Scheme of levels of general and vocational education. Levels of education in Russia

September 1, 2013 in Russia came into force new law“On Education” (Federal Law “On Education in the Russian Federation” adopted State Duma December 21, 2012, approved by the Federation Council on December 26, 2012). According to this law, new levels of education are established in Russia. The level of education is understood as a complete cycle of education, characterized by a certain unified set of requirements.

Since September 1, 2013, the following levels of general education have been established in the Russian Federation:

1. preschool education;
2. primary general education;
3. basic general education;
4. secondary general education.

Vocational education is divided into the following levels:

1. secondary vocational education;
2. higher education - bachelor's degree;
3. higher education - specialty, magistracy;
4. higher education - training of highly qualified personnel.

Let us dwell in more detail on the characteristics of each of the levels.

Levels of general education

Preschool education is aimed at the formation of a common culture, the development of physical, intellectual, moral, aesthetic and personal qualities, formation of prerequisites learning activities, preservation and strengthening of children's health preschool age. Educational programs preschool education are aimed at the versatile development of preschool children, taking into account their age and individual characteristics, including the achievement by children of preschool age of the level of development necessary and sufficient for their successful mastering of educational programs of primary general education, based on individual approach to preschool children and activities specific to preschool children. The development of educational programs of preschool education is not accompanied by intermediate certification and final certification of students.

Primary general education is aimed at shaping the personality of the student, developing his individual abilities, positive motivation and skills in educational activities (mastery of reading, writing, counting, basic skills of educational activities, elements theoretical thinking, the simplest self-control skills, a culture of behavior and speech, the basics of personal hygiene and a healthy lifestyle). Getting preschool education in educational organizations can begin when children reach the age of two months. Obtaining primary general education in educational institutions begins when children reach the age of six years and six months in the absence of contraindications for health reasons, but no later than when they reach the age of eight years.

Basic general education is aimed at the formation and formation of the personality of the student (the formation of moral convictions, aesthetic taste and a healthy lifestyle, a high culture of interpersonal and interethnic communication, mastering the basics of science, the Russian language, skills of mental and physical labor, the development of inclinations, interests, the ability to social self-determination).

Secondary general education is aimed at the further formation and formation of the personality of the student, the development of interest in knowledge and creativity the student, the formation of skills for independent learning activities based on the individualization and professional orientation of the content of secondary general education, preparing the student for life in society, independent life choice, continuing education and starting professional activity.

Primary general education, basic general education, secondary general education are mandatory levels education. Children who have not coped with the programs of one of these levels are not allowed to study at the next levels of general education.

Levels vocational education

Secondary vocational education is aimed at solving the problems of intellectual, cultural and professional development of a person and has the goal of training qualified workers or employees and mid-level specialists in all main areas of socially useful activity in accordance with the needs of society and the state, as well as meeting the needs of the individual in deepening and expanding education. Persons with an education not lower than basic general or secondary general education are allowed to receive secondary vocational education. If a student under the program of secondary vocational education has only a basic general education, then simultaneously with the profession, he masters the program of secondary general education in the process of learning.

Secondary vocational education can be obtained in technical schools and colleges. The model regulation "On an educational institution of secondary vocational education (secondary specialized educational institution)" gives the following definitions: a) technical school - secondary specialized educational institution which implements the main professional educational programs of secondary vocational education of basic training; b) college - a secondary specialized educational institution that implements the main professional educational programs of secondary vocational education of basic training and programs of secondary vocational education of advanced training.

Higher education aims to ensure the training of highly qualified personnel in all major areas of socially useful activities in accordance with the needs of society and the state, meeting the needs of the individual in intellectual, cultural and moral development, deepening and expanding education, scientific and pedagogical qualifications. Persons with a secondary general education are allowed to study undergraduate or specialist programs. Persons with higher education of any level are allowed to master the master's programs.

