The RUSSIAN ACADEMY OF THEATRE ARTS (GITIS) is the oldest and largest theatre school in Russia. It was founded in 1878. Now GITIS is a unique theatre academy which trains students for all professions in the theatrical arts and at the same time provides a traditional university education in the arts and the humanities. Some 1500 students, qualification-advancement students and post-graduate students from Russia and other countries study here annually.

There are 8 faculties at the Russian Academy of Theatre Arts (GITIS). At each faculty there are department(s) corresponding to the specialization of students' training. Besides, there are 9 inter-faculty departments to provide students with all-round education in the theatrical arts and the humanities.

Upon a completion of the full-time GRADUATE COURSE at a chosen faculty the student receives a diploma of the higher education at Russian Academy of Theatre Arts (GITIS) with a Magister's qualification in the applicable specialty in the Arts.