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The National Security College

The National Security College (NSC) is a unique partnership between the Commonwealth Government and the Australian National University.

We offer specialist graduate studies , professional and executive education , futures analysis, and a national platform for trusted and independent policy dialogue and contestability.

Both trusted and independent, we draw together government, academic, industry and civil society expertise to build whole-of-community perspectives on pressing national security issues facing Australia.

Professor Rory Medcalf is Head of the National Security College. His professional background includes almost three decades of experience across intelligence, think tanks and journalism, including as the inaugural Director of the International Security Program at the Lowy Institute.

Since becoming Head of College in January 2015, Professor Medcalf has led the expansion of the NSC into policy engagement and futures analysis in addition to its core work of academic education, research and executive and professional development.

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National Security College

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Master of National Security Policy

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Degree structure

Your career, scholarships and fees.

Further information

Program Coordinator

In a disrupted world, there has never been a more critical time to understand security.

Study in-person or online

In 2024, all graduate courses offered by the Crawford School will be available for either in-person or online study. All students are expected to attend live sessions at particular times each week for their courses. Crawford online courses are not ‘study at your own pace’. International students studying on an Australian student visa should enrol in in-person courses.

Participation

Real-time interaction, discussion and debate between students and with convenors is a central part of the learning experience. Attendance at interactive classes is important for both on campus and online students.

About the program

The Master of National Security Policy degree offers a world-class and policy-oriented qualification in national security, in line with the vision of the National Security College (NSC) as a joint initiative between The Australian National University and the Australian Government.

DOWNLOAD THE PROGRAM GUIDE

Our students learn about policy analysis, policy making and policy leadership.

Core courses provide foundations in concepts and practical policy skills, with a focus on navigating the national security landscape in Australia and the wider world.

Electives examine the horizon of present and future risks, from pandemics, foreign interference, terrorism and cyber attacks through to Indo-Pacific geopolitics, US-China tensions, information warfare, technological disruption, energy and environmental concerns. To address these challenges, students may develop a policy grounding in security-related aspects of such areas as bureaucracy, politics, ethics, history, risk-management, leadership and civil-military relations.

In recognition of the multidisciplinary and dynamic nature of contemporary national security, we also allow a wide range of electives elsewhere at ANU: our students shape their own security journey.

This Master’s degree offers a signature teaching model: each course integrates academic expertise from NSC, the Crawford School and across ANU with the insights of leading policy practitioners from Australia and internationally, drawing on the NSC’s trusted networks. Scenario and simulation exercises apply your knowledge to real policy challenges. This policy-oriented teaching provides our students with direct access to the world of government, enabling informed career choices. Our students become part of a supportive community of national security alumni, with opportunities to get involved in the wider public policy activities of the National Security College in Australia’s capital.

This degree equips graduates for careers in government – across the full spectrum of policy departments and intelligence agencies. It also prepares students for the many other professional pathways – in academia, the private sector, international organisations, media and civil society - where it matters to understand 21st century security.

Application Deadlines

Please note application deadlines are different for domestic and international students.

Domestic students

This program is without Pre-Sessional Program (PSP) component for domestic students.

Apply by 31 Jan 2024 for Semester 1 2024 and by 31 May 2024 for Semester 2 2024.

International students

Find ANU’s general application and acceptance deadlines by visiting the webpage linked here .

Key dates for application:

• Semester 2 2024 intake:

Final closing date: 15 April 2024 Final acceptance date: 1 June 2024*

Orientation and Pre-Sessional Program (PSP) are from 11 January to 9 February 2024 for S1 2024 and from 13 June to 12 July 2024 for S2 2024.

• Semester 1 2025 intake:

Final closing date: 15 October 2024 Final acceptance date: 1 December 2024*

*Some students may need to accept well before this date to allow for visa processing times in their country.

Contact [email protected] for inquiries.

1-1.5 years full-time depending on credit.

Admission requirements

At a minimum, all applicants must meet program-specific academic/non-academic requirements, and English language requirements.

A Bachelor degree or international equivalent with a minimum GPA of 5/7. Or, for alternative requirements, click the link here .