Persons with an education of at least higher education(specialist or master's degree). Persons with a higher medical education or a higher pharmaceutical education are allowed to master the residency programs. Persons with higher education in the field of arts are allowed to master the programs of assistantship-internship.

Admission to study in educational programs of higher education is carried out separately for bachelor's programs, specialist's programs, master's programs, training programs for scientific and pedagogical personnel of the highest qualification is carried out on a competitive basis.

Admission to study under master's programs, programs for training highly qualified personnel is carried out according to the results of entrance examinations conducted by the educational organization independently.

Undergraduate- This is the level of basic higher education, which lasts 4 years and has a practice-oriented character. Upon completion of this program, the graduate of the university is issued a diploma of higher professional education with a bachelor's degree. Accordingly, a bachelor is a university graduate who has received fundamental training without any narrow specialization, he has the right to occupy all those positions for which their qualification requirements provide for higher education. Examinations are provided as qualification tests for obtaining a bachelor's degree.

Master's degree- this is a higher level of higher education, which is acquired in 2 additional years after graduation from the bachelor's degree and involves a deeper development of the theoretical aspects of the direction of training, orients the student to the scientific and research activities on this direction. Upon completion of this program, the graduate is awarded a diploma of higher professional education with a master's degree. The main task of the master's program is to prepare professionals for successful career in international and Russian companies, as well as analytical, consulting and research activities. To obtain a master's degree in the chosen specialty, it is not necessary to have a bachelor's degree in the same specialty. In this case, obtaining a master's degree is considered as a second higher education. As qualification tests for obtaining a master's degree, examinations and graduation defense are provided. qualifying work- master's thesis.

Along with new levels of higher education, there is traditional look — specialty, the program of which provides for a 5-year study at a university, after which the graduate is issued a diploma of higher professional education and is awarded the degree of a graduate. The list of specialties for which specialists are trained was approved by Decree of the President of the Russian Federation No. 1136 dated December 30, 2009.

is a set of training programs and state standards that are in constant interaction with each other. The levels of education that implement them consist of institutions that do not depend on each other. An institution of each level has its own forms of organization and bodies of legal subordination that control it.

Education in Russia

At all times in our country, education has been given Special attention. However, with the change of centuries and political regimes, it has also undergone significant changes. Yes, in Soviet time the education system worked under a single standard. The requirements for educational institutions, the plans according to which the training was carried out, and the methods used by teachers were uniform and strictly regulated at the state level. However, the reassessment of values, today, has led to the fact that democratization, humanization and individualization are taking place in the education system. All these terms, inapplicable in the past, have become commonplace for modern participants in the educational process. There is variability in educational programs, which allows each institution, regardless of its level, to develop its own training plan, provided that it is approved by the supervisory authority.

However, despite all the innovations, the modern Russian education system remains federal and centralized. The levels of education and its types are fixed by law and are not subject to change.

Types and levels of Russian education

Today, in the Russian Federation there are such types of education as general education and vocational education. The first type includes preschool and school education, the second - all the rest.

As for the level of education, this is an indicator of the development of educational programs at various levels, both by an individual and by the population. Educational programs, in turn, are stages of education. This indicator characterizes the real and potential capabilities of society, the state as a whole, and the individual in particular.

Levels of education:

• general education;
• professional;
• higher.

General education

According to the Constitution of the Russian Federation, every citizen has the right to receive every level of general education free of charge in all public institutions. The levels of general education are:

• preschool;
• school.

School education, in turn, is divided into:

• initial;
• main;
• the average.

Each of the steps prepares for the development of the educational program of the next level.

The very first step in our country is preschool education. It prepares future students for learning school curriculum, and also provides an initial knowledge of hygiene, ethics and healthy way life. At the same time, according to research, children who did not attend preschool, at the next stage - school, they experience difficulties both in social adaptation and in the development of educational material.

All subsequent levels of education, as well as the preschool stage, pursue a single goal - to prepare for the development of the next stage of education.

