asic AI Literacy: Moscow HSE and Cherepovets State University Launch AI Modules
Russia is making AI literacy part of the core university curriculum. Moscow HSE and Cherepovets State University were the first to pilot the new approach, with 137 future teachers, linguists and marketers spending three months learning how to work effectively with artificial intelligence.
The Faculty of Computer Science at the Higher School of Economics (HSE University) and Cherepovets State University have launched three industry-specific artificial intelligence modules. The initiative is part of Mintsifry's (Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media) Top-II (Top AI) project, implemented with the participation of the Autonomous Nonprofit Organization Analytical Center for the Government of the Russian Federation. HSE University experts, working alongside industry partners, developed a set of educational modules. A grant awarded under the federal Artificial Intelligence project within the national Data Economy and Digital Transformation of the State initiative made the collaboration possible.
AI for Non-Technical Students
A total of 137 students from seven degree programs at Cherepovets State University – future teachers, linguists, marketers and public relations professionals – are studying neural networks to prepare for the next generation of careers. The goal, however, is not to train programmers. Instead, the program helps students in the humanities and social sciences develop practical skills for using AI thoughtfully in their future professions. HSE University served as the methodological center, while Cherepovets State University became the pilot site.
Students completed three modules. Future history and social studies teachers, along with translation students, enrolled in AI in Education, where they learned to design curricula with the help of neural networks, create instructional materials and personalize learning. Just as importantly, they explored the ethical and legal dimensions of artificial intelligence. AI in Linguistics introduced first-year students to natural language processing, sentiment analysis, topic modeling and semantics. Meanwhile, AI in PR, Media and Marketing brought together students from advertising, economics and management programs to demonstrate how neural networks can support audience engagement and content creation.
The Central Question
Until recently, neural networks were widely viewed as tools reserved for IT professionals and software developers. That picture is changing. Russia's Ministry of Science and Higher Education has proposed making two AI modules mandatory within the country's new higher education model. A foundational module would be required for every student regardless of major. A second, profession-specific module would tailor AI education to fields such as engineering, medicine, economics, law and the humanities.
Speaking at the Artificial Intelligence in Education forum, Minister of Science and Higher Education Valery Falkov framed the challenge clearly: "The central question is how to put artificial intelligence technologies to work for universities while ensuring they strengthen rather than undermine traditional academic standards, fostering critical thinking and developing students' cognitive skills."
The foundational module will be piloted at 17 universities that have already transitioned to the new higher education model.
From Pilot Modules to Mandatory Courses
By 2025, the Top-II project, under which the Cherepovets module was introduced, had expanded to 72 academic programs and more than 4,500 students nationwide. The initiative has also received substantial financial backing. Sber has committed RUB 1 billion (approximately USD 13 million) through 2030 to train AI professionals in partnership with six leading universities – Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, HSE University, National Research Nuclear University MEPhI, ITMO University, Ural Federal University and Innopolis University.
The groundwork began even earlier. In 2023, the Ministry of Science and Higher Education developed a unified AI curriculum module for universities. It was designed not only for future IT professionals but also for students preparing for careers across key sectors of the economy, the social sphere and public administration. A year later, Russian universities began gradually incorporating the Artificial Intelligence Systems module into core degree programs and professional development courses.
The following year, Mintsifry selected more than 20 universities to train AI professionals through 2030. Eight Russian universities began integrating AI modules developed by Innopolis University into 22 academic programs ranging from teacher education to dentistry and chemistry. During the same period, the Ministry of Science and Higher Education proposed making foundational AI education mandatory for every university student.
Racing Against Time
Alexander Klimov, head of the Digital Technologies in Humanities Research program at HSE University's School of Linguistics and instructor for the AI in Linguistics course, says helping first-year students view language data from a new perspective and witnessing their early discoveries is "invaluable and deeply rewarding." The next priority, he argues, is preparing instructors. The Ministry of Science and Higher Education has already called for large-scale retraining of university faculty and the creation of a continuous professional development system.
What comes next? The trajectory is becoming clear across AI-based educational programs. Demand will grow for courses that teach students to critically evaluate AI-generated results while understanding data protection, copyright and ethics. Universities will also need to address the rapid pace at which educational materials become outdated. That means higher education institutions and industry partners will have to refresh curricula almost continuously to keep pace with technological change.
