Contents

1. Overview

2. Opportunities

3. Why ITMO

4. Educational programs

5. How to apply and build your learning track

Overview

The combined Master’s-and-PhD track is a special educational track introduced in 2023 that allows students to shorten their time of study by selecting a topic for their PhD thesis in their first year of the Master’s studies and taking PhD exams before entering the PhD program. As of now, the track is available within 13 Master’s programs and 11 subject areas. 

Currently, 61 fast-track students at ITMO University are taking classes within their own individual learning tracks, 20 of them already had their PhD exam in English and 23 – in History and Philosophy of Science. Most students are graduates of regional universities (Ural, Siberia, the Far East, the south of Russia, etc.), with only a quarter being Bachelor's graduates of ITMO.

Opportunities

A Master’s and a PhD in four years. As a general rule, Master’s programs last two years, while PhD programs can take from three to four years. Students who select their field of study in advance continue to work in the field of choice first as part of their Master’s and then PhD thesis. Then, they need to take PhD exams in three subjects. All in all, the studies take from five to six years to complete. Not to mention that PhD programs typically offer fewer tuition-free positions, and their entrance exams differ drastically from those for Bachelor’s or Master’s programs. Another challenge along the way is the possible need to change their supervisor and the field of research when starting a PhD program. 

Students of the combined track at ITMO complete their Master’s and PhD in four years altogether. Within this track, they choose their supervisor and thesis topic, as well as start with their research immediately during their first year of the Master's studies and then pre-take their PhD exams in the second year. The track allows students to reduce the timeframe of their studies and defend their PhD thesis earlier. Graduates will then get the chance to take top positions at research centers or laboratories faster.

Early start on PhD thesis. One of the problems PhD students face is the need to change their supervisor and therefore the field of their study because not all lecturers can supervise both Master’s and PhD students. Students of the fast track, however, make their decision with their future in mind: they set their goals and objectives focusing on PhD requirements and publish papers, the credits for which can then be transferred to their PhD program.

Enrolling into a PhD program tuition-free is made easier. To enroll into a PhD program, students won’t need to pass two entrance exams (English and a subject in their field); instead, they can pre-take their PhD exams during their Master’s studies. And a recommendation letter from the head of their educational program will give them additional points when applying for a PhD at ITMO.

“Students of the track can seamlessly proceed to a PhD program without having to take entrance exams. After successfully completing their Master’s program and passing PhD exams, they can submit their application for a PhD program of their choice online and use the credits received for their exams. Also, all of them already have their supervisors, and recommendation letters can earn them some extra points. This way, top academic performance helps students land high in the enrollment ranking,” clarifies Vladislav Belyi, the head of ITMO’s Office of International Postgraduate and Doctoral Studies.

Master’s and PhD programs come with an array of opportunities. Both Master’s and PhD students can enjoy discounts on public transport, as well as discounted or free tickets to cultural events and museums.

The stipend, however, varies depending on the level of study. Master’s students can receive up to 27,000 rubles per month if they take part in scientific, social, sports, or cultural and creative events at ITMO or win a scholarship from the Vladimir Potanin Foundation or the Government of St. Petersburg. 

Whereas PhD students are eligible to receive up to 12,800 rubles per month. The amount depends on the number of "good” and “excellent” grades for their interim exams and the field of study. Additionally, they can receive the scholarship of the President of the Russian Federation (75,000 rubles). 

 

Why ITMO

Own Academic Degree Councils. ITMO University has 15 Academic Degree Councils in 33 specializations. The workflow of legal documents at the university is digitalized, which makes the admission and defense procedures simple and convenient. 

Bilingual diploma. Students will have the degree of кандидат наук and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) stated in their Russian and English diplomas, respectively. ITMO diplomas are globally recognized on par with other PhD diplomas issued in Russia. 

Academics with international experience. One example is ITMO Fellowship – a program that allows international and Russian researchers to teach, pursue science, and launch new educational programs at ITMO University.

70+ partners around the world. Among the university’s partners are educational institutions and research centers in Europe, North and South America, Africa, and Asia that offer double-degree programs. 

 

Educational programs

• Photonics, optical systems and technologies

There are four Master’s programs available within this specialization, one of which is Physics and Technology of Nanostructures. In this program, students explore innovative methods and approaches to the study and creation of nanomaterials, nanostructures, and nanodevices, including with the use of AI and machine learning. Among the program’s partners are Yandex, Sartorius, Lumex, and Helix.

Some other programs include the study of laser and quantum technologies, optical materials science, and machine vision. 

• Chemical engineering

There are several scientific centers that offer training in chemical engineering. For instance, ITMO implements the Infochemistry Master’s program – so far the only program in the field in Russia. During their studies, students learn to predict complex chemical and biological systems, use machine learning and computer modeling, and work with big data. The program’s partners are top-ranked educational institutions in Israel, the US, and Europe. 

On offer are also programs for would-be engineers who will develop green technologies and solve complex tasks via code.

• Physics & engineering sciences and technologies

The top choice within this specialization is Advanced Quantum and Nanophotonic Systems – a Master’s program for future theorists and experimentalists, as well as interdisciplinary specialists who will develop quantum computers, metamaterials, and targeted drug delivery systems. Its partners list includes the Russian Quantum Center, Ioffe Institute, Rosatom, and others. 

Three more programs are offered by the Faculty of Physics and the Higher School of Engineering and Technology.

• Technical system management

The specialization is represented by two educational programs: Artificial Intelligence (by the Institute of Applied Computer Science and Napoleon IT) and Systems Analysis, Control, and Robotics (one of the top-choice programs in the track, by the Faculty of Control Systems and Robotics).

The programs teach students to design robotic devices and implement digital control systems, use AI for business applications, and work with big data.

 

How to apply and build your learning track

Choose your specialization. If you wish to join the track, you need to choose your specialization and educational program beforehand.

Apply for a Master’s program. You can indicate your desire to join the fast track when submitting your application via the admissions website. Enrollment options include entrance exams, as well as different competitions, including the Portfolio Contest and some others. 

 

Pass the selection in the first semester. Most often it’s an interview during which you need to present your idea and research results.

Build your learning track. You will need to consult the head of your educational program and curator on which courses you need to take for your PhD exams. If your curriculum doesn’t include the courses you selected, contact the Office for Support of Educational Programs so they can help you adjust your program to avoid exceeding study load. Once your learning track is all settled, you can see your class schedule in your account on my.itmo.

Select your thesis topic. During a meeting with your supervisor and the head of your educational program, you will need to determine the topic of your PhD thesis, its goals and objectives, as well as an action plan.