At the same time, the primary task of basic education is to master the basics of various sciences and state language, as well as the formation of propensities for certain types activities. At this stage of education, it is necessary to learn to independently cognize the world around.

Professional education

The levels of vocational education are as follows:

• initial
• the average;
• higher.

The first stage is mastered in institutions where you can get various working professions. These include vocational institutions. Today they are called vocational lyceums. You can get there, both after the 9th grade, and after graduating from the 11th.

The next step is technical schools and colleges. In institutions of the first type, you can master the basic level future profession, while the second type involves a more in-depth study. You can also enter there, both after the 9th grade and after the 11th. However, there are institutions that stipulate admission only after one specific stage. If you already have an initial vocational education, you will be offered an accelerated program.

And finally, higher education trains highly qualified specialists in various fields. This level of education has its sublevels.

Higher education. Levels

So, the levels of higher education are:

• undergraduate;
• specialty
• magistracy.

It is noteworthy that each of these levels has its own terms of study. It should be taken into account that the bachelor's degree is the initial level, which is mandatory for obtaining the rest.

Specialists with the highest qualifications in various professions are trained in such educational institutions like universities, institutes, academies.

This level of education is also characterized by the fact that it has different forms learning. You can study:

• in person, attending all classes and taking sessions;
• in absentia, independently studying the course material and taking sessions;
• part-time, when training can be conducted on weekends or in the evening (suitable for employed students, as it allows you to study on the job);
• as an external student, here you can finish your studies when you see fit (it assumes the issuance of a state diploma, however, it will be marked that you graduated from an educational institution as an external student).

Conclusion

Types of education and its levels look like this. It is their totality that makes up the education system of the Russian Federation. All of them are regulated by law. normative documents different nature and content.

It should be borne in mind that the purpose of the educational system is not only that it allows you to master various professions. In the process of learning, a personality is formed, which improves with each overcome educational level.

1. The education system includes:

1) federal state educational standards and federal state requirements, educational standards, educational programs of various types, levels and (or) directions;

2) organizations engaged in educational activities, teachers, students and parents (legal representatives) of underage students;

3) federal government bodies and bodies state power subjects of the Russian Federation, carrying out public administration in the field of education, and bodies local government those exercising management in the field of education, the consultative, advisory and other bodies created by them;

4) organizations providing educational activities, assessment of the quality of education;

5) associations legal entities, employers and their associations, public associations operating in the field of education.

2. Education is divided into general education, vocational education, additional education and vocational training, which ensure the possibility of exercising the right to education throughout life (lifelong education).

3. General education and vocational education are implemented according to the levels of education.

4. The following levels of general education are established in the Russian Federation:

1) preschool education;

4) secondary general education.

5. The following levels of vocational education are established in the Russian Federation:

3) higher education - specialty, magistracy;

4) higher education - training of highly qualified personnel.

6. Additional education includes such subspecies as additional education for children and adults and additional vocational education.

7. The education system creates conditions for continuous education through the implementation of basic educational programs and various additional educational programs, providing the opportunity for the simultaneous development of several educational programs, as well as taking into account existing education, qualifications, and practical experience in obtaining education.

Commentary on Art. 10 of the Law "On Education in the Russian Federation"

The commented provisions are not new for the domestic educational legislation, since the norms on the structure of the education system contained the system-forming acts of educational legislation: and the law on higher education (Article 4). Meanwhile, in the article under consideration, the relevant provisions of these normative acts are somewhat revised and synthesized into normative material, taking into account the multi-level nature of education.

1. The commented law proposes a new approach to the definition of the education system, taking into account changes in the system educational relations generally. It lies in the fact that:

Firstly, the education system includes all types of existing sets of mandatory requirements for education: federal state educational standards, federal state requirements, as well as educational standards and educational programs of various types, levels and (or) directions.

