes is available here.

Admissions to HSE’s Bachelor's and Master’s programmes are now open. International students can apply online. To learn more about HSE University, its admission process, or life in Moscow, please visit International Admissions website, or contact the Education & Training Advisory Centre at: inter@hse.ru, or via WhatsApp at: +7 (916) 311 8521.

Undergraduate applicants can take mock exams online to evaluate their chances of being accepted. Graduate applicants can register for preliminary portfolio assessment.

See also:

Thin Ice and a Field of Thorns: Master Class in Acting Held at HSE University

On January 17, the HSE Film Institute held a master class for applicants and students of the university. The author and instructor of the class was Igor Skripko, theatre and film actor, curator and teacher of the Actor Intensive preparatory programme. Prospective students had the opportunity to find out how to apply to the Theatre and Film Actor specialist’s programme.

‘Coming Here Felt Like the Right Choice’

Leticia Ines and Alejandro Perna first met in a Russian lesson in Buenos Aires. Now, eight years later, they are studying together in HSE University’s Preparatory Year programme. They spoke to the News Service about how their love for Russian language and culture brought them together and led them to enrol at HSE University, what their classes are like, and where they see their careers going after they complete their studies in Moscow.

'I Fell in Love with HSE University at First Sight'

HSE University offers a wide range of online and in-person preparatory programmes for international students, including various Russian language courses for future Bachelor’s and Master’s students, intensive Maths training in Russian, and an English-taught course in Economics. Students come from all over the world, drawn to HSE by the strength of its international reputation and education quality. Several students of this year’s cohort have shared their impressions of the Prep Year programme.

Let's Learn to Speak Russian

A growing number of HSE University’s international students are actively learning Russian, even if their degree programme is taught entirely in English. To help them build fluency, the HSE University Preparatory Programme launched a Russian Speaking Club for its students in March 2021. Now, all HSE University's students, regardless of the programme they are in, can take part in the meetings.

Classes Start at HSE International Preparatory Programmes

In terms of format, this new academic year has been an unusual one for many HSE students. In HSE University’s International Preparatory Programmes (IPP), 90% of students from various countries will start their classes online. We talked with the IPP teachers and students about the structure and content of their courses, and the difficulties students face in mastering the Russian language and immersing themselves in Russian culture.

‘Russia Is a Country Full of Opportunities for Personal and Academic Growth’

HSE University’s International Preparatory Programme has awarded diplomas to the class of 2020. International students completed their yearlong intensive studies that included a Russian language course and a variety of subject specific courses. The aim of the preparatory programme is to help international students get ready to enroll in Russian-taught full degree programmes at HSE and other Russian universities

Learn Russian Online

The HSE Centre for International Preparatory Programmes is launching an intensive online course of Russian as a Foreign Language. The course will start on October 1, 2020 and will be part of a blended preparatory programme that aims to help international students gain proficiency in Russian so that they can enrol in Russian-taught undergraduate and graduate programmes. Registration for the course is already open.

Russian Language Unites: HSE Students Come Together for Online Classes While in Self-Isolation

Elena Aisakova teaches Russian to students of International Preparatory Programmes. Her five groups have all transitioned to distance learning. HSE News Service has asked Elena and HSE's international students what it’s like to study Russian online as well as what tips they have to help others learn effectively while being on ‘opposite sides’ of the computer screen.

HSE International Preparatory Programmes Kick off New Year

On November, 22, HSE’s International Preparatory Programmes (IPP) kicked off a new school year with a Welcome Day event. Students were greeted by IPP Director Alexandra Nazarchuk before taking the stage themselves to give short presentations about their home countries. HSE News Service spoke with students of the programme about their classes, living in Moscow, and what they plan do to after they compete the programme.

International Students Successfully Complete HSE Preparatory Programme

On July 18, graduates of HSE’s International Preparatory Programmes had much to celebrate. For many, the day not only marked the last day of a rigorous programme, but the beginning of their next step in their education journey: enrolling in bachelor’s and master’s programmes at HSE University. Students and their instructors celebrated the occasion with a festive graduation party that included awards, poster presentations, cake for all, and even a Russian folk music performance.