Applicants with a Bachelor Degree, Bachelor degree with Honours, Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in a cognate discipline may be eligible for up to 24 units (one semester, four courses).

Cognate disciplines

If you have prior study in one of the following cognate disciplines, you may be eligible for credit towards your degree:

Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies, Development Studies, Governance, History, International Affairs, International Relations, Law, Non Language Asian Studies, Pacific Studies, Policy Studies, Public Administration, Political Communication, Political Sciences, Security Studies, Strategic Studies.

Program structure

The Master of National Security Policy degree offers a set of core compulsory courses combined with a range of electives so that you can design a degree program that best suits your career and educational goals.

As a flexible and multi-disciplinary degree, the Master of National Security Policy also enables you to study a range of quality elective courses from similar fields across the ANU campus.

Please consult the full program guide for more information about degree program structure, admission requirements, and academic rules.

Whether your career aspirations lie in government, the private sector, international organisations or the media, a degree from the NSC can help you achieve them. The NSC’s graduate programs will give you both a strong theoretical underpinning and a practical understanding of the national, regional and global security challenges that will shape the 21st century. You’ll be taught by leaders in their fields and gain access to top Australian and overseas officials from government and the private sector.

At the ANU National Security College, you’ll be part of a new generation of professionals from across Australia and around the world who are engaging with applied national security policymaking in Australia’s capital. You’ll gain an internationally respected qualification in national security with a focus on the dynamic Indo-Pacific region and develop the skills and networks you’ll need to further your career.

Jake Blight

Associate Professor

Contact details

Michael Cohen

Senior Lecturer

Phone: +61 2 6125 5452

Room: 2.146

Danielle Ireland-Piper

Associate Professor and Academic Director of National Security College

Katherine Mansted

Senior Fellow in the Practice of National Security

Rory Medcalf AM

Head of College, National Security College

Phone: +61 2 6125 7507

James Mortensen

Lecturer and HDR Program Coordinator

Room: 2.156

Sue Thompson

Indo-Pacific Partners: Australia-France webinar series

Apply to study at the NSC in 2023

Aspiring to make a difference: meet Rita Bull

Forging a unique path: meet Nyadol Nyuon

From biochemistry to national security: meet Grace Law

Beijing cannot dictate Australia’s policy on Taiwan

National Security Election Snapshot Series

Sogavare’s new Chinese enforcers a test for a fragile democracy

Sights set on cyber: Meet Claudia Muller

New security scholarships for women awarded

Anu national security college scholarships.

The College offers several scholarships, all of which are outlined here . For additional information and to apply, please contact [email protected] .

ANU scholarships

ANU offers a wide range of scholarships to students to assist with the cost of their studies.

Eligibility to apply for ANU scholarships varies depending on the specifics of the scholarship, and can be categorised by the type of student you are. Specific scholarship application process information is included in the relevant scholarship listing.

Updated:   7 April 2024 / Responsible Officer:   Head of College, National Security College / Page Contact:   Web administrator

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ANU College of Science

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The Australian National University provides PhD students with a vibrant research community and outstanding program support .  When selecting a research program, an institution's reputation is everything. ANU is one of the world's leading universities, and the smart choice for your research program.

As a PhD student you will work with increased independence, under the direction of a supervisory panel of experts in the field. Your research will make an original and important contribution to human knowledge, research and development.

Program details

The major component of a research program is a substantial written work known as a thesis, which investigates a particular subject or issue. As a research student, you will work with increased independence, under the direction of an academic supervisor or a supervisory panel of academic staff.

A PhD will normally take you between 2-4 years to complete.

• 2 - 4 years full time
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities

The Doctor of Philosophy is your gateway to an academic or research career in science. In addition to academia, PhD graduates work in diverse fields within government, education, industry and media.

World class facilities

Students will have access to state-of-the-art facilities and support, including labs, computational services and recreation and relaxation rooms.

Learning experience

Industry engagement

Industry engagement is one of the best ways for a PhD student to test their capabilities as a researcher, and to obtain transferable and professional skills.

Get out of the classroom

PhD student Kate Holland takes us on a field trip to One Tree Island to explain her research.