In order to ensure the quality of education, the legislator provides for: federal state educational standards for basic general education and professional programs, including for preschool education, which was not previously provided. However, this does not mean the need for certification for students at this level. The law introduces a ban on both intermediate and final certification of students in preschool educational organizations;

federal state requirements - for additional pre-professional programs;

educational standards - for educational programs of higher education in cases provided for by the commented law or a decree of the President of the Russian Federation. The definition of the educational standard is given in paragraph 7) of Art. 2 of Law N 273-FZ, however, we find a more accurate interpretation of it in Art. 11 of the Law (see).

Educational programs are also included in the education system, since they represent a set of basic characteristics of education and organizational and pedagogical conditions. Their allocation is due to the fact that if either federal state educational standards, or federal state requirements, or educational standards are developed, the educational program is drawn up on their basis. In the event that these are not available (for additional general developmental and with certain features, for additional professional programs * (14); programs vocational training developed on the basis of established qualification requirements (professional standards), educational programs are the only set of requirements for obtaining this kind of education.

Secondly, the education system includes, along with organizations engaged in educational activities, also teachers, students and their parents (legal representatives) (up to the age of majority of the student), which makes them full participants in the educational process. Of course, such a position should be supported by specific rights and guarantees for such subjects. To this end, the legislator introduces Chapter 4, dedicated to students and their parents, and dedicated to pedagogical, managerial and other employees of organizations engaged in educational activities (and).

Thirdly, the education system includes, along with the bodies exercising management in the field of education at all levels of government, advisory, advisory and other bodies created by them. The sign of jurisdiction is not singled out; instead, the sign of the creation of a body by the body exercising management in the field of education is introduced. Such a replacement does not bear fundamental differences. However, the previous wording "institutions and organizations" might not allow attributing, for example, public councils to the education system.

Fourth, the education system includes organizations that provide educational activities and assess the quality of education. The above is explained by the need to understand the education system as a single inseparable process of the movement of knowledge from the teacher (educational organization) to the student. This process also includes settlement centers for information processing, and attestation commissions, etc. This circle does not include individuals(experts, public observers, etc.).

Fifth, in the education system, in addition to associations of legal entities, public associations includes associations of employers and their associations operating in the field of education. This position is due to the activating direction of the integration of education, science and production; understanding of education as a process culminating in employment and orientation in this regard to the demands of the world of work. Employers take part in the work of educational and methodological associations (), are involved in the state final certification for basic professional educational programs, in the qualification exam (the result of vocational training) (,); employers, their associations have the right to conduct professional and public accreditation of professional educational programs implemented by an organization engaged in educational activities, and draw up ratings on this basis ().

Paragraph 3 of the commented article 10 of the Law on Education in the Russian Federation introduces a system of types of education, subdividing it into general education, vocational education, additional education and vocational training.

Vocational training, despite the seemingly absent "effect" of educational activities - increasing the educational qualification of the student, also implies the need to master the educational program of secondary general education, if it is not mastered.

This system should make it possible to realize the educational needs of a person throughout life, that is, not only the opportunity to get an education at any age, but also to get another profession (specialty). To this end, a variety of educational programs are being introduced.

The system of education levels is being changed, according to which the structure of general education in accordance with the Law includes:

1) preschool education;

2) primary general education;

3) basic general education;

4) secondary general education;

In the structure of vocational education:

1) secondary vocational education;

2) higher education - bachelor's degree;

3) higher education - training of a specialist, magistracy;

4) higher education - training of scientific and pedagogical personnel.

The main innovation is that: 1) pre-school education is included as the first level of general education; 2) initial vocational education is not singled out as a level; 3) higher professional education absorbs the training of scientific and pedagogical personnel (previously carried out within the framework of postgraduate professional education).

The change in levels of education is caused by the prescriptions of the Bologna Declaration, the International Standard Classification of Education.

The question arises: what are the consequences of changing the system of educational levels?

Modernization of the system of levels of education affects the system of educational programs and types of educational organizations.

