Master of Science (MSc) Socio-ecological economics and policy

Transcription

1 Master of Science (MSc) Socio-ecological economics and policy

2 MSc Socio-Ecological Economics and Policy At a glance Duration Credits Degree awarded to graduates Start Capacity Four semesters, full-time degree program 120 ECTS credits (incl. 20 ECTS credits for the master thesis) Master of Science (WU) Every winter semester Up to 60 students per academic year Application Rolling admission starts in September 2013 (more information on page 10) Contact [email protected] There are very few development issues that are not hugely affected by a rapidly changing environment and cross-sectoral influences. We do not have the luxury any more to look at a program only from a technical and/or political perspective. Understanding demographic developments, the increasing influence of civil society, climate impacts, international negotiations over global goods, financial liquidity and feasibility, etc. is much more important for our programs today than understanding infra-structure, water engineering or health care, which seem to be job descriptions of the past. This is why, to us, the new MSc Socio-Ecological Economics and Policy at WU looks very interesting and relevant for addressing key sustainability issues. Werner L. Kornexl, Senior Climate Change Specialist, World Bank wu.ac.at/master/en/seep

3 3 Sigrid Stagl Stephan Huger Dear prospective students, The program offers training in socioeconomic analysis and focuses on the interfaces between environmental, economic and social challenges. This interdisciplinary and internationally oriented approach builds upon three major pillars: theory, method, and application. The theory courses include concepts from different disciplines, selected for their content and adequacy for studying global challenges. The method courses offer an integrated introduction to qualitative and quantitative methods and thus illustrate how they are best combined in empirical analyses. Relevance for policy making and organizational practice is emphasized throughout the program. Developing innovative and novel policy responses to global change demands approaches that include historic, descriptive, and institutional analyses as well as understanding of legal frameworks and regulatory constraints. In particular, theories, methods, and analyses are brought together in two concentration areas, which students choose themselves out of four subject areas, namely (i) Environmental Change and Policy, (ii) Population, Human Capital and Policy, (iii) Globalization and Multi-Level Policy, and (iv) Globalization and Social Policy. Open to a select group of students from all over the world, this program combines academic excellence with practical and political relevance. The program is aimed at students with a diverse array of backgrounds, who have a deep concern for the challenges arising from rapid environmental change, population dynamics, poverty, and exclusion, and are keen to find ways to enhance environmental sustainability, opportunities for community livelihoods, and human well-being. The program equips graduates with the socioeconomic concepts and qualitative and quantitative research skills to undertake high-quality analysis and to formulate policy suggestions. I look forward to welcoming you to our program! Sigrid Stagl Program Director Socio-Ecological Economics and Policy

4 MSc Socio-Ecological Economics and Policy Content and Structure This internationally unique program offers an integrated approach to studying the working of the human-environment system. Rapid environmental change, population dynamics, poverty, and exclusion are interrelated processes that challenge human development. To tackle these complex issues, traditional disciplinary approaches to analysis and policy formulation are not sufficient. Instead, integrated and interdisciplinary approaches to studying the working of the human-environment system are needed. This program presents integrated approaches to development and human well-being that go beyond the usual polarization between socioeconomic development and environmental goals. SEEP (Socio-Ecological Economics and Policy) is an innovative, internationally unique program that equips participants with the necessary theoretical background and factual information about the interconnected dynamics of economic and social systems and the physical environment. Even more progressively, the program enables participants to understand different problem framings and use appropriate analytical tools to engage in decision processes and longer-term policy on multiple spatial levels. The strong interdisciplinary background acquired in SEEP provides graduates with the skills to play a leading role in resolving the critical economic, environmental and social problems of the 21 st century.

5 5 The main elements of the SEEP curriculum are: a conceptual framework for understanding global economic, environmental and social change, sophisticated skills in socioeconomic analysis, and qualitative as well as quantitative methods, concentration areas in Environmental Change and Policy Population, Human Capital and Policy Globalization and Multi-Level Policy, and Globalization and Social Policy, an ability to apply skills and expertise to difficult and complex real world problems. FIRST YEAR At the beginning, students study global challenges and socioeconomic theories in detail and start acquiring the foundation of methods. They become familiar with their two chosen concentration areas. SECOND YEAR Students advance quickly to specialized expertise and real-world applications. In this phase, the main courses will be in the concentration areas and students will explore the interdependencies between these areas. Students develop and hone their research skills through course work and writing a thesis. Students have the opportunity to spend one of the four semesters abroad (subject to approval). The great societal challenges of our time require an interdisciplinary approach and the ability to integrate different areas and methods. The new MSc Socio-Ecological Economics and Policy at WU seems to equip graduates with this ability, combined with sound economic expertise. This is exactly what international and European organizations, including the European Commission, need. Martin Büchele, working for the European Commission, DG Environment

