Abstract
The article helms the reader to the analysis of the historical and philosophical background of the Master of Philosophy academic degree in Russian intellectual circles of the 19th and 20th centuries. Special emphasis is given to the university education while the related phenomena in «theological academies» are left unattended. The author draws on memoirs and official documents to highlight various landmarks pertaining to the process of Russian student development into the Master of Philosophy: preparation for the examination, examination, dispute, debate with opponents, dissertation, professional career.