Study Guide

Description

The Master's Degree in Risk Management and Circular Economy is a professional higher education degree specialized in innovative problem-solving, design and development of methods, approaches and technologies in industry and public administration concerning circular economy. Special emphasis is given to the risk analysis and management of new solutions and approaches.. To be eligible for applying to the Master's degree programme in Risk Management and Circular Economy the applicant must have a Bachelor's degree in either in Engineering, Natural Resources or Business Administration and at least three years of work experience in the field after the completion of the Bachelor´s degree.

Background
Due to the growing global consumption of raw materials and global warming, there is a growing need for experts with the capacity to assess product and service life cycles and to improve material efficiency. In addition to technical know-how, experts must have the expertise in sustainability and economics. The design of products and services must also take into account their lifetime extension, reuse and recycling.
Risk Management and Circular Economy is an Master's degree program taught in English. The education focuses on innovative problem solving and planning for the circular economy and on the development of new methods, approaches and technologies. This Master's programme provides specialists that have expertise in risk management and circular economy principles and practices. Graduates will be able to apply and use LCA, sustainability and risk management measures to ensure products and services.

Aim of the programme
This Master’s programme aims to provide the society with highly qualified experts who have
1. Profound and forefront knowledge about circular economy and its effects, possibilities and risks in the society. A special emphasis is put to the latest research information available and incorporating the recent findings to the ongoing studies.
2. Ability and skills to solve demanding and profound problems and analyse analyse possibilities and risks involved in the innovations and approaches in circular economy applications in the society and industry in accordance with the UN Nation Sustainable Development Agenda 2030.
3. Skills and competences to design complex systems and strategies to implement circular economy approach taking into account the possible risks and challenges involved.

The participants will share knowledge by teamwork and design together new methods to solve demanding working life problems in the field of circular economy. The participants can apply their knowledge and skills in combining risk management and circular economy together.

Competences developed
After completing the studies, graduates have specialized knowledge of the circular economy principles and practices related to risk management and circular economy. Graduates can apply and use life cycle assessment (LCA), sustainability and risk managementtools to ensuresafe and sustainable products and services and taking into account the principles and opportunities of circular economy approach as well as risks involved. They are able to pose questions outside their own field of expertise and question traditional approaches in a critical manner and suggest new, innovative solutions based on circular economy principles. They also have skills to design and apply new methods, tools and strategies in complex and demanding cases, where sustainable methods in production and services are needed to apply, revise or invent.
The graduates are able to communicate responsibly and effectively both in professional, academic environment as well as with a wider audience.


Professional status
The degree complies with the criteria set by the Finnish national degree system as well as with the European Qualifications Framework (Level 7) for degrees and competences. The degree gives a qualification for a public appointment where a Master's degree is required.

Structure of studies
This Master's degree programme is 60 credits in extent and it takes 1.5 years to complete. The studies are mainly on-line courses including four intensive study weeks in Finland (4 days per week). It is possible to study on this master's programme while working full-time.
The studies include advanced professional studies 25 credits, master´s thesis 30 credits and free-choice studies 5 credits. In addition to these, the students with degree in business administration will study general master’s studies 30 cr in extent (totally 90 credits).