PhD student unearths the Holy Grail of paleontology

Ilya Bobrovskiy had a crazy idea for his PhD. And then he made one of the biggest scientific breakthroughs of the year.

Fees & scholarships

Scholarships.

Whether you are looking for financial support to start your studies at ANU or help to move away from home for the first time, we have scholarship opportunities for you and your situation.

• How to apply
• International

Understand the how to apply steps

Visit the domestic postgraduate research applications page to prepare for your application to ANU.

Finding an academic supervisor

Prospective research students first need to identify a research project and find an academic supervisor.

Review the  fields of research  we offer and contact the academic convenor for advice about potential projects, supervisors, and the pre-application process. The  ANU Researchers  website is also a good place to start looking for a supervisor.

Email your academic supervisor directly to enquire about projects and supervision. Your email should outline the reason(s) why you are attracted to their field of research, the type of research you would like to pursue and a summary of your academic qualifications and research experience. You may also submit a short research proposal, however, this is not mandatory at this point.

The academic supervisor may contact you to discuss your research proposal and possibly other projects, or they may forward your email to other staff in the research school / centre.

Once an academic supervisor has been confirmed to support your application you may proceed to step three.

If you are not sure which area of research or supervisor matches your interest please complete an  expression of interest  and we will get in contact with you. Do not proceed to next step until advised.

Finding available scholarships

ANU Colleges and individual research schools offer a number of  scholarships  that are awarded on a merit basis. You can also talk to your academic supervisor about other sources of funding you might access to assist with living expenses and tuition fees.

Visit the international postgraduate research applications page to prepare for your application to ANU.

Need more information?

Send us an enquiry and we'll get back to you within 48 hours

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Doctor of Philosophy, Research School of Humanities and the Arts

A single four year research award offered by the ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences

• Length 4 year full-time
• Minimum 192 Units
• Academic plan 9552XPHD
• Post Nominal PhD
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• Prof Samantha Bennett
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Employment Opportunities

Further information.

• Additional Information

Admission Requirements

Scholarships.

• Indicative Fees

Program Requirements

The Doctor of Philosophy typically consists of four years of full-time study or part-time equivalent.

The Doctor of Philosophy requires the completion of the following:

• The submission and successful examination of a thesis of up to 100,000 words. If approved the thesis may take an alternative form, such as a performance and/or corpus of creative work.
• The completion of at least 12 units of coursework subject to the requirements of your discipline, which will consist of dedicated HDR coursework on theories, and research methods that are relevant to your thesis.

Applicants must present at a minimum, an Australian Honours degree or equivalent, with a result of H2A (Second Class Honours Division A), and the approval of an identified supervisor for the research project/thesis. Equivalence may be met by completion of a Master’s degree that includes a significant research component, or by a combination of qualifications and professional experience.

At a minimum, all applicants must meet program-specific academic/non-academic requirements, and the University’s English Language Admission Requirements for Students . Admission to most ANU programs is on a competitive basis. Therefore, meeting all admission requirements does not automatically guarantee entry.

If you think you qualify, check out our  guidance on how to apply .

Indicative fees

For more information see: http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/costs-fees

For further information on International Tuition Fees see: https://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/fees-payments/international-tuition-fees

Fee Information

All students are required to pay the  Services and amenities fee  (SA Fee)

The annual indicative fee provides an estimate of the program tuition fees for international students and domestic students (where applicable). The annual indicative fee for a program is based on the standard full-time enrolment load of 48 units per year (unless the program duration is less than 48 units). Fees for courses vary by discipline meaning that the fees for a program can vary depending on the courses selected. Course fees are reviewed on an annual basis and typically will increase from year to year. The tuition fees payable are dependent on the year of commencement and the courses selected and are subject to increase during the period of study.

For further information on Fees and Payment please see: https://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/fees-payments

ANU offers a wide range of  scholarships  to students to assist with the cost of their studies.

Eligibility to apply for ANU scholarships varies depending on the specifics of the scholarship and can be categorised by the type of student you are.  Specific scholarship application process information is included in the relevant scholarship listing.

For further information see the  Scholarships  website.

