Politics. Economics. Philosophy 

Overview

The mission of the The Politics. Economics. Philosophy Master’s programme at National Research University - Higher School of Economics (HSE)  is to provide an opportunity for a cohort of bright, ambitious and motivated students to master two basic areas – economics and political science – as well as to broaden their philosophical outlook, develop critical thinking and social communication skills, and enhance their social and academic capital.

The PEP programme is designed for graduates of undergraduate programmes of participating faculties at HSE and other leading universities who aspire to strengthen their intellectual capacity and acquire additional skills, or to master new professional and career tracks. 

It is intended to provide new opportunities for the most talented young people motivated to absorb new ideas, tools, and techniques developed in the social sciences. It is open to graduates with a solid background in quantitative methods (mathematics, econometrics, computer modelling, etc.) striving to apply them to the most pressing social and economic problems, as well as to young philosophers and social theorists concerned with gaps and controversies in contemporary social sciences.

Uniqueness and the advantages of the programme

The PEP programme enables student to master tools that address not only standard tasks characteristic of most social science programmes, but also the approaches applied in goal-setting activities, implying analyses of values and harmonizing interests in social and economic classes or groups.

Graduates of the PEP Master’s programme acquire knowledge and skills to govern social processes, i.e., to design and implement strategic political projects beyond or ‘above’ routine management. 

Their potential can be applied in strategic planning, political forecasting and programming, and modelling political and social processes. Their professional capacity is based not only upon specific analytical methods (which is an essential prerequisite), but also on their broad intellectual outlook and comprehensive understanding of social processes. 

This is achieved through philosophical courses, training in critical thinking and social communication, and interdisciplinary cooperation. Due to these qualities they can count on professional and career advancement that allows them to achieve leading positions in political structures and business corporations.

Career Opportunities

What jobs are there for graduates? The most immediate field where graduates can apply their skills is that of political expertise and organization: analytical support for decision-making in governmental agencies, political parties, NGOs and businesses. 

Another option is think tanks and research centres, especially those that are focused on interdisciplinary problems of institutional reform and social policy. 

Extended training of graduates allows them to prepare and initiate strategic decisions and take a leading role in their implementation, thus making them competitive for key positions where joint competences from politics, economics and philosophy are most relevant. 

Accreditation

State Accreditation