Heritage Science

Gain a unique perspective on the ways to use modern physical, chemical, laser and electro-optical methods for cultural heritage object conservation and become a highly qualified expert in this field.
Preferences for students
- Our university can offer you grant on a competitive basis, which partially covers the tuition fee (from 1 semester).
- You can also receive travel grant on a competitive basis for participation in the academic mobility program, covering the full or part of the cost of tickets to get to your destination.
- Masters of English-language programs also have access to short-term courses that improve their qualifications under preferential terms.
You will study and carry out research at labs provided by Repin Institute of Arts, State Russian Museum, State Museum of Urban Sculpture and international partners of the project.
Main details
Degree Program | 12.04.01 Heritage Science, Faculty of Information Measurement and Biotechnical Systems |
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Duration | 2 years |
Program starts | 1 September |
Location | Saint Petersburg |
Credit Points | 120 ECTS |
Tuition Fee | To be announced |
Language | English |
Admission | for September 2023 |
Why students choose ETU "LETI"
ETU “LETI” is a university with deep historical roots that is famous for its fundamental approach to training. It was established in 1886 and became the first university in Europe to specialize in electrical engineering. Each student can reach out and touch history and even join it.
Go down your own personalized learning path, study in small groups of maximum 15 people (except for Computer Science programs), enjoy the support of your tutor and work directly your research supervisor. The university does all of that to help ETU “LETI” students achieve even the boldest dreams.
No matter what program you are enrolled at, you can take part in academic mobility and apply to double degree programs.
The ETU “LETI” campus is located in the center of Saint Petersburg near the Botanical Garden and Karpovka River Embankment. Many interesting sights are within walking distance. The metro station is 10 minutes away from the campus.
Each program invites overseas professors from world top-ranked universities to share experience and knowledge. These lecturers get engaged in the learning process by holding lectures, workshops and cases.
ETU “LETI” is included in the largest university rankings such as THE, QS, Forbes, The Three University Missions, RAEX, Webometrics, etc. It is also among the leaders in the subject rankings that correspond with its priority research areas. The university prides itself to being the best in graduate employment. 90% of all ETU “LETI” graduates are hired before receiving their degrees.
University researchers have several dozen patents registered every year. The university has 3 research institutes, 16 education and research schools and a Technopark. The Technopark is comprised of the Youth Innovation Center and Technopark Business Incubator.
Upon enrolling at ETU “LETI”, students realize that they are not alone. A team of tutors helps international students adapt and answers their questions. Our staff are in contacted with students almost 24/7 and are always ready to help.
The university considers all-round training of its students a top priority. We have 20 sports groups and 11 creative teams with professional educators at their helm for you to join and unlock your talents. You can also participate in competitions. Moreover, the university organizes theme parties, festivals, free city and suburb tours for its international students.
About the program
Master's program Heritage Science is an interdisciplinary education program that provides students with skills necessary to tackle modern aspects of cultural heritage conservation, which requires for them to study a unique mix of engineering and humanities. Students take lectures, hands-on training and laboratory sessions to understand complex issues of artwork restoration, authentication, attribution, storage and exhibiting. Students learn how to address these issues using modern scientific achievements.
The program is a good choice for those who would like to expand their professional horizons by studying abroad. ETU “LETI” and its partners are very experienced in this field and have specialized laboratories where they hold classes.
Key Courses
- Brief History of Art
- Introduction to CH Objects Conservation
- Authentication and Attribution of Artworks
- Main physical, chemical, laser and оptical-electronic methods and technologies that can be applied in cultural heritage preservation – research, diagnostics, documenting and copying art pieces.
Interdisciplinary Project ANALYSIS AND RESTORATION OF ARTWORKS USING LASER AND OPTICAL-ELECTRONIC TECHNOLOGIES
Main Specialized Courses
- Materials of Cultural Heritage Objects
- Environmental Impact on Materials, Ageing and Deterioration of CH Objects
- Chemistry in Restoration
- Biology in Restoration
- Optical-electronic Techniques for CH Materials Characterization
- Physical Non-Destructive Methods for Examining CH Objects
- Laser Techniques in Artwork Restoration and Analysis
- Computer Methods in CH Preservation
Graduates of the Master’s program:
- know the basic principles if cultural heritage preservation
- are aware of up-to-date physical, chemical, laser and optical-electronic cultural heritage preservation techniques
- are able to design and use modern lasers, laser/electro-optical and physical systems for restoration and research of art pieces
- are able to use modern laser and electro-optical equipment
2-year/4-semester program
Thesis Defense June
Students take lectures, hands-on training and laboratory sessions to learn about complex issues of artwork restoration, authentication, attribution, storage and exhibiting, so they are able to tackle them using the recent breakthroughs of modern science.
During the two years of study, students try various fields and gain access to research labs of the university and its partners.
