[2] The origins of MSSES trace back to the period between 1989 and 1991, when Theodor Shanin, at the time a sociology professor at the University of Manchester, invited the future advancers of Russian sociology to take part in the three-month sociological field schools in Manchester and Kent organised by him[2] A few years later, he established the Interdisciplinary Academic Centre for Social Sciences ("InterCentre"), which comprised two departments (study social structure of Russian society and Peasant Studies and Agricultural Reforms).

In the early 1990s, Shanin realised that social studies were poorly represented in Russia, as opposed to various engineering disciplines, so he decided to establish several universities in Moscow on the basis of international collaboration.

His main goal was to transform the outmoded Soviet technology of education using Western practices to give the students opportunities for self-education and independent thinking.

The Ministry of Education granted permission solely for the Russian-British university but failed to fulfil the initial agreement, so Shanin had to ask for assistance from Abel Aganbegyan, the Rector of the Academy of National Economy.

This episode formed a large community of the School supporters, which included many graduates, academics, and public figures.

[7] On March 3, 2020, the accreditation expert panel gave a favourable review of all MSSES programs, and Rozobrnadzor acknowledged trier compliance with the Federal State Educational Standards.

After two years of diligent work, he formed a perfect running structure and left to establish a new library in Singapore.

Due to its unique design in trademark Shaninka purple and yellow colours, the Library became a landmark, so it offers excursions for non-student visitors.

Along with the friendly space for study and various community activities, the Library provides an inclusive environment and supports recycling initiatives.

[2] In order to comply with the British educational standards, the group of the future teachers of the Faculty was sent to the London School of Economics to study the didactic methods applied in the UK.

The Faculty's objective is to form a cohort of highly qualified analysts and experts capable of analysing and shaping educational policies in their regions and the country at large.

[2] In 2019, the Faculty launched a Center for Educational Policy Studies, which joined an international network of similar centres in 19 countries across the globe.

It offers the Liberal Arts & Sciences learning model, which allows second-year students to choose one of five specialisations and form their own individual educational trajectory.