08.07.2021

St Petersburg University and Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies have launched a joint double-degree master's programme ‘International Relations in the Post-Soviet Space’.

The academic programme explores various aspects of the development of the vast region called the post-Soviet space after the collapse of the Soviet Union. It is characterised by an interdisciplinary approach to post-Soviet studies, involving a combination of historical, political science, legal, and economic aspects within the study of international relations.

«The master’s programme ‘International Relations in the Post-Soviet Space’ focuses on the domestic and foreign policies not only of the Central Asian states, but also of the South Caucasus, Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, and, of course, Russia» - Niyazi Niyazov, Doctor of History, Professor in the Department of International Relations in Post-Soviet Area at St Petersburg University.

‘Our Uzbek colleagues will find this work very useful – it will give them a better understanding of the political, economic and humanitarian characteristics of these countries. At the same time, the programme will provide our country with serious specialists with in-depth knowledge of Uzbekistan, without which it is impossible to build a competent foreign policy line,’ said Niyazi Niyazov, Doctor of History, Professor in the Department of International Relations in Post-Soviet Area at St Petersburg University.

According to Professor Niyazov, Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies is one of the oldest universities of Uzbekistan. It was founded in 1918. It has always been seriously engaged in the study of the Far and Middle East. In recent years, however, there has been an understanding in Uzbekistan that research on these regions alone is not enough to build an effective foreign policy.

Graduates of the ‘International Relations in the Post-Soviet Space' programme will be able to provide organisational, analytical, information, educational services and expert advisory for public authorities, international intergovernmental and non-governmental organisations and the media that deal with international relations. They will also be capable of conducting research activities on relevant topics.  You can find more detailed information about the academic programme in the interview with Niyazi Niyazov that is published on the website of St Petersburg University.

St Petersburg University under the agreements with partner universities has master’s programmes that offer the possibility of obtaining two diplomas – a Russian and a foreign one. The practice of double degree programmes is widespread throughout the world. This format of education involves studying in parallel at a partner university in similar programmes with minimal divergence in curriculum. As a reminder, earlier Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed a resolution to open a branch of St Petersburg University in Tashkent.

The branch will train specialists in philology, biomedicine, regional studies, and economics.