He went to London University.
Here it is assumed that he graduated.
(ученая) степень
Higher degree is the best translation.
Cтепень кандидата наук and кандидат наук are as a rule best translated literally as: degree of candidate of sciences or candidate's degree (less formal) and candidate of sciences.
Since these terms do not exist in English, and the word candidate has a more general meaning (that of a person applying for a job or position, or taking an examination), it will be necessary in many cases to explain to English people that a Russian candidate's degree is approximately equivalent to an English PhD (or doctorate). It may be justified in some cases, for example, when talking to English or American visitors, to use the word doctorate and doctorfor convenience. However, if there are people present with the degree of доктор наук, such use will obscure the difference between the two Russian degrees.
When using the literal translation candidate of sciences, it may be necessary to explain also that science does not refer to the sciences in the modern English sense.
Cтепень доктора наук and доктор наук can be translated as: degree of doctor or doctorate anddoctor (of sciences). However, it should be explained that this is not the same as an English or American doctorate, but that it is a more advanced degree, awarded for a thesis.
When translating the names of particular degrees, it seems on the whole preferable to omit the word science, although it is not necessarily incorrect to include it.
кандидат/доктор филологических наук - candidate / doctor of philology
The literal translation philologyis preferable here to artsor any of the other words discussed in connection with the translation of филологический факультет. Neither candidate/doctor of artsnorcandidate/doctor of languages and literature are English terms, and in any case the wordscandidate and doctorare themselves literal translations here. However, candidate/doctor of philology will mean nothing to an English person unfamiliar with the Russian system unless some explanation is given.
кандидат / доктор философских наук — candidate / doctor of philosophy
It may be necessary to explain that doctor of philosophy is not the same as the English degree of that name.
кандидат / доктор психологических наук — candid ate / doctor of psychology
кандидат / доктор педагогических наук— candidate/doctor of education
Pedagogical science or pedagogicsis possible, although very learned, and not so easily understood.
кандидат / доктор экономических наук — candidate/doctor of economics
кандидат / доктор юридических наук — candidate/doctor of law
The names of the other degrees can be translated in a similar way.
Диссертация
The usual British English equivalent is thesis, which is applied to both the Master's degree and the doctorate. Dissertation is used either as a general term, to denote any extended written treatment of a subject, or more specifically, to denote something of a lower academic standard than a thesis, for example, what students write for graduation in some institutions.
In American English, however, dissertation is used for a doctorate, whereasthesisdenotes something of a lower standard, for example, for a Master's degree.