6 MSc Socio-Ecological Economics and Policy program structure* Contemporary Global Policy Challenges Methodology for Interdisciplinary Research Growth, Well-Being and Development International Institutions, Governance and Policy Evaluation 8 ECTS each Actors, Behaviors and Decision Processes Qualitative and Quantitative Methods Concentration Area 1** Concentration Area 2** 8 ECTS 10 ECTS 5 ECTS 5 ECTS Qualitative and Quantitative Methods 2 Concentration Area 1 (Part 2) Concentration Area 2 (Part 2) 10 ECTS each Advanced Research Methods Research Seminar Master Thesis 5 ECTS 5 ECTS 20 ECTS ** For details see: wu.ac.at/master/en/seep ** Concentration Areas (choice of two): Environment, Population, Multi-Level Policy, Social Policy

7 7 Qualification Profile and Career Prospects The program has been designed to provide students with the necessary understanding of global sustainability issues, an ability to work in interdisciplinary teams, and sound training in socioeconomic concepts and methods. SEEP graduates will: be equipped with the theories, methods and empirical approaches necessary for an in-depth understanding of global social, economic and environmental policy issues, be aware of the variety of ethical issues arising from sustainable development, possess the skills essential for interdisciplinary analysis, and be able to work in international teams in developing, designing and evaluating novel policy responses. The MSc program prepares graduates for: employment as policy analysts, program managers, consultants, civil servants, project managers and advisors who provide an insight into and support decision processes relating to sustainability issues by, for example, undertaking risk and uncertainty analyses in the social and environmental sectors; analyzing long-term developments relating to climate change, population development or aging in society; undertaking sustainability appraisals at company, regional or policy levels; helping design social, environmental, economic or educational policies; designing and facilitating participatory processes, work in international organizations, consultancies, companies, ministries, national and international NGOs, and research institutes where interdisciplinary skills and knowledge about the interactions of sustainability issues are needed, continue on to doctoral studies in the social sciences, in particular in economics, social policy, environmental studies and demography.

8 MSc Socio-Ecological Economics and Policy Program Faculty The faculty is characterized by its integrated approach, international outlook and reputation, and interactive teaching. The work of the faculty members combines academic excellence with relevance for addressing key sustainability issues. Faculty Department of Socioeconomics Wolfgang Lutz, Demography, Education, Sustainability Gunther Maier, Regional Economics, Econometrics Reinhard Mechler, Ecological Economics, Climate Economics, Integrated Assessment Andreas Novy, International Development, Sustainability August Österle, Social Policy, Health Economics Christian Rammel, Ecological Economics, Resilience, Education for Sustainability Armon Rezai, Ecological Economics, Macroeconomics Karolina Safarzynska, Socio-technical Transitions, Evolutionary Econ Modeling Ulrike Schneider, Social Policy, Economics of the Elderly Clive Spash, Social Ecological Economics, Public Policy Sigrid Stagl, Program Director; Ecological Economics, Behavioral Economics Franz Tödtling, Regional Development, Innovation, Regional Clusters Program Management Peter Schauer, Program Manager

9 9 Program Application Criteria To be admitted to the program, applicants have to undergo a comprehensive selection process. The following requirements apply to the Master in Socio-Ecological Economics and Policy: ONLINE APPLICATION The first step in the admission process is the online application. To apply for the program, the following minimum requirements apply: Completion of or enrollment in a relevant bachelor program or other equivalent degree program at a recognized Austrian or international postsecondary institution. To be considered relevant, the completed program has to meet the following criteria: The program must be worth at least 180 ECTS credits. At least 16 ECTS credits must be from any one of the following subjects: economics, other social sciences, or statistics/mathematics/ quantitative methods. The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is highly recommended. SELECTION INTERVIEWS After evaluation of the submitted documents, WU will invite the best candidates for individual interviews, where the following criteria will be assessed: Communication skills Prior knowledge in global sustainability issues and international policy processes Social skills International orientation Students who fulfil the requirements will be accepted on an individual basis by a selection committee consisting of at least three faculty members. In some cases, the committee will admit candidates subject to their taking certain courses prior to enrollment. For further and more detailed information on the application requirements and admission process, please visit the program s website at wu.ac.at/master/en/seep