Russia
- Repin Institute of Arts
- State Russian Museum
- State Museum of Urban Sculpture
- International schools at ETU “LETI” (Heritage Science)
Students can apply for short-term (2-4 weeks) and long-term (6-10 months) internships, as well as double-degree programs. The key international partners are the following:
Italy
- Bologna University (Italy)
- University of Florence (Italy)
- University of Salento (Italy)
Сanada
- Laval University (Canada)
![]() | Dr. Sc., Director of program, Professor Vadim Parfenov (St.Petersburg Electrotechnical University) Course: Laser techniques in restoration and analysis of artworks
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![]() | Dr. Sc., Professor, vice-rector, head of department of restoration of paintings Yuri Bobrov (I.E.Repin St.Petersburg Institute for Painting, Sculpture and Architecture) Course: Brief history of art |
![]() | Dr. Sc., Professor Dmitri Vlasov (St.Petersburg State University) Course: Biology in restoration |
![]() | PhD, Associate Professor Georgy Konoplev (St.Petersburg Electrotechnical University) Course: Opto-electronic techniques for CH materials characterization |
![]() | Candidate of art history (Ph.D. in Art history), Restorer of 1st category (State Hermitage museum), part-time Associate Professor (St.Petersburg State Institute of Culture) Tatiana Shlykova Course: Introduction in Heritage objects conservation |
![]() | Candidate of art history (Ph.D. in Art history), Associate Professor of department of restoration of paintings Philipp Bobrov (I.E.Repin St.Petersburg Institute for Painting, Sculpture and Architecture) Course: Expertise and attribution of artworks |
![]() | PhD, Associate Professor Natalia Kirillova (Department of conservation and expertise of artworks, St.Petersburg State Institute of Culture) Course: Chemistry in restoration |
![]() | Dr. Sc., Professor Nadezhda Shchegoleva (St.Petersburg Electrotechnical University) |
![]() | PhD, Associate Professor Alena Viuginova (St.Petersburg Electrotechnical University) Course: Physical Non-destructive Methods of Examining of CH Objects |
![]() | PhD, Assistant of professor Oleg Vereshchagin (St.Petersburg State University) Course: Materials of Cultural Heritage Objects |
Career
Program graduates can build successful international careers at the largest museum centers in Russia and all over the world, research laboratories, as well as enterprises and businesses (antiques shops, auction houses, artwork authentication centers, etc.) that deal with world cultural heritage preservation.
Postgraduate Opportunities
Continue your research and build your career with ETU “LETI”! Program graduates can enroll at a PhD program or find employment at the university.
Campus tour
LETI is 130 years old and University campus is almost 110 years old. During its history all lecture halls, research laboratories, conference halls, gym halls, libraries and canteens were built by famous architects.
For example, the oldest building on-campus was built in Art Nouveau style in 1903 by A.N. Vekshinsky as a front facade of the University. There is a library with 1.2 million editions including priceless publications presented to the University by Emperor Alexander III, as well as spacious lecture halls and some laboratories.
Memorial Museum of A.S. Popov, the inventor of radio and the first elected director of ETU, is also located on-campus. It includes professor's memorial museum-laboratory and his memorial flat. There is a cozy garden in the court yard where students can have a rest between classes.
LETI can offer a wide variety of canteens for students that suit every taste and budget.
Unique architecture of LETI campus, its conveniences and a good location make student life more comfortable and enjoyable.
Campus life
The campus of St. Petersburg Electrotechnical University "LETI" consists of 13 buildings located in the historic city center on Aptekarsky Island. The university welcomes its guests with its famous Art Nouveau-style facade, built in 1903.

Living expenses
Thinking of studying with us? Expect to spend between 25 000 and 50 000 RUB per month on living expenses. This includes rent but not tuition fees.
Costs are roughly as follows:
- One visa extension: 1600 RUB a year/semester
- Insurance: one-time payment of 4500 RUB
- Housing:
- dormitory – about 1600 RUB a month
- rented apartment – about 25 000 RUB a month
- Living expenses:
- groceries: 10 000 - 15 000 RUB per month
- social life: 2000 - 5000 RUB per month
- Public transport: about 3100 RUB per month
Russian Currency
The Russian ruble (RUB/₽) is the currency of the Russian Federation. 1 ruble is 100 kopeks. Coins in
circulation are 1, 5, 10 and 50 kopeks, as well as 1, 2, 5 and 10 rubles. Banknotes in circulation are
10, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000 and 5000 rubles.
Admission. Step by step
- Every year, our master’s program accepts up to 20 students from Russia and worldwide by both fee-based and scholarships (refer to Open Doors and the Russian Government Scholarships). In addition, waivers are offered by a contest based on achievements.
- Application is open around the year.
- Term of enrollment: Fall term (1st of September).
- English proficiency level is intermediate or higher.
- Applicants are eligible to apply for our program if they have completed their bachelor’s degree or enrolled in the final semester of a bachelor’s program in Science or Engineering such as Bioengineering, Mechanical and Electrical engineering, or any equivalent.
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Application requirements
- Transcript.
- CV/resume.
- Recommendation letters are welcomed but not required.
- The first application stage is conducted online through the admission office (contact information is mentioned below). The second stage includes an interview with the program coordinator.
Application documents
- Copy of the diploma and transcript of records
- Copy of national passport (valid for more than 18 months from the estimated date of arrival)
- Copies of notarized translations into Russian of the passport, diploma and transcript of records
- 6 photos 3x4
- Medical certificates of overall health and HIV tests results
For Master’s Degree programs:
Certificate of English proficiency (for non-native English speakers only) NB! Send documents via master@etu.ru
For PhD candidates:
- motivation letter
- research topic description
- a list of achievements
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us via 2343553@mail.ru (master@etu.ru)
Copy of the diploma
and transcript of records
Copy of national
passport
Copies of notarized
translations into Russian
of the passport, diploma
and transcript of records
6 photos 3x4
Medical certificates
Contacts
Mon.-Fri.: 10:00-17:00 (admission 10:00-16:30) | |
+7 (812) 234-35-53 | |
2343553@mail.ru | |
International student's group |