Credential Templates, The Former USSR and the Russian Federation

The courses consist of lectures and seminars. During graduate studies, students study
pedagogy and teaching methods, psychology, economics, information technology, mathematical
simulation, and other subjects.
In addition to course examinations, aspirants must pass qualifying (Candidate)
examinations in the given specialization, in philosophy, and in a foreign language. The
Academic Council of the institution determines the content of these exams. Qualifying
examinations are usually completed within the first year of study.
The thesis is expected to make a significant original contribution to the field of
knowledge. The thesis defence is public before a Dissertation Council. A Dissertation Council is
comprised of holders of the Doctor of Sciences and the Candidate of Sciences degrees.
Dissertation Councils are appointed by the Supreme Certifying Committee (Vysshij
Attestatsionnyj Komitet, VAK) of the Russian Federation.
The Candidate of Sciences is a preferred credential for the position of Associate
Professor (dotzent). It grants its holder a competitive advantage in applying for teaching and
research positions at educational and research institutions and leads to a higher salary.
The Candidate of Sciences awarded to foreign nationals may be translated into English as
a PhD degree.
Summary of Rationale:
The IQAS placement recommendation takes into account the following factors as
outlined above:
• admission requirements
• length of the study
• outcome of the study
• general content
• other placement recommendations
IQAS recommends that:
The Candidate of Sciences compares to the completion of an advanced research-based
graduate degree. The general level of study may be compared to the PhD level. The scope
and quality of research can only be determined by an expert in the field.
Grading:
The grading system in higher education in the Russian Federation is the same as that in
the former USSR. It includes the same grading scale as at the other levels of education.
Additionally, some courses are marked зачет (zachet), which is usually translated as pass or
credit. No more than five set examinations are typically graded each semester. The remaining
courses of the term are marked зачет (zachet), if passed. Students can continue their programs
and graduate only if they pass each subject of the curriculum. Students are only allowed to resit a
failed exam two times.
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