13 joint european master in comparative local development
- 1. Joint European Master in COMPARATIVE LOCAL DEVELOPMENT Detailed programme description Academic Year 2011–2012
- 2. 2 Table of Contents 1. GENERAL INFORMATION �3 1.1 Main Objective �3 1.2 Structure of the Programme and Student Mobility �3 1.3 Target Students �4 1.4 Language �4 1.5 Course Descriptions �4
- 3. 1. GENERAL INFORMATION The Joint European Master in Comparative Local Development (Code) is a 24-month master’s course organised by the University of Trento (Italy, as coordinating Institution), the Corvinus University of Budapest (Hungary), the University of Ljubljana (Slovenia) and the University of Regensburg (Germany). 1.1 Main Objective Its main objective is to provide participants with the necessary knowledge and skills for introducing, supporting and co-ordinating processes of change and transformation at the local level. The focus of the programme is local development, with the following characteristics: public, private and non governmental actors are the fundamental agents; social stability and economic prosperity are pursued, in conformity with international best practices. The general approach is comparative and interdisciplinary. The primary objective of the course is to offer a programme of study which includes achieved both by means of the study of theory, and by means of the analysis of solutions at local level. The educational process is finalized through the practical experience of traineeships, in order to deepen operational knowledge of the functioning of institutions of local development and local autonomy. Master CoDe focuses on how development is linked to the territorial dimension of economic, institutional and social processes and how sub-national development can support economic and social progress, as well as political and social stability. The Course educates and trains students through theoretical and practical learning on local development. It places particular emphasis on issues arising from ethnically complex situations, and provides direct contact with European and international best practices. Students will be able to introduce, support and co-ordinate transformation at the local level, acting as an interface between organisations and structures engaged locally. Master CoDe is fully embedded in the “third wave” of local development which began in the late 1990s. Within this wave, the focus of local development has shifted from direct intervention, e.g. from individual direct financial transfers, to shaping the entire environment, including the institutional, legal, social and business environment more conducive to stabilisation, business and growth. Thus the focus is placed on supporting quality of life improvements, supporting and encouraging networking and collaboration, providing a competitive local investment climate, encouraging workforce development and education, developing a holistic strategy aimed at growing local firms. Tools used to this end include, among others, public/private partnerships, networking and the leveraging of private sector investments for the public good and soft infrastructure investments. 1.2 Structure of the Programme and Student Mobility Master CoDe is an interdisciplinary and comparative study programme comprising lectures and laboratory activities in economics, law, political science, sociology and project cycle management, as well as workshops, language courses, and discussion groups. Student mobility and teaching staff mobility are both integral to the Course. The students’ mobility arrangements will include didactic activities at two partner universities, established on a rotation 3
- 4. basis. The second part of the mobility track treats students individually: each student, according to their knowledge base and interests, chooses at which partner university to pursue the rest of their Master’s activities. First year: 1st semester (University of Trento): 1. Economic foundations of local development 9 ECTS 4 2. Legal analysis of local development 9 ECTS 3. Social foundations of local development 9 ECTS 2nd semester (University of Trento): 1. Local Data Analysis and Statistics 6 ECTS 2. Economic and social analysis of institutions 6 ECTS 3. Local sustainable development 6 ECTS 4. Research methodology 6 ECTS 5. The management of diversity in societies 6 ECTS 3rd and 4th semesters (partner universities) Optional modules, thesis writing and internship 1.3 Target Students The target students of the Programme are highly qualified young people, active in studying and promoting local development and cohabitation in their countries. In order to qualify for the programme candidates have to comply with the following requirements: 1. University degree in Economics, Law, Political Science, Sociology or an equivalent qualification, i.e. related to fields relevant for local development issues, corresponding to at least 210 ECTS, or a four-year university degree for students from countries where ECTS is not in place. 2. Fluent English and computer literacy. 1.4 Language English is the general working language of the Programme. Additionally, the programme offers Italian and German language courses and, upon request, Hungarian and Slovenian. Each student also has a personal supervisor for the master thesis (Project work) and one for the internship. For more information: www.mastercode.unitn.it 1.5 Course Descriptions SE THE WEBSITE