English has now become a universal language for many, or perhaps the language of academic discourse. In our pursuit of internationalization, at ITMO University we have over 20 international Master’s programs in the English language in many different fields. An attractive option for many interested in academic mobility are our double-degree programs. Double degrees at ITMO grant you the ability to study a master’s degree fully taught in English at two prestigious universities and receive two Master’s degrees, one from each university.
Amirali Abdolzadehgan from Iran enrolled in the Robotics Master’s program and participated in the double-degree program with Lappeenranta University of Technology (LUT) in Finland. He spent the first year of his studies at ITMO and the second year at LUT, where he’s currently finishing up his degree,
“This double degree was a turning point in my life,” explains Amirali, “the curriculum effectively combines theory and practical experience from both ITMO and LUT. The well-known lecturers and instructors from both universities are always ready to provide support. Getting two degrees expanded my skills and allowed me to learn as much as possible from both ITMO and LUT. At the end of this two-year study, I feel that I did 100% of what I expected from myself at the beginning. I decided to enroll in this program due to the diverse and wide range of courses that were available for me. Studying in two top-ranked universities increases my skills and expectations in a way that I can act as an expert in academic fields and in the labour market."
This opportunity is available with universities in Finland, Estonia, France, Germany, and the USA. We have 6 such Master’s programs in 8 majors where you can receive two degrees from two leading universities. So let’s give you a run through:
- Biomechatronics with Lappeenranta University of Technology (Finland) - MS in Robotics
- Mechatronics Systems and Technologies with Tallinn University of Technology (Estonia) - MS in Robotics
- Advanced Materials and Technologies of Photonics with University of Eastern Finland (Finland)
- Molecular Nano- and Biophotonics with École normale supérieure Paris-Saclay (France) - MS in Bioengineering and Biotechnical Systems
- Organic Material for Photonics with New Mexico Highlands University (USA) - MS in Bioengineering and Biotechnical Systems
- Business Information Systems with University of Rostock (Germany)
- Information Security with Aalto University (Finland)
- Industrial Ecology and Cleaner Production with Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences (Germany)
This type of studies is also very attractive to students thanks to the cultural aspect of it, being able to acquire two degrees in two different countries in two years is an extraordinary opportunity. You’re not only learning but also experiencing new cultures and meeting people from different countries, which is something that can become as valuable as the education itself in the long run.
Elena Lobova is studying at Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences as part of a double-degree program.
“I learned about this opportunity to receive a double-degree only when applying for exchange during my Master’s and decided that I could not miss this chance! The double Master's program involves 4 semesters of study: 2 semesters at ITMO University in St. Petersburg and 2 semesters at Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences. In Germany, I study in a small group of two people, so my learning process is almost individual. There, we are listed as ordinary students, so we fully obey all the rules by which the Europeans study. The double-degree program gives me the opportunity to communicate with people from different cultures. Apart from that, this program helps me improve my English and start learning German. Also, studying in another country gives me the flexibility that is required to successfully adapt to the specifics of two educational systems at the same time. It seems to me that this quality is one of the most valuable for my future career. And of course, getting two diplomas in two related majors is, perhaps, the biggest advantage for me.”
Daria Cherepovich is from Leningrad Region in Russia. She studied environmental engineering at ITMO for her Bachelor’s degree, and decided to enroll in the Industrial Ecology and Cleaner Production Master’s program because of her interest in the field of life cycle assessment and particularly carbon footprint.
“Initially, I did not think about a double diploma,” she explains, “but decided to take this opportunity! This semester I am studying at Zittau/Goerlitz University of Applied Sciences in Germany, in the small town of Zittau, which is located at the intersection of three borders: Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic. A double diploma is an opportunity to work at international companies in Russia and abroad. Studying at two universities is a chance to get the best from both, to understand how knowledge is applied in different realities, to understand how students from other countries live and study. I hope next year to successfully defend my diploma and graduate from two universities.”
Kseniia Oreshkina had heard a lot about the Advanced Materials and Technologies of Photonics double-degree program with the University of Eastern Finland while still a Bachelor’s student:
“I decided to enroll in this program since I wanted to have as much experience in various fields of optics and photonics as I could. My department specializes in optical materials, while the specialization of the University of Eastern Finland is technologies of photonics. Also, I knew that studying in a foreign language, living abroad, and working with highly qualified specialists and modern equipment would be a great motivation for me to learn a lot. The last but not the least point is getting two master’s degrees at the same time. That’s why I applied for this double-degree program.”
After already completing two years of studies, one year at each university, she says: “I can tell that I am really happy to have had this possibility to study at two universities. This gave me not only new experience, but also allowed me to expand my knowledge of photonics and optical materials science. I learned how to work in international research groups and how to organize research projects with international researchers. I assume that the most interesting experience is studying in a foreign language in an educational system radically different to the Russian one. This allowed me to test myself and to understand that I can work in other conditions. Moreover, I met new friends and new colleagues from various countries. I believe that such new contacts are useful for your future career as well as for everyday life. At the end of this program, I will have two Master’s degrees. I am pretty sure that it helps you if you are planning to continue your PhD studies abroad.”
If you’re interested in joining one of these programs, applications must be submitted by July 15, 2020. For more information about the admissions process, click here. Check out the special opportunities for applicants too.
