Teaching foreign languages at HSE St. Petersburg

Foreign language training is based on the unified conception of language learning, which facilitates the unity of the educational environment throughout the university while conforming to Russian and international requirements to the foreign language proficiency that is needed for academic mobility. The conception ensures transparency and clarity of the principles of mobility, educational methods, subject matter, and requirements.

English as a foreign language is taught in all university faculties and branches. The process is divided into two stages:

Stage 1 – First- and second-year undergraduate students, 14 credits, an elective course

The course provides serious language training for all university students who are enrolled in all faculties and branches. Training takes into account students’ specific academic programme and professional interests. Completion of this course will ensure that students will have the ability to master their programme courses that are taught in English.

At the end of both the first and second year of studies, all students are required to take an English language proficiency test.

The course aims to bring students’ proficiency level to B2-C1 of CEFR, which is required for taking courses taught in English, as well as for research and professional activities.

First year – 8 credits, 2 classes per week, 1-4 modules. Teaching focuses on general and academic English and English for business communication. Regardless of whether they take this course, all students are required to take a test at the end of the year.

Second year – 6 credits, 2 classes per week, 1-3 modules. Teaching focuses on academic and professional English. At the end of the third module, regardless of they have chosen to take the course, all students are required to take an independent test similar to an international language examination.

Stage 2 –  A course entitled ‘Academic Writing in English’ is required for fourth-year undergraduate students (2 credits, 1 class per week, 1-3 modules). This course equips students with the skills and experience needed to write an academic article (Research Project Proposal) in English. At the end of the course students present the written article and give an academic presentation of their project in English.

The Department provides instruction both to students who have received state-funded scholarships and who are covering their tuition fees themselves.

Apart from providing English language training for university faculties and branches, the Department of Foreign Languages also offers business language courses for HSE students and other groups of participants.