10 MSc Socio-Ecological Economics and Policy Application and Admissions at WU Selection procedures apply for all English-taught MSc programs. WU employs a rolling admission policy with three priority deadlines. Application The rolling admission policy allows students to apply from the beginning of September until spring. Submitted applications are batched and processed according to so-called priority deadlines. This means that the processing of applications submitted after a particular priority deadline will be delayed until after the next deadline. The first step in the application process is an online application.to keep quality standards high, all of WU's Englishtaught MSc programs are open to only a limited number of students. For this reason, all applicants are subject to a comprehensive selection process. Proficiency in English Applicants must provide proof that they have a sufficient command of the English lanuage (e.g. TOEFL 600/250/ 100, IELTS 7.0, CAE Certificate in Advanced English, English as a mother tongue or a bachelor degree with English as language of instruction). Admissions Students selected for admission must come to WU's Admissions Office in person to enroll. Detailed information on the documents required are available online: admission/international Application process for enrollment in the 2014/15 winter semester Rolling admission starts on September 2, 2013 with the following three priority deadlines: October 8, 2013 March 8, 2014 January 8, 2014

11 11 Academic Calendar At WU, the academic year is divided into two semesters. The winter semester starts in October and ends in February. It is followed by the summer semester, which runs until the end of June. Summer vacation is in July, August and September. All English-taught master programs start in the winter semester. Detailed information on enrollment deadlines and WU's academic calendar can be found on the WU website under wu.ac.at/students/en/begin Scholarships WU does not offer any traditional scholarships. However, if certain conditions apply, WU does have two financial aid programs that provide need-based and merit-based scholarship grants. For further information, please contact WU s Study Regulations Office (wu.ac.at/structure/en/servicecenters/ regulations) or visit the Austrian Database for Scholarships and Research Grants (OeAD) website at Tuition Fees No tuition fees apply for EU citizens during the standard duration of their program (plus two extra semesters). All those exceeding the standard duration, however, are required to pay a tuition fee of approximately 360 per semester. Non-EU students are required to pay Under certain circumstances, the sameregulations that apply to EU citizens can apply to non-eu students as well. To find out more, please visit wu.ac.at/students/en/org/tuition

12 About WU Organizing your studies at WU Getting started isn t always easy. WU provides special support and services to help international students get their bearings in Vienna and get off to a great start at WU. WU s Admissions Office (wu.ac.at/ structure/en/admission) is the first contact point for international degree program students. Getting Started On its website, WU offers comprehensive information for international students including topics such as living in Vienna, travelling to WU, student life on campus etc. wu.ac.at/prospective/international Housing A cooperation with the OeAD Housing Office guarantees WU a certain quota of student residences each year. The quotas are pre-reserved until May 15 (for the winter semester) and November 15 (for the summer semester). Students are encouraged to book a room as soon as possible (first come, first served). A security deposit must be paid in advance in order to ensure that the application is processed and to confirm the OeAD s offer. A place in a student residence offers several advantages, e.g. proof of accommodation for visa purposes. To book one of WU s pre-reserved rooms, you need to fill out the application on the OeAD homepage and send an to [email protected] to inform the International Office of your application. Bridging Courses Students who want to refresh their skills before courses start are welcome to attend bridging courses that are offered in the fall and spring before the start of each semester. WU provides German courses at several different skill levels to its international students. During the academic year, beginner s courses in other modern languages are also offered. They help students achieve a basic skill level within a year.

13 13 Online Services A wide selection of online services is available to students on WU s website wu.ac.at. WU s elearning platform Learn@WU ( offers a broad range of study materials and course information, and also serves an important social function in the WU student community. Learn@WU has special clubs for each English-taught master program. Students who have been accepted into the program can join even before arriving at WU, so they can get to know their fellow students, contact program coordinators, and find out important information about their programs. Student Jobs at WU WU students have many opportunities to actively participate in student and campus life. They may, for instance, choose to become course tutors, join one of our academic units as student staff members, or get involved with the Students Union. Central WU WU is easily accessible by public transport, and only a few minutes away from the city center. The Austrian Students Union at WU The Austrian Students Union (ÖH) represents the interests of all WU students and offers them a wide spectrum of services. It provides support and information on all of WU s academic programs and other university-related issues, and also organizes numerous events and activities, for example panel discussions, workshops, and seminars on a variety of topics.