Exceptional research degrees at ANU

The Australian National University provides PhD students with a vibrant research community and outstanding program support . When selecting a research program, an institution's reputation is everything. ANU is one of the world's leading universities, and the smart choice for your research program.

As a PhD student you will work with increased independence, under the direction of a supervisory panel of experts in the field. Your research will make an original and important contribution to human knowledge, research and development.

Career Options

ANU ranks among the world's very finest universities. Our nearly 100,000 alumni include political, business, government, and academic leaders around the world.

We have graduated remarkable people from every part of our continent, our region and all walks of life.

The Doctor of Philosophy equips graduates to work in a wide variety of areas including academia, public and private sectors and NGOs. For further details see the CASS website .

ANU is consistently ranked amongst the best universities in the world for its research in the arts, humanities and social sciences. Our students are part of a community of leading researchers and are inspired by intellectual curiosity and scholarly excellence.

Graduate research degrees are available in over 20 disciplines in the arts, humanities and social sciences within the College of Arts & Social Sciences (CASS). The major component of the research program is a substantial piece of written work which investigates a particular subject or issue. A research student works independently under the direction of a primary academic supervisor who forms part of a supervisory panel of academic staff.

Graduate students in the Research School of Humanities and the Arts are located in five schools/centres: School of Art and Design, School of Music, School of Archaeology and Anthropology, Centre for Museum and Heritage Studies, and School of Literature, Language and Linguistics. Interdisciplinary work is encouraged through the Interdisciplinary Cross-Cultural Research program.

See the CASS higher degree research website for more information.

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• Coral Bell School of Asia Pacific Affairs
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Australia's leading centre for research on Asia and the Pacific, CAP brings together a unique community of disciplinary, area and public policy based scholars.

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The ANU College of Asia and the Pacific has an international reputation for high quality research and a rich history of leading pioneering research on the region. Our research disciplines are consistently ranked amongst the highest in the world and we are often recognised as the leading institution in Australia where scholars can study these fields.

Application process

Find out more.

ANU College of Asia and the Pacific (CAP) offers two research degrees: the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and the Master of Philosophy (MPhil). The PhD, in which almost 400 students are currently enrolled, is a three to four year research degree requiring the production of an 80-100,000 word thesis. Most students are required to undertake some preparatory course work in their first year. All research students work closely with an academic supervisor and a panel of advisors. The College offers PhD and MPhil research supervision in a wide range of disciplines from the humanities and social sciences.

Areas of research

Anthropology

Access world-class experts who will inspire your research in social and cultural anthropology. Our diverse faculty maintains a program focus on theoretically informed, ethnographic fieldwork in the Asia-Pacific region.

Archaeology and natural history  

Engage with the cultural complexity and environmental diversity of the Asia Pacific region with archaeology and natural history. Your research will develop your understanding of the origins and trajectories of cultural and environmental change through time. 

Asia Pacific Security 

Our research expertise and reputation in Asia-Pacific security spans across the vital strategic relations between the United States, China, India and Japan; the four regional flashpoints including the Korean peninsula, Taiwan, and the East and South China Seas; global strategic challenges including nuclear proliferation and maritime security; transnational security challenges and cooperation; and the nexus between economic and security issues. Our research in these areas informs our understanding of key strategic challenges and defence priorities in the Asia-Pacific region, and Australia’s place in the region. 

Asian studies  

Examine the rich and complex history of Asia, and its growing global importance, through a broad range of disciplines and geographical expertise, giving you the most comprehensive range of research options on Asia in Australia, and arguably, the world.

Democracy and Elections 

Our researchers have expertise on the political and social dynamics of all major states in Asia and the Pacific, including China, India, Indonesia, Myanmar, and Papua New Guinea. Our scholarship includes award-winning contributions in the areas of electoral systems, political party development, clientelism, populism, religious and environmental politics, women’s leadership, political economy, corruption, regime change, and conflict and conflict resolution. 

Deal with the key global trends of our time, with a focus on economic development in China, India, Japan, Indonesia, Thailand and other Asia Pacific economies.

Environment and Resource Management 

Investigate a wide range of environmental and resource management issues that affect the Asia and Pacific region, including climate change adaptation and mitigation, natural hazards and disasters, the social and environmental impacts of development and more. 

