NSU Launches Master’s Program “Modern Asia and Global Problems”

In September 2024, NSU, together with Moscow State University’s Institute of Asian and African Studies (IAAS MSU), is launching a new Master’s Program “Modern Asia and Global Challenges” in the African and Oriental Studies Department. This is the first Master's Program beyond the Urals, dedicated to the study of current issues in the development of modern Asia. In January, the Russian Federation Ministry of Higher Education and Science allocated scholarships for enrollment in this Program. Graduates will receive a diploma from NSU and a certificate of additional professional education from ISAA MSU.

At the end of 2022, experts at the Department of African and Oriental Studies started developing a Master's Program and in February 2023, NSU received a License to offer the Program to students. A special feature of the Program is the participation of high-level experts from NSU and IAAS MSU. The teaching staff includes Professor Alexey Maslov, Director IAAS MSU, who, together with his colleagues, worked on the development and implementation of the Program.

Elena Voitishek talked about the Program,

Long ago we agreed to cooperate and we have finally developed a Program dedicated to the comprehensive development of theoretical concepts and practical skills in this field. It is important to note that the teachers (both from NSU and MSU) are highly qualified professionals, teachers, scientists, active translators, and consultants. They have worked and lived in the countries of East, Southeast, South, and Central Asia. They continue to conduct many projects with leading Asian universities and have mastered modern teaching methods and technologies. Our students are fortunate to have the opportunity to feel the pulse of life in modern Asia through the expertise of their instructors.

The Program includes semester-long internships abroad in the countries of the region, as well as the possibility of implementing individual educational trajectories. The main language of the program is Russian, but if necessary, it is possible to conduct some of the subjects and seminars in English.

The program is intended for graduates of Russian and foreign universities in oriental and regional studies specialties, preferably with knowledge of English and one of the oriental languages. For example, students from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and non-CIS countries are welcome. The program may also be of interest to those with Bachelor's degrees from East Asian countries who want to study contemporary problems not only related to their country, but the region as a whole. Graduates of the program will be in demand in scientific and educational activities, in the public social sphere, in the field of education, business, government, and think tanks.