14 About WU WU International WU is a truly international university, because it recognized the necessity of thinking beyond Austria s borders early on and has made internationalization a number one priority. WU has successfully integrated many international aspects in research and teaching over the past few years. With around 230 partner universities all over the world, WU maintains a strong international network. Today WU is involved in numerous externally-funded international research projects and has increased the number of its faculty members with international backgrounds, especially over the last few years. International Students As a result of these efforts, WU has a very high percentage of international students: Today, more than one out of every four WU students comes from outside of Austria (not including exchange students), and this number is growing from year to year. Currently, most of WU s international students are from Germany, Turkey, Eastern Europe, Italy, China, and the USA. Confirmed Quality WU s international students can be sure they are studying at a leading European university. WU s high standards in research and teaching are confirmed by the international and prestigious EQUIS accreditation a seal of quality that has been awarded to only 142 universities worldwide ( International ratings like the Financial Times Ranking have repeatedly positioned WU and its programs among the top universities in its field, and document WU s continuous progress each year ( Worldwide Networks Membership in many international networks allows WU to find top-quality international partners for collaboration on various levels and projects.

15 15 FINANCIAL TIMES RANKINGS Masters in Management Ranking 2012 WU s International Business Administration program Overall rank: 22 nd out of 70 programs Master in CEMS/International Management program Overall rank: 3 rd out of 70 programs European Business Schools th out of 75 for WU Executive MBA Ranking 2012 Overall rank: 51 st out of 100 worldwide for WU s EMBA program WU is a member of respected associations like CEMS (Global Alliance in Management Education), an alliance of 28 top business schools and over 72 of the world s leading multinational companies ( and PIM (Partnership in International Management), a network of 58 highly-renowned business schools and universities around the globe ( Gateway to CEE CEE-related issues are among WU s core competencies. Because of the university s vicinity to Central and Eastern Europe, WU has established a CEE Competence Center. WU s CEE activities include not only research projects, but also special educational opportunities for students in the form of exchange programs. A wide range of CEE languages is taught at WU as well.

16 About WU WU Key Data 2012/13 Students Total number of students (fall 2012) International students (fall 2012) Exchange students (incoming/outgoing) Partner universities Courses in English 23,584 (48% women, 20% graduate-level) 6,505 (28% of total) ~ 2,000 per year ~ 230 ~ 130/semester Faculty and Staff 1 Total faculty 2 Administrative staff 558 (44% women) 449 (68% women) Resources Premises New Campus Library stock 100,000 m² ~ 810,000 media Graduate Programs German-taught MSc programs Business Education Business Law (LL.M.) Economics Finance and Accounting Management Socioeconomics Taxation and Accounting German-taught doctoral/phd programs Doctoral Program in Business Law (Dr. iur.) Doctoral Program in Social and Economic Sciences 3 PhD in Economics and Social Sciences 3 English-taught MSc programs Information Systems International Management/CEMS Marketing Quantitative Finance Socio-Ecological Economics and Policy Strategy, Innovation, and Management Control Supply Chain Management English-taught doctoral/phd programs PhD in International Business Taxation PhD in Finance 1) 2012 in full-time equivalents 2) not including personnel funded by third parties 3) English track available

17 17 WU History & Highlights Founded over 110 years ago, today WU is Austria s leading university of economics and business, and one of the most renowned universities in the German-speaking world and all of Europe On October 1st, WU was founded as the Imperial Export Academy, located on Berggasse, Vienna The Imperial Export Academy was transformed into the state-run University of World Trade with a study program duration of six semesters WU was granted the right to award doctoral degrees The university received the name Wirtschaftsuniversität Wien WU, now with almost 10,000 students, moved to new premises As a university with a leading position in its region, WU became a member of the PIM network WU became one of the first universities to join the CEMS alliance In the fall of 2006 WU launched its first BSc program, the beginning of the overall implementation of the Bologna system with bachelor, master and PhD programs WU received the renowned EQUIS accreditation, renewed in 2013, affiliating it with top universities worldwide with the highest standards MSc programs are available as of fall 2012, seven of which are taught entirely in English Relocation to the new campus WU in fall 2013 next to Vienna's Prater Park.