Geopolitics and Diplomacy

The geostrategic environment in the Asia-Pacific has grown increasingly more complex. New organisations, with regional and sub-regional groupings are becoming more active and external players such as China and Indonesia are much more visible in regional affairs. Our research on geopolitics and regionalism addresses the drivers of, and trends in, regional politics and diplomacy covering themes such as soft power and public diplomacy, political economy, Pacific diplomacy, and non-state actor diplomacy. Researchers also investigate some of the most pressing development issues in Pacific Island countries including relationships between state structures and capabilities, society and societal transformations, and governance in the Pacific. 

Gender, Cultural and Media Studies

Your research will connect insights on the transformations of gender and sexuality in Asia and the Pacific from a range of disciplines including anthropology, history, language, literature and media studies. 

Examine deep processes of change in Asian and Pacific societies, covering ancient civilisations, the turbulent encounter of these societies with the West and the promises and threats of the recent past. 

Human Security

In recent years, human security problems and issues have gained increasing attention on global and regional security agendas as well as in Australia’s foreign policy. The research profile of our academics cuts across global and regional affairs in the areas of urbanisation, global migration and forced displacement, child rights and protection, gender-based and domestic violence, women’s economic empowerment, health security, and artificial intelligence. 

International Relations

Explore nuclear disarmament, the role of global institutions or world peace. We offer you a keen insight into the realm of global politics with a unique focus on the Asia Pacific region.

Law and Society

Draw on pragmatic and policy-oriented solutions to complex issues. Investigate a wide variety of topics related to justice, security, and more. 

Linguistics

With one of the largest concentrations of linguists anywhere in the world, and over 50 years of experience documenting little-known languages, we have the capacity to support your research on more than 2,000 languages of the Asia and Pacific region.

National Security Policy

Our program aims to develop internationally recognised security specialists with outstanding research skills. Choose from 19 multidisciplinary fields ranging across the security of regions and states, cyberspace, terrorism, potential futures and the challenges faced by policymakers. 

Pacific Studies

Pacific Studies is an interdisciplinary field focusing on the islands of Oceania and the Pacific diaspora. Our scholars explore important historical and contemporary issues, and critically examine the ways in which the region has been framed, constructed and represented. 

Political Science

Engage in cutting edge research on Asia and Pacific politics with world-leading experts and understand the region’s political diversity — from durable one-party regimes such as China, to the sprawling democracies of India and Indonesia, or the tiny microstates of the Pacific. 

Public Policy

Develop your expertise in political science, public administration, economics, geography, anthropology or area studies, and become a leading practitioner who has real impact in today’s complex world of policy challenges. 

Undertake regulatory research by promoting the interests of social justice, fairness, human rights or economically sustainable development, grounded in a number of fields including anthropology, criminology, environmental studies, gender studies, law, psychology and more. 

Strategic Studies

Develop research that provides insight, imagination and judgement on understanding the history of conflict, the complexity of the global strategic environment, Australia’s place in it, and the utility and application of armed force in international affairs.

Application process at a glance

Self Assess

You need to have completed an undergraduate or master degree in a discipline relevant to your area of proposed research. For undergraduate degrees your result should be First Class Honours or Second Class Honours (First Division). If you have a master degree, rather than an honours degree, you will need to show that it had a research component. If you don't have a master or honours degree you may be able to apply on the basis of professional work experience. You will also need to have academic referees to support your application.

Most students who are successful in their application for admission to a research degree are in the top 5-10 per cent of their class in their previous degree.

Fees & scholarships

Domestic There are no tuition fees for students from Australia or New Zealand citizens enrolling in a higher degree by research for the first time. Their research training costs are met by the Australian government. You can apply for a  Australian Postgraduate Award (APA)  to cover your living expenses but there are only a limited number of scholarships available. The closing date for applications if you want to be considered for a scholarship is 31 October to commence by the following March. Occasionally, scholarships are available for mid-year entry by August.

International International students are required to pay  tuition fees . A very small number of scholarships is available to cover fees. There is also a very small number of scholarships to cover  living expenses . Only the most outstanding international applicants will receive these scholarships. We strongly encourage you to investigate other funding options before submitting your application. The closing date for applications if you want to be considered for  ANU scholarship  is 31 August to commence by the following March.

