There are 5 days left to apply for the International double degree programme (DDP) competition
On 3 March at 23:59 Moscow time, the deadline for applications from students wishing to continue their studies in the International double degree programme will expire. The partner of the “Comparative Politics of Eurasia” is the University of Trento. Every year, some of the best second-year students get the opportunity to study in Trento and, if they successfully defend their MA thesis and pass all the exams, they receive two diplomas: one from HSE Saint-Petersburg and the other from the University of Trento. Konstantin Koryakin, a second-year student on the Comparative Politics of Eurasia program and winner of last year’s competiotion, tells us how to prepare a strong portfolio and pass the qualifying stage of the competition.
The most important thing when applying is to be aware of how being involved in DDP will affect your career. I don't recommend looking at this opportunity just as a form of academic mobility: participation in DDP requires significantly more effort and financial investments. It’s more accurate to think of the DDP as a unique combination of the two learning tracks that suits you personally.
It follows that the ideal motivation is when the host university offers relevant courses and opportunities to help you improve your research and develop your professional skills. You can also include all your actions and plans in your motivation letter: in mine, I immediately mentioned the courses and the supervisor I needed in Trento.
Further, I strongly recommend you to know the opinion of your academic supervisor, the head of your programme and mentor, regarding the prospects for your participation in the DDP. My supervisor approved of this idea, and I included it in my application. As you will also need a supervisor at your host university, I recommend that you find them as soon as possible.
Be sure to ask questions and clarify any confusion, and keep in touch with the study office and the International Office. If possible, also try to contact the host university. Find out what the programme's Academic Board expects of your CV and supporting documents as part of the additional requirements that may need to be adapted for your application.
It’s important to meet the deadline: I submitted my application at the last minute, and because of a technical error, the submission form closed a few hours before our usual 23:59 deadline. I had to work hard not to lose my application. I was lucky, but it could have potentially had a very negative impact on the perception of the application, devaluing all my other efforts. Therefore, I strongly recommend that you gather all the necessary documents in time, structure your application, double check each document and upload your application in advance.
I wish all participants good luck in the competition! Remember that if you win, you will have to go all the way through: obtain a visa, prepare necessary documents, solve the financial issue, organise logistics and life in another country, adapt to a different education system, pass the chosen courses, write and defend your MA thesis in two universities. So if your application is not approved, don’t be upset: it means that there are other opportunities out there that may be a better fit for your career path.