The Doctoral programme at the Graduate School of Education welcomed its first class in the fall of 2013, marking the start of a new path for education studies in Russia. This unique program trains highly qualified professionals, giving them opportunities to carry out independent research. The course of study consists of a small core and an individual dissertation project.

The core curriculum prepares doctoral students for work in consulting, research, teaching and management. Students also gain a deep understanding of the historical, social and political context surrounding the educational system in Russia, as well as similar systems around the world.

All students must also conduct independent thesis research in line with their existing interests and specialties. Students are paired with a supervisor who guides the research and the writing process. Publications in peer-reviewed academic journals are encouraged and supported.

While studying at the doctoral level, students are given extensive opportunities to engage in both domestic and international academic networking, as well as to take research internships with IOE’s world-distinguished academic partners, such as Stanford University, the University of Oslo, University College London, the Singapore National Institute of Education, etc.

Since 2018, the Doctoral Centre has offered an innovative, world-class PhD track in Educational Measurement & Testing. Developed in association with Boston College Lynch School of Education and backed by the World Bank, this offering is the only one of its kind in Russia and in much of Europe.