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In the 2010 academic year, all Russian universities should switch to a two-level system of education. What is its meaning?
Who came up with the two-tier system?
It is under this scheme — first a bachelor’s degree, and then, if desired, either a master’s degree or employment — that students have long been studying in Western universities. When it came to the fact that Russia would join the Bologna process (and this is necessary in order for the diplomas of our universities to be recognized all over the world), they started talking about the need to transfer our educational institutions to a two-level education.
The State Duma deputies legalized this system at the end of 2007. More and more universities are switching to it every year.
How many years do you have to sit at the desk?
The bachelor’s program is designed for 4 years. A bachelor’s degree is a full-fledged higher education. In the diploma of such a graduate it will be written: “a qualification (degree) of a bachelor was awarded in such and such a direction.” Master’s degree is two more years at the institute. It is intended for those who want to go into science or become a teacher. That is, to deepen knowledge in your field as much as possible.
Nevertheless, some universities will retain the traditional five-year plan, or specialty. Diplomas of specialists will be issued where there are «specialties that ensure the security of the individual and the state.» These are, for example, military and engineering educational institutions. Medical universities will also retain their special system of training specialists.
By the way, in addition to this layout (11 classes of the school — bachelor’s degree — master’s degree), there are others. For example, after the 9th grade, a boy or girl can first go to college, and only then apply to a university. At the same time, then you will have to study for a bachelor’s degree not four, but only three years. If at a university a young person continues his studies in the same field as in college.
Will there be enough places in the master’s program for everyone?
To enter the magistracy, you will have to pass exams. It is clear that there will be fewer state-funded places than in bachelor’s programs. For example, in one of the largest Russian universities — the Financial Academy under the Government of the Russian Federation (FA under the Government of the Russian Federation), its rector Mikhail Eskindarov said at a recent online conference in KP, this year there are 570 budget places in undergraduate studies (at the full-time department ) and only 100 — in the magistracy.
One way or another, the number of places for masters in all universities will be different. It depends on the quality of training, personnel and material capabilities of the educational institution.
The most talented young people will be able to study for a master’s degree for free.
Those who pass the exams worse, if, of course, there are enough places, will be enrolled in paid education. It is quite possible to continue their studies in the magistracy and those who have studied at the university for 5 years. But they will have to pay for this pleasure, since it is believed that for a specialist graduate this is already a second-level higher education.
Is this a normal education?
The two-tier system of education has many opponents. Some are sure: bachelors are like half-educated students. Representatives of leading universities that switched to a new training system without waiting for the law to appear do not agree with this. Among the leaders — and the Moscow State Technical University. N.E. Bauman (MSTU named after Bauman), and the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (PFUR), and the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO).
Professor, scientific director of the Faculty of Psychology at the Higher School of Economics Vladimir Shadrikov, in an interview with KP, noted that two-level education allows the introduction of more flexible courses. For example, at the Faculty of Psychology of the “tower”, there are three highly specialized master’s programs for one bachelor’s program. Another plus is that the “bachelor’s – master’s” system allows current students to think about a career much earlier.
And without compromising learning. International experience confirms this: almost 80 percent of graduates of American universities leave the walls of the alma mater with a bachelor’s degree.
What do employers think?
Many fathers and mothers of current applicants doubt whether it is worth sending their beloved child to a bachelor’s degree. Will a young man with such an education then find a prestigious job? The director of marketing and PR-group of companies HeadHunter thinks differently:
— For an employer, higher education as such is most important. When posting a vacancy, few people indicate: «Masters are required» or «Bachelors are required.» At the same time, applicants often avoid the word “bachelor” in their resumes and interviews, focusing on higher education.
— In these cases, they are guided by the consideration that a bachelor’s degree implies an opportunity to get a master’s degree, which, it may seem to the future boss, has been missed. Therefore, they try to avoid sharp questions from the hr manager.
Companies value the knowledge and experience of the employee they hire. And sometimes the line «magistracy» can play a decisive role in choosing one of the two applicants.
It is also undeniable that for many professional fields (especially in marketing and journalism) two years of practical experience is more important than two years spent in lectures. This situation is unlikely to change in the near future. Although for areas of activity where fundamental knowledge is needed — economics, law, pharmaceuticals, psychology — a master’s degree should become a priority.