Changes in educational programs repeat the corresponding changes in the levels of education.

At first glance, the introduction of preschool education into the system of educational levels looks frightening. As a rule, this implies the existence of federal state educational standards with confirmation of the results of the development of a preschool educational program in the form of a final certification. However, in this situation, the Law provides for a "large" exception to the rule, which is justified, given the level of psycho-physical development of children in such early age. The development of educational programs of preschool education is not accompanied by intermediate certification and final certification of students. That is, confirmation of the fulfillment of the requirements of federal state educational standards should not be expressed in the form of testing the knowledge, skills, abilities of pupils, but in the form of reporting by employees of a preschool educational organization on the work done, aimed at implementing the requirements of the standard. Pre-school education is now the first level of education, but the legislator does not make it compulsory.

Law N 279-FZ now provides for primary general education, basic general education and secondary general education as separate levels of education. In the former Law N 3266-1, they were the stages of education.

Since the level of initial vocational education "drops out", it is replaced by two programs introduced into secondary vocational education, which are a successful combination of instilling skills in the field of initial vocational education with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform jobs that require the level of secondary vocational education. As a result, the main programs of secondary vocational education are divided into programs for the training of skilled workers and programs for the training of mid-level specialists.

The change in the higher education system leads to its division into several sublevels:

1) undergraduate;

2) specialist training, magistracy;

3) training of scientific and pedagogical personnel.

The term "professional" itself is no longer applied to higher education, although the latter is still included in the system of vocational education.

The bachelor's, master's and specialist's degrees, which have already become familiar to us, retain their legal significance, now side by side with the training of scientific and pedagogical personnel. A specialty, as an educational program, is provided where the standard period for mastering an educational program in a particular area of ​​training cannot be reduced.

It should be noted that in the system of levels of education, the allocation of sublevels is dictated by different tasks. If we talk about high school, then here is getting primary education is regarded as incomplete education and parents are obliged to ensure that their children receive primary, basic general and secondary general education. These levels are compulsory levels of education. Students who have not mastered the basic educational program of primary general and (or) basic general education are not allowed to study at the next levels of general education. The requirement of obligatory secondary general education in relation to a particular student remains in force until he reaches the age of eighteen years, if the corresponding education was not received by the student earlier.

The allocation of sublevels in higher education is dictated by the need to indicate the independence of each of them and self-sufficiency. Each of them is evidence of higher education without "subjunctive moods". Arbitrage practice on this occasion, based on the law on education of 1992, in contrast, it approaches the assessment of the bachelor's degree as the first level of higher education, insufficient for occupying positions requiring high vocational training such as judges. This approach has been implemented throughout the system of courts of general jurisdiction, including Supreme Court RF*(15).

Hence, the concept of incomplete higher education can only refer to the fact of an incomplete normative term for mastering one or another educational program of a certain level of education. Therefore, when the educational program in a specific area of ​​training is not fully mastered, it is impossible to talk about passing a specific level of education with the issuance of a document on education, which is also confirmed by judicial practice * (16).

It should be noted that in the regional legislation there are examples of ranking depending on the "level" of education (specialist, master), for example, wage rates. This practice is recognized as inconsistent with the law, since in this case the provisions of Part 3 of Art. 37 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation, art. and 132 of the Labor Code of the Russian Federation, which prohibit discrimination in the sphere of labor, including discrimination in the establishment and change of wage conditions.

Following the logic that each of the "types" of the level of higher education, whether it be a bachelor's degree, a specialist's degree or a master's degree, confirms the completed education cycle, characterized by a certain single set of requirements (Article 2 of the Law, "Basic Concepts"), then no restrictions can be set for one species over another.

However, this statement requires clarification: certain restrictions are already provided for by the Law itself. What regulations do this follow from? We find the answer in Art. 69 "Higher education", which says that persons with a secondary general education are allowed to master undergraduate or specialist programs (types are equated).

