Double Degrees: HSE and KBSU Launch Master’s Program

First-year students of the master’s program «Pedagogical Education and Human Development,» jointly offered by the Higher School of Economics and the Kabardino-Balkarian State University have begun in-person classes in Nalchik.

This year, 12 master’s students began their unique educational journey. What’s particularly valuable is that the program attracted not only traditional applicants from the humanities but also graduates from KBSU’s engineering and natural sciences programs. Among them are representatives from the Institute of Electronics, Robotics, and Artificial Intelligence, the Institute of Law, Economics, and Finance, and the Medical Academy.

The «Pedagogical Education and Human Development» program is organized in a hybrid format, combining in-person and online modules. As noted by Tanzilya Doguchaeva, deputy director of the Institute of Pedagogy, Psychology, and Physical Education and Sports Education at KBSU and the university’s program director, lectures and practical classes are divided equally between the universities. Over the course of three days, HSE faculty will conduct practical classes at KBSU aimed at mastering interactive teaching methods, developing educational programs and projects focused on student personal development, and integrating new technologies into the educational process.

Madina Davlatova, Associate Professor in the Department of Educational Programs and Expert at the Digital Learning Support Center at the HSE Institute of Education, emphasized that the program’s mission is to train motivated and passionate teachers. The program is based on three key principles: developing educational products that take into account modern learning theories, designing with constructive consistency, and ensuring the practical application of acquired knowledge.

Maria Ozerova, deputy director of the HSE Department of Educational Programs, noted that the educational process is based on the principle of «learning by doing,» which implies immediate practical application of acquired knowledge. To this end, collaboration with general education institutions is planned, where students will be able to teach lessons.

In project-based seminars, participants analyze their teaching practices from a methodological perspective, while in research seminars, they analyze them in the context of modern advances in pedagogical science. Students have the opportunity to participate in academic conferences, publish articles in academic journals, and develop their own research projects under the guidance of experienced mentors. This allows them not only to deepen their knowledge in their chosen field but also to acquire skills for independent research. As part of their internships, KBSU students will also have the opportunity to study at the Higher School of Economics in Moscow.

Ekaterina Stremilova, a lecturer in the Department of Educational Programs and an analyst at the HSE Institute of Education, notes that the program was developed by university experts, taking into account the latest trends in education, and focuses on the specific competencies needed by modern teachers. In addition to traditional lectures and seminars, the program includes master classes from leading education experts, interactive training sessions, and business simulations.

The program also makes extensive use of modern information technology. Students will have access to an online platform with educational materials, discussion forums, and opportunities to interact with faculty and other students. This will ensure flexibility and convenience in learning, allowing students to adapt their schedule to their personal needs and circumstances.

The program is designed for two years. Upon successful defense of their master’s thesis, graduates will receive diplomas from both KBSU and HSE. Both universities predict a high demand for specialists in educational institutions of various levels, including schools, universities, and research centers.