Moscow State Law University

History

Moscow State Law University was established in 1931 and has educated Russia’s legal elite for nearly a century. The institution developed a comprehensive approach to legal education combining theoretical knowledge with practical skills and professional values. Students learn commitment to justice, debate proficiency, compassion for people, and moral qualities essential for legal practice. This long-standing educational tradition produces genuine legal professionals equipped for complex societal challenges. The university has trained and graduated more than 180,000 experts throughout its history. Its distinguished alumni include renowned lawyers, judges, legal scholars, and prominent government officials. The institution maintains strong pride in graduate achievements and contributions to Russia’s legal system and society. From its founding during the Soviet era through the post-Soviet transition, the university adapted curricula while preserving its commitment to rigorous legal education. The institution’s century-long heritage reflects accumulated expertise in civil law, criminal law, constitutional law, international law, and specialized legal disciplines. Moscow State Law University remains a premier center for legal education and research in Russia and Eastern Europe.

Current Position and Infrastructure

Today, Moscow State Law University operates as a comprehensive legal education institution with 14 institutes, 3 branches, and 31 departments. The university enrolls approximately 13,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. The faculty comprises over 890 teachers providing instruction in diverse legal specializations. The university educates more than 400 graduate students and 350 international students from various countries. An International Cooperation Office manages partnerships with foreign universities, facilitates faculty exchanges, and develops joint training programs enhancing educational quality. The office organizes summer and winter schools with international partners and coordinates student participation in international academic activities. The university pursues international program accreditation ensuring compliance with modern world educational standards. A Student Union comprising 35 student associations brings together 1,000 students participating in social activities. The union organizes extracurricular programming across cultural, sports, social, and administrative domains through specialized departments including dance, vocal, theater studios, and various committees. Modern facilities support academic excellence and student development.

Foreign Student Opportunities

Moscow State Law University welcomes 350 international students through comprehensive undergraduate and graduate legal programs. The institution offers specialized education in business law, private law, international law, public law, and contemporary applied law. International students benefit from Moscow’s status as Russia’s legal center with access to constitutional court, parliament, and leading law firms. The International Cooperation Office facilitates international cooperation and manages exchange programs with foreign universities. International students participate in summer and winter schools alongside domestic peers. The university provides visa support and student services. Faculty includes internationally trained legal scholars and practitioners. Instruction combines Russian legal traditions with comparative law perspectives. English-taught programs accommodate non-Russian speakers. Students gain exposure to civil law systems and international legal frameworks. The university’s prestigious reputation attracts qualified international students pursuing advanced legal education.

Departments and Faculties

Business Law Institute (4 years undergraduate; 2 years graduate)

Business Law
Corporate Law
Commercial Law
Commercial Dispute Resolution

Private Law Institute (4 years undergraduate; 2 years graduate)

Civil Law
Family Law
Property Law
Inheritance Law

International Law Institute (4 years undergraduate; 2 years graduate)

International Law
International Trade Law
International Private Law
International Relations and Diplomacy

Public Law and Management Institute (4 years undergraduate; 2 years graduate)

Constitutional Law
Administrative Law
State and Municipal Administration
Public Administration

Criminal Law Institute (4 years undergraduate; 2 years graduate)

Criminal Law
Criminal Procedure
Criminology
Prosecutor’s Office

Contemporary Institute of Applied Law (4 years undergraduate; 2 years graduate)

Applied Legal Practice
Legal Consulting
Law Practice Management
Practical Legal Skills

Law Institute (4 years undergraduate; 2 years graduate)

General Law Theory
Legal History
Jurisprudence
Legal Philosophy

Legal Correspondence Institute (4 years undergraduate; 2 years graduate)

Distance Legal Education
Correspondence Legal Studies

Graduate and Master’s Programs (2 years)

Municipal and State Administration
Law