Overview
“Ion Creangă” State Pedagogical University of Chișinău (UPSC) is Moldova’s leading institution for training educators and specialists in the humanities. Established in 1940, UPSC offers a wide range of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs in fields such as pedagogy, psychology, foreign languages, history, arts, and social sciences. The university combines academic tradition with modern teaching methods and maintains active partnerships with European universities, supporting student and staff mobility through Erasmus+ and other international programs.
Programs & Degrees
BACHELOR DEGREE
Animation
The bachelor’s degree program Animation is focused on training specialists in the field of audiovisual techniques and media production and, in particular, in the creation of 2D and 3D animation products. The studies in the program provide training as a designer-animator in: animation, advertising, film, digital post-production or game design.
The curriculum of the study program is oriented towards the formation of special creative and artistic interpretation skills in the fields of animation and visual effects .
Upon graduation from the study program, program beneficiaries acquire the following competencies and skills:
- applying the basic principles of storytelling, character design, environmental design and animation;
- using software for digital filmmaking – 2D and 3D editing, modeling and animation programs, approaching stop motion animation film technologies;
- development within animation workshops of skills in the fields of animation design and technologies, pre-production/cinematography flow, visual development, etc.
Distinctive features
The program includes learning units focused on the preparatory and production stages of animation productions – from idea, script, storyboard and the creation of the actual animation, to post-production.
In particular, the program is oriented towards developing special skills in the use of artistic means and digital tools in the development of animated audiovisual and media products.
Course details:
- Modeling (Blender)
- Texturing (Substance painter)
- Animation 3D (Maya)
- Animation 2D (TV Paint)
- Digital painting (Krita, Photoshop)
- Visual narrative & screenwriting
- Stop motion & more.
Employment opportunities
The Animation Specialist can work independently, as a freelancer, as well as within animation and film studios, or in companies specializing in game design; in advertising or graphic design agencies, etc., as:
- 2D & 3D animation designer;
- Animator;
- Character designer;
- 3D modeling specialist;
- Motion designer;
- 3D Rigger Specialist;
- Art director etc.
The launch in 2022 and the development of the new Animation and Game Design study programs was possible thanks to the support of the Future Technologies Project, funded by USAID, Sweden and the United Kingdom, in partnership with the COR Creative Companies Association.
Our 3 year program is aimed towards forming specialists in the creative industry of animation.
Here you can develop your artistic skills, meet like-minded individuals and learn the technologies that help you bring your ideas to life. Our faculty is equipped with modern computers, interactive electronic boards, and bright, spacious classrooms to ensure a comfortable and productive learning experience.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/11CLfyEwOu14LC282NTDwGT7oRIfgptJE/view?usp=drive_link
PSYCHOLOGY
The Bachelor’s program in Psychology at UPSC aims to shape competent, empathetic, and resourceful professionals in the field of psychology. Our mission is to foster both professional and personal development in our students, equipping them with the theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and self-awareness needed to address the complexities of human behavior and mental health in diverse contexts.
Graduates of the Psychology Bachelor’s program at UPSC are equipped to:
- analyze and address psychological issues in individuals and groups effectively;
- design and implement intervention programs to improve well-being and performance;
- pursue advanced studies or professional certifications in specialized areas of psychology;
- work in multidisciplinary teams to bring positive change to organizations and communities.
By completing the program, graduates are not only proficient in psychological theory and practice but are also prepared to navigate the complexities of modern society, contribute to the betterment of individuals and communities, and build fulfilling careers in diverse fields.
Distinctive features:
Unlike traditional programs, this course emphasizes hands-on experience, with most classes taught by specialists with extensive practical expertise in various fields of psychology. Students learn directly from practitioners who bring real-world scenarios into the classroom.
The program integrates numerous training sessions designed to enhance self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and interpersonal skills. Training in communication, personal development, self-confidence, creativity, and critical thinking are fundamental to the program.
Students receive a solid introduction to the core foundations of psychology while exploring diverse specializations such as clinical psychology, educational psychology, organizational psychology, age psychology, counseling and therapies, and research methodologies.
The program reflects the latest advancements in psychology, ensuring that students are well-prepared to meet the demands of the rapidly evolving field.
