‘There Are No Borders at HSE University’

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The Bachelor’s in Information Science and Computation Technology (ISCT) at HSE MIEM trains experts in the study and design of advanced computing devices, systems, and networks. Graduates of the programme are sought-after specialists in the fields of software development, computer production and sales, computing department management and more. The programme attracts students from across Russia and further afield. The HSE News Service spoke to Artyom Katsnelson and Karen Kochinyan, two international students of the programme, about their studies, the pros and cons of online learning, and their advice for prospective students.

Artyom Katsnelson, 20, Belarus. Third-year student of the ISCT programme

Since I really wanted to study in Moscow, I opened a rating of universities and started looking at websites. HSE had the most understandable website, where I could easily find my dream ISCT programme.

The programme contains courses on both programming and hardware, which is very cool and relevant, since I can write a neural network and program it on a board that I made myself

As the winner of a school olympiad, I knew that I would be accepted to HSE with confirmation of my USE results. I was diligently preparing for this, but at the very last moment it turned out that in my year, USE confirmation was not required for foreign winners, and I was admitted simply with an olympiad winner's diploma.

In the first year, studying was very difficult. In the second, it was even more difficult—I thought it would be easier, but doing it alongside work is similarly difficult and hard. The most difficult courses are physics and mathematical analysis. If you survive them, then it's not so scary anymore.

In terms of elective courses, there are three tracks specialising in CAD (FPGA), networks, and robots (hardware)

Since I was never interested in FPGAs, my choice was between networks and hardware. I chose hardware because I thought I already knew about it. But the teacher, being a great specialist in this field, quickly dissuaded me from this. We program the boards in an assembler, and assemble various analogue functional nodes. It is very cool! The level of training is very high.

We also have a concept like a minor on almost all programmes at HSE. I chose Intelligent Data Analysis, which is probably one of the most powerful courses about machine learning. It called me to find a good job based on the mathematical background obtained during my first years at HSE.

There is a community of international students at HSE University of course. There are no borders for people from different cities, countries, or nationalities. We respect and love everyone who knows how to respect others

Online learning is great because you don't have to go anywhere. Students can study the course independently without losing knowledge, for example, by viewing lecture recordings. However, we lose the most important thing: personal communication. Without it, HSE would not be HSE. I would never have enrolled at HSE purely online for a bachelor's degree, since it is during your bachelor's degree that connections are built, startups are born, and friends are found.

I'm already working in the machine learning field, and I think I'm in the right place. I want to grow in my professional field and give people something positive from the things I develop.

As for advice for prospective students, I encourage them to make their own decisions. Don't let yourself be manipulated. Life is created to live in joy and give this joy to others! That is the main conclusion I would like to share.

Karen Kochinyan, 23, Armenia. Fourth-year student of the ISCT programme

Before enrolling, I knew that HSE is a top university in Russia. I learned about it from my brother, who also enrolled in the programme in Information Science and Computation Technology, so I felt motivated and applied. I first participated in the HSE International Olympiad, and then I passed the entrance exams via a special Rossotrudnichestvo programme. The exams were not difficult—they were almost like the Unified State Exam.

The enrolment process was okay, however initially I lived in Dubki dormitory. And for a foreigner who had just arrived in Moscow, it was difficult to get to the MIEM building.

The studies were interesting, and sometimes very difficult. Programming, database studies, and probability theory turned out to be the most interesting for me. The teachers are very good.

I didn't talk much with my classmates, but I’ll definitely miss the students from my dorm, where we spent really great time together.

The graduation ceremony at which we received our degree certificates was heartwarming

Now I live in Moscow and work as analyst in a BI company. The city is convenient and really clean. I have visited a lot of places of interest here.

Online education has its pros and cons. There is lack of personal contact and physical presence in the classroom. This may reduce opportunities for direct interaction with the teacher and your classmates. The advantages are flexibility and accessibility.

Online learning allows students to choose the time and place of their studies. This is especially useful for students who have a busy schedule or cannot physically attend classes

In 10 years, I would like to be a leading specialist in data science. My advice for applicants is not to be afraid of anything or anyone. Try to achieve your goals and don’t limit yourself to your studies at university; always move forward.

Students of the Bachelor’s in Information Science and Computation Technology gain fundamental knowledge and skills in software development, computer software and hardware, network and internet technologies and the development of computer modelling and automatic design systems. Upon completing their studies, graduates can pursue successful careers in software development, computer production and sales, management and more. They can also continue their studies on master’s programmes.

ISCT is a full-time, four year programme taught primarily in Russian (with some courses taught in English). Please see the programme website or more information about the curriculum and admissions process.