Persons with higher education of any level are allowed to master the master's programs. This emphasizes the higher position of the magistracy in the hierarchy of higher education.

However, further we see that the training of scientific and pedagogical personnel in graduate school (adjuncture), residency, assistantship-internship is possible by persons who have an education not lower than higher education (specialist or master's degree). That is, in this case, we see that the specialist "at the finish line" corresponds in terms of the level of his training to the master's program. But the training of scientific and pedagogical personnel is already the next level of higher education.

Thus, the education system according to the law on education is single system, starting with preschool education and ending with the training of scientific and pedagogical personnel, as a necessary level of education for classes certain types activities or individual positions (for example, residency).

The change in the levels of education led to a change in the types of educational organizations: the expansion of opportunities to create various kinds organizations providing training. In addition to the educational ones themselves, organizations that have educational units in their structure are actively involved in the education system, according to the Law.

Additional education is a type of education and includes such subspecies as additional education for children and adults and additional vocational education. Each of them involves the implementation of individual educational programs.

Additional educational programs include:

1) additional general education programs - additional general developmental programs, additional pre-professional programs;

2) additional professional programs - advanced training programs, professional retraining programs.

Identification of various types of educational programs, including within the framework of additional education, allows you to ensure the continuity of education throughout life. The proposed system of educational programs provides the possibility of simultaneously mastering several educational programs, taking into account existing education, qualifications, practical experience in obtaining education, training in an abbreviated training program.

The education system in the Russian Federation

According to the Federal Law of December 29, 2012 No. 273-FZ "On Education in the Russian Federation", the education system includes 2 main types - general and professional education, which in turn are divided into the following levels:

General educationconsists of four levels:

preschool education is provided by licensed institutions for children up to the age of 6 - 7, that is, before they officially go to school.

Primary general education for children aged 7 to 10 includes grades 1-4.

Basic general (incomplete secondary) education for children aged 11 to 15 takes 5 years and includes grades 5-9.

Average total (complete secondary) education students receive in high school high school within 2 years of study - grades 10-11 - and complete it at the age of 17-18 years.

The program of secondary general education is compulsory and is considered mastered after completion of education in 11 grades and passing by each student of the state final certification. Certification is carried out in the form unified state exam(USE) in Russian language and mathematics ( compulsory exams), as well as additional subjects from the list established by law (from 1 or more) at the choice of the graduate. The results of passing are accepted as entrance tests for admission to the university. Graduates who successfully pass the exam receive certificate of secondary general education , and to obtain a certificate it is enough passing the exam in Russian language and mathematics. This gives the holder the right to continue education at the level of secondary vocational education. Access to higher education is provided through USE results with elective exams - the number and subjects are determined by the applicant, depending on the requirements of the university in the chosen direction.

Professional education includes 5 levels:

Secondary vocational education can be obtained through two types of programs:

Training programs for qualified workers and employees;

Training programs for mid-level specialists.

Graduates of secondary vocational educational organizations after graduation receive a diploma of secondary vocational education.

After completing the educational program of the first type, graduates are granted access to the labor market, as well as the right to continue their studies in the programs of the second type and higher education (subject to obtaining secondary general education).

Educational organizations implementing programs of the second type can be both independent educational organizations, and structural divisions university. As a rule, in this case, the programs are well coordinated with the programs of universities in the relevant areas.

Currently in Russia there is multistage system higher education , as a subspecies of vocational education, consisting of the following levels:

Higher education - bachelor's degree (240 credits). The bachelor's degree is awarded after completing a 4-year study program. Bachelor's programs are developed in various areas. The bachelor's degree provides applied education, since the holder receives a sufficient amount of professional knowledge, skills and abilities for employment in positions requiring higher education (without specifying the level). However, a bachelor's degree is a condition for admission to master's programs. State final certification includes defense thesis and surrender of state final exams. After successfully passing the certification, a bachelor's degree is issued.

