The expert assessed the new terms of study at universities

The transition to different periods of study at universities — four, five and six years — changes the approach to training specialists and allows you to more accurately correlate the depth of study with the future responsibilities of graduates. Anastasia Gorelkina, an expert in the field of corporate governance and personnel training, told Izvestia on November 17.

"The four-year programs are focused on mass areas where efficiency, applied skills and quick adaptation are important. The five-year cycle is suitable for professions where extended practice and more serious development of competencies are required. Six—year programs create the basis for high-tech and knowledge-intensive areas where employers expect a deep theoretical base, sustainable professional skills and readiness for complex solutions," the expert explained.

According to her, the new training system provides significant advantages for the quality of training. Programs can be built more precisely based on what skills are required for a particular profession.: short ones are for quick access to the market, and long ones are for building deep expertise. Longer study periods allow for more focus on practices, project work, and interdisciplinary competencies, while short programs ensure a rapid influx of personnel into critical industries.

However, Gorelkina noted the risks. Four-year programs can reduce the amount of fundamental training, which increases the need for on-the-job retraining. A six-year cycle lengthens the path to a profession and increases training costs, and rapid technological changes can make some skills obsolete even before graduation.

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"The new learning system involves updating curricula and teaching methods. Universities are likely to actively implement practice-oriented formats, project assignments and internships, develop cooperation with companies and use digital tools. The flexibility of educational trajectories will increase: the basic block will be combined with variable modules that allow you to increase specialization or strengthen practice," the specialist noted.

An important aspect will also be the adjustment of the admission criteria. Areas with an in-depth cycle of study will require a higher level of training for applicants, while short programs will be aimed at mass recruitment with an emphasis on rapid professional growth.

According to the expert, the success of the new system depends on the coordination of the terms of study, the content of programs and the requirements of professional standards. If this bundle is built, graduates will be able to enter the market more ready for real tasks, and the education system will more accurately reflect the demands of the economy and employers, Gorelkina concluded.

On November 16, the Ministry of Education and Science announced that the terms of study at universities under the new system will be different. Short four-year programs are provided for the tourism and hospitality industries. Future engineers, doctors and teachers will study for five years. A six-year period will be approved for "more complex and knowledge-intensive" areas.

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