Introduction. The increase in the number of foreign students in Russian universities dictates the need to find additional opportunities for controlled mastery of the Russian language beyond the scope of practical classes in Russian as a foreign language. We believe that the solution of this problem at the master's level will be facilitated by the use of interactive learning system. The aim of this study is to develop a model reflecting the process of formation of professional and communicative competence of a foreign student in the Master's programme, and to identify on the basis of the model the ways to optimise the acquisition of Russian as a foreign language when studying in non-philological areas. Methods: analysis of scientific and methodological literature, triad networks, analysis of educational programs in the magistracy, survey. Results research: 1) difficulties encountered by teachers of special disciplines in teaching foreign students in Master's degree programmes were revealed; 2) programmes on Russian as a foreign language and special disciplines were analysed, interrelations between programmes were revealed; 3) a survey among students was conducted, difficulties of teaching in Master's degree programmes were revealed; 4) a model of formation of professional-communicative competence of foreign students was created; on the basis of the model a resource of optimisation of mastering Russian as a foreign language in Master's degree programmes was revealed; 5) a system-forming basis of formation of professional and communicative competence of foreign students is offered. Conclusion. The resulting model allows for a comprehensive consideration of the aspects and factors influencing the formation of professional and communicative competence of a foreign undergraduate non-philologist. The prospects for further research are seen in the development of specific methodological recommendations on the basis of this model for teaching foreign Master's students in non-philology, both for teachers of Russian as a foreign language and for teachers of special subjects.