University partners with MGIMO for Politics and International Relations double degree

Monday, 25 June 2018

The University of Reading has signed a contract with Moscow State University of International Relations (MGIMO) for a double degree Bachelor programme in Politics and International Relations. 

As one of Russia’s top universities, MGIMO is the most prestigious and in-demand university for the study of politics and international relations, attracting many of the country’s most gifted students. It consistently features within the QS World Rankings, with the 2018 rankings placing the subject of Politics in the top 100.  

The University of Reading first formed a strategic partnership with MGIMO in 2013, which led to the successful launch of a range of double Master’s degrees. The new programme builds on these successes, and is the next step in strengthening the relationship between the two universities.   

The new double degree programme in Politics and International Relations will span four years, with students spending the first two years at MGIMO and the final two years at Reading. Upon completion, students will be awarded two Bachelor’s degrees. The programme is the first of its kind in Russia to be delivered jointly by partnering Russian and UK universities. The inaugural cohort of students is due to start in September 2018 at MGIMO and will join Reading in 2020. 

Mikhail Troitskiy, Dean of the MGIMO School of Government and International Affairs, said: 

"Collaboration between MGIMO and Reading University is a win-win for both schools and – most importantly – for our students. MGIMO is looking to become more international and to enlarge the scope of educational and career trajectories available to its students.

"In their turn, the students in our double degree programme will not only receive top-quality instruction from two leading universities in Russia and the UK, but also get privileged access to the job market in both countries. They will also be in the very good position to pursue graduate studies at any university across the world."

Vincenzo Raimo, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Global Engagement, said: 

“The University of Reading is committed to growing its network of international partners creating opportunities for research collaboration and for staff and student mobility. MIGIMO and Reading have been collaborating for a few years and the launch of the double BA programme is a natural development.

"I very much look forward to visiting MIGIMO in the autumn and to seeing the relationship between our two institutions flourish.”