Course details:
The Psychology Bachelor’s program is a 3-year full-time course structured to provide both foundational knowledge and advanced training in various branches of psychology. Key areas of study include:
- Foundations of psychology (introduction to general psychology, cognitive psychology, and psychological research methods)
- Specialized areas (clinical psychology, educational psychology, age psychology, and organizational psychology)
- Counseling and therapeutic approaches (basic and advanced counseling techniques, therapies, and intervention strategies)
- Personal development (communication skills, creativity training, critical thinking development, and self-confidence building)
- Research and practical application (students gain skills in designing and conducting research, as well as analyzing psychological data to inform evidence-based practice)
Employment opportunities:
Graduates of the Psychology Bachelor’s program are well-prepared to pursue a wide range of career paths in psychology and related fields. Potential opportunities include:
- Clinical practice – working in mental health clinics, hospitals, or private practice as a counselor or therapist
- Educational psychology – supporting students and teachers in schools or other educational institutions
- Organizational psychology & Recruiting – helping businesses improve employee satisfaction, productivity, and organizational dynamics as well as hire top professionals
- Social services – assisting individuals and communities through social work, rehabilitation, or crisis intervention
- Research and academia – contributing to psychological research or teaching in academic settings
- Further studies – graduates can also pursue master’s and doctoral studies as well to specialize further or qualify for higher-level positions in the field.
By enrolling in the Bachelor’s program in Psychology at UPSC, you are choosing a transformative educational experience. This program not only equips you with the knowledge and skills needed for a successful career in psychology but also helps you grow as an individual, preparing you to navigate and positively impact a dynamic and diverse world.
Join the Psychology program at UPSC and take the first step towards an exciting and meaningful career in psychology!
MASTER DEGREE
Psychoeducational, Counseling, and Psychotherapy Activity of the Practical Psychologist – 2 years
The purpose of the master’s program Psychoeducational, Counseling, and Psychotherapy Activity of the Practical Psychologist consists of training specialists capable of carrying out prevention, remediation, counseling, and psychotherapy activities with different categories of clients through their multilateral training (theoretical, attitudinal, and practical). The Master’s program aims to train specialists in the field of psychology according to international standards and norms of excellence for an effective integration into the labor market. The graduate of this Master’s degree program will be able to study the psychological mechanisms involved in health promotion, harmonious personality development, diagnosis and treatment of disorders with psychological factors in their etiopathogenesis (in children, adults and the elderly) and will achieve an individual path of continuous professional development in the field of clinical psychology.
The qualification obtained at the end of the program enables the development of skills and competences that ensure the ability to carry out the tasks of research, analysis, and interpretation of a wide range of psychological problems/situations, the development of measures for their solution, and the performance of control and monitoring activities of psychological assistance in various professional fields.
Character Animation & Visual Storytelling– 2 years
The Master’s program Character Animation & Visual Storytelling trains specialists in animation and media production for the creative industry. The curriculum builds on undergraduate students’ previous technical and artistic skills and deepens 2D and 3D animation, with a particular focus on character animation. The program also emphasizes visual storytelling, experimentation, and the development of one’s style, offering an integrated approach to the animation creation process. During the studies, students will explore the entire animation production flow: from scriptwriting, storyboarding, and concept art, to character design and the creation of the final product. They will learn to critically analyze animated works, identify stylistic and technical trends in the industry, and refine their artistic vision.
At the end of the program, graduates will have the necessary skills to contribute to any stage of the production of an animated project, be it 2D or 3D. They will also be prepared to coordinate and direct their animated productions, including making an animated short film as their final master’s project.
Easel Painting – 2 years
The Master’s program in Easel Painting trains professional artists for the cultural and creative industries, with a comprehensive curriculum designed to build on the prior artistic and technical experience of undergraduate students. The program emphasizes the development of a personal artistic language through in-depth study of academic and contemporary painting techniques, visual composition, and the exploration of materials and styles.
A special focus is placed on figurative painting, including the human figure, portrait, still life, and landscape, as well as on abstract and conceptual composition. Students will gain practical experience with various techniques in oil painting and mixed media, while refining their skills in drawing, color theory, and artistic technologies.
Throughout the two-year program, students will engage in all stages of the artistic process:
- Concept development
- Sketching and compositional planning
- Material experimentation
- Execution of finished works
- Reflective and critical analysis of their own and others’ work
They will also participate in plein air painting, museum study, and thematic exhibitions, encouraging real-world application and professional networking. Courses also cover topics such as art history, visual culture, and contemporary artistic discourse, enabling students to situate their practice within a broader cultural and theoretical context.
By the end of the program, graduates will be able to:
- Create and present original bodies of work
- Critically analyze trends in contemporary painting
- Curate and organize exhibitions
- Develop a clear artistic identity
- Work independently or as part of artistic collectives
As a culmination of their studies, each student will produce a final master’s project — a piece of work or series of works—that demonstrate their artistic evolution and readiness for a professional career in the visual arts.