A Dual Degree Programme with the University of Rome Tor Vergata. New Opportunities for the Students of "Political Science and World Politics"

Have you ever heard about the dual degree programme? It is interesting, isn’t it? This year our BA program opens such an opportunity for students, when any second-year student can try to apply for a double degree programme with the University of Rome Tor Vergata. We’ve interviewed Andrei Starodubtsev about the new opportunities of our educational program.

Could you tell us more about the double degree program?

According to our program’s development strategy, we are planning to have a lot of double degree programs for students with the next few years. Students enrolled into our BA program “Political Science and World Politics” will have a chance to choose a university abroad they would like to get their second diplomas at.

Now we’ve taken the first step. A few days ago we signed an agreement with the University of Rome Tor Vergata. It is quite a young Italian university, in some respects similar to the HSE. It has a very interesting program on Global Governance.

What is important, this dual degree program opens not only for the future second-year students, as was initially planned, but also for those who are now study for the second year.

The key idea is the following. Those who’ve chosen the track are able to get two degrees at the end of education – one from the HSE and the other one from the University Tor Vergata. Students from Italy will come to Russia while being four-year students, while for our students this opportunity opens at the third year of study.

This dual degree program is called “Dual Program in International Studies”. Our BA programs are quite complementary. While we are specializing in political science and policy analysis, University Tor Vergata is strong in global and international governance.

This year three second-year students will be able to participate in this program.

How the selection of students will be held?

The students are to travel to Rome this autumn, so we need to select the candidates in the near future. The most important criterion is, for sure, the desire of the students to go there. Any student may apply by just sending me a letter to notify of the intention to participate.

After that we are likely to ask for a motivation letter, which will count along with the academic records. Our students won’t pay the tuition fee in Rome.

Once the decision on enrolment is made, the Study Office will prepare an individual pan for our students.

Can the HSE help students with other living expenses in Rome?

The Higher School of Economics does not provide funding to reimburse the cost of flights to Rome and staying there. The University of Tor Vergata will provide accommodation on campus or at hostel, but we these costs are to be covered by students.

In the near future, a special page on the dual degree programme will be created on our website, where all information on the cost of living will be posted. There we will place the curriculum with links to the programme website, the University, etc.

What is so interesting about the University-partner in Rome?

As I’ve already said, Tor Vergata is a relatively young university, established in 1982. The programme on Global Governance we have an agreement with is a small programme of 20-25 students, aimed at training leaders who will work in non-profit organizations and businesses at the transnational level. 

They have a very interesting set of courses, which is also very flexible and devoted to the current issues in global governance. The students there spend a lot of time working on different practical activities and projects. They have fewer courses than we do, but they spend more time on self-study: working in libraries, developing their own projects, and so on.

This is a modern European education. This is the flagship programme, which is aimed precisely at preparing people to work abroad and to work in the political and social spheres. That is why we have signed an agreement with them.

How can this programme help our students in the future?

To begin with, the programme complements ours, especially for those who are interested in more supranational, global problems. This is of course good for those students who develop themselves in the field of global governance. In addition, in terms of their own progress, having two diplomas is surely an advantage. The year in Italy will give you an invaluable experience of international communication and work in the international environment.

Second-year students, this information is especially relevant to you! Dr. Starodbutsev is waiting for your letters! Do not miss the opportunity to get a degree from two universities! In order to apply, it is enough to write a letter to Andrey Starodubtsev, expressing your willingness to participate.