PhD Education Track - ‘Measurement and Assessment in Education’

Since its inception in 2018, the ‘Measurement and Assessment in Education’ track has been a distinctive offering within the Postgraduate School of Education in Russia. This programme adheres to high international standards, making it a unique educational opportunity in the country. The curriculum was developed in collaboration with experts from the Lynch School of Education at Boston College, a renowned institution known for its PhD programme in measurement.

The establishment of the ‘Measurement and Assessment in Education’ track was made possible through the support of the World Bank, as part of the READ 2 (Russian Education Aid for Development) programme. In designing the curriculum, we deliberately avoided fragmenting the educational experience into isolated courses. Instead, we offer four interconnected content blocks that provide PhD students with a comprehensive understanding of instrument development, psychometrics, statistical data analysis, and research methodology in education. Instruction is delivered by leading Russian and international experts in the field of social science measurement. Moreover, graduate students are afforded a unique opportunity to engage with and discuss their research alongside some of the world's foremost psychometricians.

This track welcomes both applicants who possess prior experience in developing tests, questionnaires, and other measurement instruments, as well as those who are new to the topic but are eager to enhance their knowledge of measurement, through self-directed study in basic statistics.

Potential dissertation research topics may encompass the development of various measurement instruments, the evaluation of their quality, and other methodological considerations, as well as quantitative data analysis. A list of prioritised research areas for PhD students is available via the provided link (in Russian).

Entry into this track occurs as part of the general admissions process for the Postgraduate School of Education (detailed admission rules can be found here (in Russian)). However, applicants are expected to demonstrate a strong motivation to conduct research specifically within the realm of educational measurement. Basic knowledge of research theory and methodology in the social sciences, along with foundational statistics, is also a prerequisite.

In your application form, please indicate your chosen track and provide a justification, in your motivation letter, for selecting this particular area of study.