Understanding the Educational System at HSE University

If you're planning on studying at HSE University-St Petersburg, it is important to get acquainted with the educational system here. Many students, whether they study in Russia or other countries, find that things can differ from what they were used to in their homelands. In this article, Owen John Havercroft Reyes, a first-year master’s student who came from Mexico, reflects on the educational system at HSE University and gives some tips on how to adjust to it in order to make the best of your time here.

HSE University-St Petersburg

Modules

At HSE University, one academic year is composed of four separate modules. This means that as opposed to other universities which have two semesters per year, here at HSE, the equivalent of one semester is two modules. This is important for several reasons.

This means that in general, you go through more courses. In the UK, for example, I did three courses per semester on average. Here, I cover around eight per two modules (four each). Some courses are two modules long, some are one. Consequently, exams are more frequent. You will have exams at the end of each module, including late October and December, rather than only towards the end of December. This can be a big change if, like me, you come from a place where exams only take place after the Christmas break.

As you can expect from shorter periods of study, work will be more fast-paced in order to cover the required curriculum in time. Adjusting to the HSE system was a bit tough for me at first, as I used to have more time to prepare for fewer, larger assessments. At HSE University, the intense module system means you are constantly involved in various courses, tasks and projects. It can feel overwhelming, but it is normal to feel this way at first. However, this also allows you to cover more subjects, which ultimately means you are better prepared and have a chance to find more subjects you enjoy.

Grades

The HSE grading system is pretty intuitive, but it is still worth discussing.

The grading system ranges from 1 to 10, 10 being the highest grade possible. However, the grades are also further divided into categories, which reflect the quality of the grade. If you have done all the work properly, an 8 is often the grade to expect and nothing to be discouraged about. Grades of 9 or 10, depending on the subject, are reserved for extraordinary tasks and projects that went beyond what was required.

Also, there is a 5-point scale used in some contexts. It is important to understand the conversion between this scale and the 10-point system to adequately understand your academic performance.

This is especially important if you want to receive the equivalent of an Honours Degree in Russia, called a ‘Red Diploma’. They use this name because the cover in which you receive the diploma is red, as opposed to the standard blue. To receive this, at least 75% of your grades must be ‘Excellent’ (8, 9 and 10). The rest can be ‘Good’ (6,7) but nothing below that. In addition to this, all your projects, such as your thesis, must also be graded as ‘Excellent’. Therefore, when you get an 8, don’t worry, it is still in the highest grading category.

Holidays

Another aspect to consider while studying not just at HSE University, but in Russia in general, is the unique holiday schedule. Unlike many other countries, Russians typically do not celebrate Christmas on December 25th. This is important to remember, as December is often the exam period at HSE University. I was quite surprised to have my final exam in ‘Statistics’ on Christmas Eve. However, this schedule means that you usually have New Year's and the early weeks of January off.

Additionally, Russia has its own set of holidays, which can differ from those in other countries. Some notable holidays include Defender's Day around February 23rd, International Women's Day on March 8th, and Victory Day on the 9th of May. The exact dates can vary slightly each year, so it is advisable to check them online for precise dates. These holidays give you a chance to enjoy time off from classes and academic work, so keep them in mind.

Saturdays

In Russia, Saturday is a university day, so be prepared to come to the university at the weekend. If you are a master's student at HSE University, this is likely to be your busiest day. During weekdays, the hours of 9 to 5 are protected, as it is assumed that you work in addition to your studies. Therefore, Saturday is the day that most classes fit, but this can differ depending on your programme. You'll likely get used to it quicker than you think. Personally, I find the free time during the week essential, as it allows me to keep up with my job and work on other projects, both extracurricular and HSE-related. Rest assured: your Sundays are kept off the academic calendar.

Understanding the educational system is crucial for your success at HSE University. Your experience of studying here will be a lot more enjoyable if you understand how this process works before your arrival, especially when you come from another country. It might seem like a big challenge at first, but remember the system is the way it is for a reason. A large number of courses and tasks will ultimately help you to properly learn new subjects and skills. There is no doubt that you will feel very proud and learn a lot when you are done studying at HSE University.

 

Written by Owen Havercroft, 1st-year student of the Master’s programme ‘Data Analytics for Business and Economics’