International Master in Comparative Social Research at HSE University (original) (raw)
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Regular version of the site
ENG
Instruction in English
Russian government and HSE scholarships and tuition fee waivers available
Programme goal
The aim of our programme is to provide the theoretical and methodological tools required to shed light on differences between nations, cultures and other social groups. During seminars and lectures, our students investigate social problems and issues in today's world from a perspective of interconnectedness between the social action of individuals at different levels of collectivity, for example, at the level of society or culture.
Our programme provides in-depth insights into how individuals approach social reality, using either quantitative methodology for investigating norms and values or qualitative methodology for assessing individuals’ interpretations of their world.
Advantages of the programme
The Master’s programme in Comparative Social Research features a number of advantages, including a wide network of partner institutions where students find thesis supervisors and internship opportunities. Additionally, the programme features two double degree tracks, both of which will be of interest to students considering a Master’s degree in social science:
- School for Advanced Studies in the Social Sciences – Paris, France
- Freie Universität – Berlin, Germany
During your studies
Our 2-year study plan is focused on training students to conduct theory-orientated and methodologically rigorous empirical research. Our curriculum is divided into two main parts, one for each of the two years.
- Year 1 – required and elective coursework
- Year 2 – research internship in Russia or abroad + MA thesis writing
Career opportunities
As holders of an MA in social science, graduates of the programme are well-equipped for international careers as social researchers. Many of our students go on to doctoral programmes at our partner universities (or at HSE). Others begin their careers as research associates at international organizations such as the World Bank, the International Labour Organization, OECD, UNESCO, and UNICEF.
How to apply
Students interested in the programme should prepare a portfolio application, which includes:
- CV
- Motivation letter (max. 1 page)
- Research statement (max. 1 page)
- 2 recommendation letters
- Transcripts of previous educational studies
- English certificate (or interview in English)
For detailed information on submitting an application to the programme, please visit the webpage.

The annual Student Research Paper Competition (SRPC) offers students the chance to showcase their work, such as term papers or theses. It is a valuable opportunity to receive expert feedback and recommendations aimed at improving research, as well as to take the first steps in an academic career. Below we outline the key features and deadlines for submitting entries.
September 02, 2025

Till March 24, 2025 HSE students will have an opportunity to assess the quality of their teachers’ work and curriculum content.
March 04, 2025

On November 9th, HSE’s Master’s Programme “Comparative Social Research” held the Initiation ceremony for the first-year students.
November 11, 2024

HSE ‘Study Tour Experience’ is a unique project for international applicants who want to experience what it's like to be an HSE master’s student. The international training internship by the HSE International Admissions Office has been functioning since 2020 in two formats (offline and online) and in two languages—Russian and English. In the autumn semester of the 2024/25 academic year, the internship will take place November 11–23. The application deadline is October 13.
October 07, 2024