Find a supervisor

One of the most important steps in making an application is to identify a potential supervisor. Your application will only be successful if there is an academic in the College who is willing to supervise your research project.

The best way to identify some potential supervisors is to search the ANU  Researchers Database . You can search for researchers by name, discipline, country or other key word.

You can also find out about potential supervisors, and their research interests, by browsing the websites of the Schools located in the College of Asia and the Pacific.

• School of Regulation and Global Governance (RegNet)
• School of Culture, History & Language

The  CAP Student Centre  may also be able to help you identify a potential supervisor if you have difficulty finding one.

Make contact

Once you have identified a potential supervisor (or perhaps two or three) you should make contact with them, well in advance of making your application..

Potential supervisors will expect you to send a 2-3 page outline of your proposed research, along with a Curriculum Vitae that includes details of your academic performance.

The academic staff member will let you know if they are interested in discussing your proposal further and developing it into a full application. Normally there are several email exchanges, or telephone discussions, with a potential supervisor before a final application is submitted.

If the person you contact is not interested in your research they may be able to suggest other potential supervisors and will often forward your details to colleagues who may be closer to your area of research.

If you are having trouble making contact with your potential supervisor, please get in touch with the  CAP Student Centre  

Submit application

Applications for research degrees at ANU are made online . To view the list of research degrees available you may navigate to the ANU  Programs and Courses  website and filter programs by 'Research' and 'College of Asia and the Pacific'.

If you need any additional advice on completing your application please contact the  CAP Student Centre  .

Applications can be submitted at any time during the year, but if you want to be considered for a scholarship the closing dates are (31 August for international students or 31 October for domestic students). Scholarship recipients must commence by 31 March of the following year.

Here are a couple of important pieces of information that will help you in filling the application form.

• For Academic Group select “College of Asia and the Pacific”
• For Program Code select the code which relates to the relevant School (see table below)

Crawford School of Public Policy - 9540 PhD - 8540 MPhil - NSC code: 9850 PhD

School of Culture, History & Language (CHL) - 9050 PhD - 8050 MPhil

Coral Bell School of Asia Pacific Affairs - 9510 PhD - 8510 MPhil

School of Regulation, Global Governance (RegNet) - 9560 PhD - 8560 MPhil

E  [email protected]

P  1800 620 032 (within Australia)

P  +61 2 6125 7257 (outside Australia)

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Why were so many metro stations in Moscow renamed?

Okhotny Ryad station in Soviet times and today.

The Moscow metro system has 275 stations, and 28 of them have been renamed at some point or other—and several times in some cases. Most of these are the oldest stations, which opened in 1935.

The politics of place names

The first station to change its name was Ulitsa Kominterna (Comintern Street). The Comintern was an international communist organization that ceased to exist in 1943, and after the war Moscow authorities decided to call the street named after it something else. In 1946, the station was renamed Kalininskaya. Then for several days in 1990, the station was called Vozdvizhenka, before eventually settling on Aleksandrovsky Sad, which is what it is called today.

The banner on the entraince reads: "Kalininskaya station." Now it's Alexandrovsky Sad.

Until 1957, Kropotkinskaya station was called Dvorets Sovetov ( Palace of Soviets ). There were plans to build a monumental Stalinist high-rise on the site of the nearby Cathedral of Christ the Saviour , which had been demolished. However, the project never got off the ground, and after Stalin's death the station was named after Kropotkinskaya Street, which passes above it.

Dvorets Sovetov station, 1935. Letters on the entrance: "Metro after Kaganovich."

Of course, politics was the main reason for changing station names. Initially, the Moscow Metro itself was named after Lazar Kaganovich, Joseph Stalin’s right-hand man. Kaganovich supervised the construction of the first metro line and was in charge of drawing up a master plan for reconstructing Moscow as the "capital of the proletariat."

In 1955, under Nikita Khrushchev's rule and during the denunciation of Stalin's personality cult, the Moscow Metro was named in honor of Vladimir Lenin.