Higher education - specialty (300-360 credits). The qualification of a specialist in Russia is a legacy of the former single-stage system of higher education and is essentially equivalent to a master's degree. Owners get the opportunity for professional activities that require more high level higher education than undergraduate. And they are also given access to master's programs in areas other than those already received in the specialty, and to training programs for highly qualified personnel (postgraduate education). The term of study for obtaining the qualification of a specialist is at least 5 years. The state final certification for obtaining the qualification of a specialist includes the defense of a project or thesis and the passing of state final exams. Obtaining the qualification of a specialist is confirmed by a diploma of a specialist. The level of higher education - specialty is equivalent to the level of higher education - magistracy.

Higher education - magistracy (120 credits) is a two-year course focused on for the most part for research activities (up to 50% of the student's workload) in comparison with the programs of the specialist. But, first of all, the magistracy is an in-depth training in analytical and professional-practical activities in a specific area, including the development of elements of scientific and pedagogical work. State educational standard defines only General requirements for master's degree programs without setting requirements for the content of education. Universities have the right to independently make decisions on the content of master's programs depending on the specialty, and also independently establish the admission procedure for applicants (conducting exams, interviews, etc.). Access to master's programs is available to holders of a bachelor's degree, as well as specialist qualifications. Holders of higher education degrees who wish to enter a master's program in another specialty must pass additional examinations that reflect the requirements for passing the chosen master's program. The state final certification for obtaining a master's degree includes the defense of a master's thesis and the passing of state final exams, the results of which are issued a master's degree.

Higher education - training of highly qualified personnel (postgraduate education) is carried out based on the results of mastering the programs for training scientific and pedagogical personnel in graduate school (adjuncture), residency programs, assistantship-internships. The duration of training is determined by the relevant program and is 3-4 years. The training ends with the passing of candidate examinations and preparation PhD thesis. The holders receive an appropriate diploma. Acquisition of this level of education does not automatically lead to degree Candidate of Sciences, but only increases the level of knowledge, skills and abilities of the owner and provides an opportunity for a deeper and more qualified approach to the creation of a scientific qualification work (dissertation) for the degree of Candidate of Sciences. Also, the development of this level of higher education provides an opportunity labor activity in positions for which Russian legislation defines mandatory requirements (teacher high school, Researcher and etc.).

Degrees

The awarding of academic degrees is regulated federal law dated August 23, 1996 No. 127-FZ “On Science and State Scientific and Technical Policy” and other by-laws regulations. Academic degrees are not included in the education system, because are the result official recognition the state and society of the owner's achievements in scientific and research fields of activity. At the same time, the condition for obtaining a scientific degree is the presence of a previous higher education, so they act as a logical continuation of increasing the level of education of the holder and are closely related to the educational system of Russia.

Traditionally, there are two levels of academic degrees in Russia: PhD and PhD . A scientific degree is awarded to persons who have defended a scientific qualification work (dissertation). Based on the results of a successful dissertation defense, a diploma is issued conferring the degree of candidate of science or doctor of science.

For a degree PhD usually requires 3-4 years of postgraduate study (adjuncture, etc.) after obtaining a specialist or master's degree, preparing a dissertation, and then defending it and awarding a degree. However, obtaining a PhD degree is possible without postgraduate studies. To do this, the holder of a higher education (specialist or master's degree) can be transferred to the appropriate scientific positions and must prepare a dissertation within no more than 3 years. After defending his dissertation, he is awarded the degree of Candidate of Sciences.

Academic degree PhD is awarded after receiving the degree of Candidate of Sciences and can be obtained in two ways, as well as the degree of Candidate of Sciences - by continuing doctoral studies for up to 3 years and preparing a doctoral dissertation, and then defending it and conferring a scientific degree, or without completing training, provided employment in relevant scientific positions for the preparation of a doctoral dissertation for no more than 2 years, its subsequent defense and the award of a doctoral degree.