Omsk state pedagogical university and students' life

OSPU is one of the oldest and largest institutions of higher education in Siberia. It was founded in 1932 and was formerly known as Omsk Teachers’ Training Institute. In 1993 it was conferred a University status. Since its foundation thousands of highly quali­fied specialists have graduated from OSPU. The University is rather popular among the school-leavers. Every year a lot of applicants try to enter OSPU and it is not an easy task.

At present the University caters for thirteen thousand full-time and part-time (extra-mural and evening) students. Nine schools with forty-one depart­ments and two institutes (Institute of Arts and Institute of Continuing Education) train future teachers of different subjects for pri­mary and secondary schools. Each school is headed by a dean.

Post-graduate studies are available in different disci­plines in the University. Most of the faculty are Professors having academic degrees.

OSPU has five academic buildings. The main building is situated in the Irtysh river embankment. Lots of classrooms, lecture halls, assembly halls, study rooms, laboratories, libraries, reading-halls, sport facilities, canteens are at the students' disposal. A lot of students are provided with a hall of residence.

Classes begin at 9.00 in the morning and are over at 7.00 in the evening. Students usually attend several lectures or seminars a day. As the attendance at our University is compulsory the majority of students try not to miss classes without plausible reasons. Besides they have to study hard on their own either in the library or at home.

The curriculum consists of the subjects the students major in, social disciplines (history of Russia, philoso­phy, Political Studies, economics), educational subjects (pedagog­y, psychology, physiology, history of education, methods of teaching), Russian, Culture Studies, a foreign language - English, German or French, and physical education. The ma­jority of students are trained in two specialities; many of them engage in research work in the students' scientific societies and often participate in scientific conferences. For most students tuition is still free, but some have to pay for it.

The academic year is divided into two terms: the autumn term and the spring term. At the end of each term students take credit tests and examinations. Those who pass their exams successfully and in time receive a living allowance. After exams students have their vacation.

The course of studies lasts 4 or 5 years. On graduating the students take final exams, submit a graduation paper and receive Bachelor’s or Master’s degree. The majority of graduates work in different educa­tional institutions (including kindergartens, schools, col­leges, gymnasia, lyceums, technical schools, institutes and universities) in Western Siberia.

Ospu Schools and Institutes

School of Natural Sciences; School of Foreign Languages; School of Philology; School of Philosophy, History and Law; School of Psychology and Pedagogy; School of Primary, Preschool and Special Education; School of Mathematics, Physics, Information and Technologies; School of Economics, Management, Service and Tourism; Business School; Institute of Arts; Institute of Continuing Education.