Kropotkinskaya station, our days. Letters on the entrance: "Metropolitan after Lenin."

New Metro stations that have been opened since the collapse of the Soviet Union simply say "Moscow Metro," although the metro's affiliation with Vladimir Lenin has never officially been dropped.

Zyablikovo station. On the entrance, there are no more signs that the metro is named after Lenin.

Stations that bore the names of Stalin's associates were also renamed under Khrushchev. Additionally, some stations were named after a neighborhood or street and if these underwent name changes, the stations themselves had to be renamed as well.

Until 1961 the Moscow Metro had a Stalinskaya station that was adorned by a five-meter statue of the supreme leader. It is now called Semyonovskaya station.

Left: Stalinskaya station. Right: Now it's Semyonovskaya.

The biggest wholesale renaming of stations took place in 1990, when Moscow’s government decided to get rid of Soviet names. Overnight, 11 metro stations named after revolutionaries were given new names. Shcherbakovskaya became Alekseyevskaya, Gorkovskaya became Tverskaya, Ploshchad Nogina became Kitay-Gorod and Kirovskaya turned into Chistye Prudy. This seriously confused passengers, to put it mildly, and some older Muscovites still call Lubyanka station Dzerzhinskaya for old times' sake.

At the same time, certain stations have held onto their Soviet names. Marksistskaya and Kropotkinskaya, for instance, although there were plans to rename them too at one point.

"I still sometimes mix up Teatralnaya and Tverskaya stations,” one Moscow resident recalls .

 “Both have been renamed and both start with a ‘T.’ Vykhino still grates on the ear and, when in 1991 on the last day of my final year at school, we went to Kitay-Gorod to go on the river cruise boats, my classmates couldn’t believe that a station with that name existed."

The city government submitted a station name change for public discussion for the first time in 2015. The station in question was Voykovskaya, whose name derives from the revolutionary figure Pyotr Voykov. In the end, city residents voted against the name change, evidently not out of any affection for Voykov personally, but mainly because that was the name they were used to.

What stations changed their name most frequently?

Some stations have changed names three times. Apart from the above-mentioned Aleksandrovsky Sad (Ulitsa Kominterna->Kalininskaya->Vozdvizhenka->Aleksandrovsky Sad), a similar fate befell Partizanskaya station in the east of Moscow. Opened in 1944, it initially bore the ridiculously long name Izmaylovsky PKiO im. Stalina (Izmaylovsky Park of Culture and Rest Named After Stalin). In 1947, the station was renamed and simplified for convenience to Izmaylovskaya. Then in 1963 it was renamed yet again—this time to Izmaylovsky Park, having "donated" its previous name to the next station on the line. And in 2005 it was rechristened Partizanskaya to mark the 60th anniversary of victory in World War II. 

Partizanskaya metro station, nowadays.

Another interesting story involves Alekseyevskaya metro station. This name was originally proposed for the station, which opened in 1958, since a village with this name had been located here. It was then decided to call the station Shcherbakovskaya in honor of Aleksandr Shcherbakov, a politician who had been an associate of Stalin. Nikita Khrushchev had strained relations with Shcherbakov, however, and when he got word of it literally a few days before the station opening the builders had to hastily change all the signs. It ended up with the concise and politically correct name of Mir (Peace).

The name Shcherbakovskaya was restored in 1966 after Khrushchev's fall from power. It then became Alekseyevskaya in 1990.

Alekseyevskaya metro station.

But the station that holds the record for the most name changes is Okhotny Ryad, which opened in 1935 on the site of a cluster of market shops. When the metro system was renamed in honor of Lenin in 1955, this station was renamed after Kaganovich by way of compensation. The name lasted just two years though because in 1957 Kaganovich fell out of favor with Khrushchev, and the previous name was returned. But in 1961 it was rechristened yet again, this time in honor of Prospekt Marksa, which had just been built nearby.

Okhotny Ryad station in 1954 and Prospekt Marksa in 1986.

In 1990, two historical street names—Teatralny Proyezd and Mokhovaya Street—were revived to replace Prospekt Marksa, and the station once again became Okhotny Ryad.

Okhotny Ryad in 2020.

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