Programme Overview

The HSE programme in ‘Applied Political Science’ was launched in 1999, as one of the first Master’s degrees of its kind in Russia. The programme produces graduates who are capable of using their knowledge of recent developments in political science, data analysis skills and understanding of ongoing political processes for the purpose of finding solutions to applied research objectives. Since educational technologies are evolving in tandem with the job market, we now offer two new educational tracks:

·      Applied Methods of Political Analysis. This track foresees in-depth study of the most advanced methods for analyzing political science data, first of all, quantitative data. It is primarily focused on training researchers who are capable of competing both in global political science and on the market for high technology products that can be used in political processes. Its courses place a particular emphasis on research methodology, thus guaranteeing that analytical results can be published in high profile journals indexed by Scopus and WoS;

·      Applied Political Technologies: GR, Election Campaigns and Political Consulting. The track is focused on training political strategists. It provides theoretical and, most importantly, practical study of political management, interactions with state authorities (GR), organization of electoral campaigns and political marketing. In addition, this track is particularly focused on ‘learning by doing’ and, therefore, the emphasis of its courses is placed on teaching students techniques and methods.

Key Programme Features

The programme is generally focused on the study of recent developments in global political science and related best practices (e.g., latest research papers and publications from leading international journals are primarily used). It also offers students the opportunity to take part in international internships and conferences, carry out research at leading research laboratories, and get hands-on experience in political consulting. We differ from other Master’s programmes in political sciences in terms of the contents, process and results of the study process.

Contents:

The Applied Methods of Political Analysis track offers a unique range of contemporary qualitative and quantitative methods of data analysis which can be effectively applied in world-class research projects.

The Applied Political Technologies: GR, Election Campaigns and Political Consulting track is a programme designed for future political strategists. In particular, it is focused on teaching students methods and practical skills, rather than simply acquainting them with ‘famous personalities’.

Process:

Students who selected the Applied Methods of Political Analysis track will be capable of working in the R and Stata packages. This involves research work in each respective discipline. They can also receive assistance when preparing research-based articles for future publication.

Within the framework of the Applied Political Technologies: GR, Election Campaigns and Political Consulting track, students can learn ‘what to do’ and ‘how to do it’. A particular focus is placed on practical assignments. Project seminars, which are organized as a series of master-classes delivered by experts, play a special role in this regard, as they give students hands-on experience of how political products are created.

Results:

The Applied Methods of Political Analysis track is intended for students interested in the following:

- continuing their academic career at leading global universities;

- working in the high-tech sector (e.g. data analysis), as well as participating in the creation of a new generation of political technologies.

The Applied Political Technologies: GR, Election Campaigns and Political Consulting track is specifically useful for students interested in working directly in politics and various related fields. With this in mind, we aim to train specialists who have the necessary skills to assist candidates during election campaigns, assess (and draft) legislation and conduct in-depth analysis of political risks for business purposes.

What Can I Study?

General Courses:

·         Modern Political Science;

·         Methods of Political Research;

·         Russian Political Institutions and Practices

·         Research and Project Seminars.

Applied Methods of Political Analysis:

·         Big Data in Political Research;

·         Computer Simulation in Political Science;

·         Bayesian Data Analysis;

·         Advanced Chapters in Game Theory;

·         Causal Analysis in Political Science.

Applied Political Technologies:

·         Liaisons with Political Authorities: GR-Management;

·         Theory and Practice in Election Engineering;

·         Political Management;

·         Government Decision-Making in Russia.

Where Can I Find Work After Graduation

·                   State Duma of the Russian Federation and the Federation Council;

·                   Federal Agency for Youth Affairs;

·                   Moscow Government;

·                   Center for Strategic Development;

·                   Eurasian Economic Commission;

·                   Center for Political Technologies;

·                   HSE Foresight Centre;

·                   Kesarev-Consulting GR-Agency

and many others

Graduates can also progress to a PhD programme at such leading institutions as Columbia University, New York University, University of California, and the University of Rochester.

What Activities Can I Pursue

Applied Methods of Political Analysis:

·         Developing systems for monitoring recent political developments;

·         Creating mathematical models to analyze political processes;

·         Analyzing political texts with a focus on machine learning methods;

·         Mastering academic writing skills;

·         Analyzing social networks and other Big Data.

Applied Political Technologies:

·         Creation and implementation of strategies for electoral and special interest campaigns;

·         Segmentation of voter base and choice of target audiences, candidate positioning, ‘push and pull’ political marketing, etc.;

·         Speech writing and drafting analytical documents, including: reports, presentations to be delivered at forums, meetings and plenary sessions, as well as comments, recommendations, analytical notes, memorandums, expert review reports for (draft) laws;

·         Organization of electoral campaigns (both in the ‘office’ and in the ‘field’);

·         Regular monitoring, analysis of stakeholders, assessments of legislation and risk management for the purpose of mitigating risks related to the adoption of unfavourable legislation.

‘Applied Political Science’ Programme – Key Advantages

Various subjects in political science are effectively taught through the use of recent publications from leading international journals.

Students learn about advanced quantitative methods and the special aspects related to their application in political science.

Students learn how to effectively prepare and publish research papers (they have an opportunity to actually produce a publication while pursuing the programme).

The programme taps leading specialists with practical experience in regional studies, GR, and government decision-making technologies to teach students.

Students are offered a broad choice of exchange programmes and internships at international universities. For instance, Sciences Po Toulouse, University of Helsinki, and Tartu University are among the programme’s partners.

Students may pursue internships at such expert analysis and research organizations as Kesarev-Consulting GR-Agency, Institute of Socio-Economic and Political Research (ISEPR Foundation), Center for Political Technologies, 3i Technologies IT-Company, the Institute of Scientific Information for Social Sciences of the Russian Academy of Sciences, etc.

The programme is being implemented in tandem with several of HSE’s laboratories, where students can take part in various types of research projects.