The University

The State Marine Technical University is one of the largest higher schools in St. Petersburg. Its history goes back to 1930 when it was founded as the Shipbuilding Institute for training naval architects and marine engineers. In the course of many years the Institute was developing as an establishment where students could get higher education not only in shipbuilding specialities, but also in natural sciences and mathematics, economics, law and sociology. Thus, in 1992, it was reorganized into the University and given its actual name.

At present the University includes eight full time faculties. They are: the Faculty of Shipbuilding and Ocean Technology, the Faculty of Marine Engineering and Automation, the Faculty of Economics, the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Humanities, the Faculty of Technical Secondary Education (College), the Faculty of Contract Education, the Faculty of Special Purpose Contract Education. Besides day faculties there is the Faculty of evening and Distance Education for part-time students who work during the day.

The College was established in 1989 for young boys and girls who want to get further education in shipbuilding technology and marine engineering. If they pass final examinations at the College successfully, they may continue their studies at the University.

Apart from the graduates of the College other applicants must go in for entrance examinations to be admitted to the University. They take examinations in the Russian language and in the main subjects. If they want to have a good command of their subjects, they attend preparatory courses. New students receive student’s cards and student’s record books. Those who arrived from other cities or from the country, live in the hostels.

Students of the first and second years are taught mathematics, physics, chemistry, computer science, descriptive geometry, strength of materials, theoretical mechanics, science of materials and other subjects, which form the basis for science and engineering. They also take courses in philosophy, sociology, economics, modern languages, history of culture and other humanities. Physical training is also compulsory during the first years of study.

University teaching combines lectures, seminars, classes and practical work in scientific laboratories. The academic year is divided into two terms, which are followed by examinations. At the end of each examination period students have holidays.

Most of the students receive grants. The amount depends upon the marks, which they get in their examinations.

The social life at the University is connected with various societies, sporting clubs and even with commercial or business activity of the students. Parties are often given during the term, and most of them take place in the hostel where the students may gather together in the coffee-bar or in the dancing-hall.

The undergraduates, who are interested in research, may join a student scientific society. There they carry out various investigations under the supervision of teachers and professors of special departments.

The University degree course runs for five years and a half. During this period all the students get industrial experience. They defend diploma projects, and receive the Engineer’s degree which qualifies them to work in industry, research, or teaching.