HSE and Strelka Institute to Launch Joint Master's Programme

 

The Graduate School of Urbanism at National Research University Higher School of Economics and Strelka Institute for Media, Architecture and Design launch collaborative international Master's programme ‘Advanced Urban Design’.

The program is designed for bachelors, researchers and young professionals. Within two years students will master best practices in the area of urban planning under the guidance of acclaimed tutors from Russia and other countries, investigate conditions of growing cities focusing on unstable socioeconomic contexts. The programme starts in Autumn 2016. Studies will be conducted in English.

Alumni will receive a Masters degree in advanced urban design and obtain state-recognized diploma from National Research University Higher School of Economics. The programme was conceptualized by Anastassia Smirnova (Strelka Institute) who is also a methodologist and program director. ‘Advanced Urban Design’ programme combines strong academic curriculum of the HSE University Russia with project oriented approach of Strelka Institute.

Alexei Novikov, Dean of Graduate School of Urbanism: 'The concept of urban education in the Graduate School of Urbanism aims to create a common language between architects, urban planners, sociologists and urban developers. It is essential that the students learn the interdisciplinary field of urbanism. Strelka’s methods, as well as creativity and open-mindedness of its experts can be perfectly combined with a strong academic curriculum of the Higher School of Economics'.

Varvara Melnikova, CEO of Strelka Institute: 'The current strategy of Strelka Institute is development from the educational institution to the educational system, which has a particular method that is transmitted through the universities partners both in Russia and abroad. ‘Advanced Urban Design’ in the Graduate School of Urbanism will be the first Masters programme with the participation of Strelka Institute, that will be conducted outside Institute. The Graduate School of Urbanism has become the first partner of Strelka’s educational system, because we share same values and the National Research University Higher School of Economics is considered one of the strongest and most advanced universities in Russia'.

Anastassia Smirnova, programme director of Strelka Institute: 'We live in the New Renaissance era, that requires professionals with broad horizons and very diverse knowledge and skills. This unique program fosters professionals with the conceptual type of thinking who can pursue serious research as well as design and create incredible new things. No matter how much the world will change — and it certainly will change — these designers will be in demand everywhere, they will form new professional agenda'.