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The model of RiMCE at TAMK

The Master's Degree in Risk Management and Circular Economy (RiMCE) brings together students with diverse educational, professional, and cultural backgrounds. The applicants with a degree in Bachelor's of Engineering, Natural Resources and Business Administration or other suitable Bachelor’s degree can apply to the program. Collaborative learning in multidisciplinary and intercultural teams give students competence valued in modern working life.

The Master's Degree in Risk Management and Circular Economy (RiMCE) is a professional mid-career Master’s degree and requires 2 years (24 months) of working experience after a Bachelor’s. Because the Bachelor’s degrees are either 240 or 210 ECTS credits also the master studies are either 60 or 90 ECTS credits (MBA).

TAMK has broad expertise in circular economy, excellent network of business partners, and research, development, and innovation (RDI) activities promoting bio- and circular economy. The RiMCE programme operates as a forerunner in circular economy pedagogy providing circular economy theory, viewpoints, and models from practice.

Demand for the RiMCE professionals

Climate change, the loss of biodiversity and over-consumption of raw materials requires professionals of a new kind with awareness of planetary boundaries, a solution-centric and change-agent’s mindset to lead the change towards a more sustainable future.

Circular economy challenges the traditional linear economy “take - make - dispose”. According to Ellen MacArthur Foundation “A circular economy is based on the principles of designing out waste and pollution, keeping products and materials in use, and regenerating natural systems”. Important policy documents for circular economy development are the UNs 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), European Green Deal which aims to transform the EU into the first climate neutral continent in 2050 and the new Circular economy action plan (CEAP) which aims to ensure that waste is prevented and the resources used are kept in the EU economy for as long as possible.

Closing the loops requires thorough managerial, professional, and strategic thinking of how to design products, processes and services and what kind of material and models should be used to achieve sustainability goals. For more radical change to happen, a paradigm shift is needed in the way things and whole systems are being designed. To date, the focus of circular economy debate and practice has been to a significant extent in technology, resource efficiency and environmental management. Also, the development has greatly taken place in organizational silos, instead of multidisciplinary networks and co-creation. However, circular economy as a new economy and way of working increasingly calls for service management, customer experience focus, added value approach, leadership and change management, logistics expertise, experimentation culture and iteration, and future foresight, “take off”, grow, and prosper.

Learning outcomes of the RiMCE programme

The graduates have specialized knowledge of the circular economy theories, principles, and practices. They can apply up-to-date knowledge of circular economy and risk management into their work and professional development. They understand how circular economy and risk management are interconnected and can identify, assess, and prioritize risks in different contexts.

The graduates can develop and innovate circular economy value chains and the consumer engagement in circularity actions. They can apply sustainability measurement tools (e.g. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)) for the development of more sustainable products and services. They understand the innovation pipeline process and the roles of stakeholders in sustainable business openings in the company context.

The graduates know the key factors for profitable business. They can utilize agile and lean development methodologies and design thinking for development in circular economy business.

The graduates are competent to collaborate and co create in multidisciplinary and intercultural teams. They can communicate responsibly and effectively both in professional and academic environment and with a wider audience and in networks. The graduates understand the role of leadership and communication when pursuing sustainability.

The graduates can apply the concepts of academic research in their own Master’s thesis and choose and apply the suitable research approach and methods.

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- 2 years to complete (it is possible to graduate in 1 year). The studies are mainly on-line courses including three intensive study weeks in Tampere, Finland (4 days per week) or online. It is possible to study on this Master's programme while working full-time.

The studies include 30 ECTS credits of which 10 is free-choice studies and Master´s thesis 30 ECTS credits. In addition to these, the students with degree in business administration will additional Master’s studies 30 ECTS cr in extent (totally 90 credits).