18 About WU Campus WU WU will be relocating to its spacious new campus in September The new Campus WU offers plenty of space for all of WU s students, professors, and staff members: room to communicate, discuss, exchange ideas, study, teach, research, discover, and relax. The new campus, located between the Messe Wien trade fair complex and the beautiful Prater Park, has multiple building complexes to house WU s academic units, auditoriums, libraries, and administrative buildings. It is conveniently accessible by public transport and has direct access to the Prater Park. A number of outstanding international architects were involved in planning and realizing the new Campus WU. To get an idea of what s in store this fall, have a look at the photos on the opposite page. NEW Campus WU Built-up area: approx. 35,000 m² Net floor space: approx. 100,000 m² Open space accessible to public: 55,000 m² Five building complexes grouped around the central Learning Center Workplaces for 3,000 students Address: Welthandelsplatz 1, 1020 Vienna, Austria Public transport: Underground U2 line, Messe Prater and Krieau stations

19 : Learning Center, Zaha Hadid Architects 2: WU Executive Academy, NO.MAD Arquitectos S. L. 3: Departments and University administration, CRABstudio 4: Department buildings and Auditorium Center, BUSarchitektur ZT GmbH 5: Department buildings and external services, Atelier Hitoshi Abe 6: Department buildings, Estudio Carme Pinós S. L. 1 1 Zaha Hadid Architects 2 2 NO.MAD Arquitectos S. L. 3 3 CRABstudio

20 4 Sc Information Systems : Learning Center, Zaha Hadid Architects 2: WU Executive Academy, NO.MAD Arquitectos S. L. 3: Departments and University administration, CRABstudio 4: Department buildings and Auditorium Center, BUSarchitektur ZT GmbH 5: Department buildings and external services, Atelier Hitoshi Abe 6: Department buildings, Estudio Carme Pinós S. L. 4 4 BUSarchitektur ZT GmbH 5 5 Atelier Hitoshi Abe 6 6 Estudio Carme Pinós S. L.

21 21 In the heart of Europe Vienna is one of the safest and most livable cities in the world, perfectly balanced ICELAND between history and the 21 st century. Its geographical position makes it an important location for international companies and organizations. FINLAND NORWAY SWEDEN ESTONIA RUSSIA IRELAND UNITED KINGDOM DENMARK NETHERLANDS LITHUANIA RUSSIA LATVIA BELGIUM GERMANY POLAND BELARUS LUXEMBURG UKRAINE PORTUGAL FRANCE CZECH REPUBLIC SLOVAKIA LIECHTENSTEIN Vienna SWITZERLAND ITALY AUSTRIA HUNGARY SLOVENIA CROATIA ROMANIA MOLDOVA SPAIN BOSNIA- HERZEGOVINA SERBIA BULGARIA MONTENEGRO ALBANIA MACEDONIA GREECE TURKEY MALTA

22 22 Fiaker St. Stephan s Cathedral vienna At A glance political function population Metropolitan area City of Vienna cee headquarters international organizations rankings Quality of Living (Mercer), 2012 Liveability (The Economist), 2012 Most Liveable Cities (Monocle), 2012 Capital of Austria ~ 2.4 million ~ 1.7 million Coca-Cola, Henkel, Siemens, etc. UNO, UNIDO, IAEA, OPEC, OSCE, etc. 1 st place 2 nd place 4 th place Vienna is one of Austria s nine federal provinces and, at the same time, its capital. Thanks to its wide range of cultural attractions, excellent infrastructure, low crime rate and clean environment, Vienna has been ranked the world s top city for quality of living (Mercer 2012). A city With many FAceS Vienna is a city full of history. The nostalgic charm of its downtown area is complemented by the vitality of a modern metropolis. Along with monuments from past centuries and traditional Viennese cafés, visitors are offered modern architecture and spacious shopping areas. A host of world-class museums, theaters and the famous Vienna State Opera will appeal to cultural enthusiasts. Diverse music and art festivals like the annual Donauinselfest, or the jazz festival in Wiesen (near Vienna) inspire open air fans, especially in the summertime.

23 23 Living in Vienna How high is the cost of living in Vienna? How can I find accommodation? And where can I look up job offers especially for students? Living costs / Life in Vienna is quite affordable, especially for a capital city Accommodation Health insurance Essentials (food, personal expenses) Public transport Books approx per month approx. 50 per month approx. 300 per month approx. 150 per semester approx per semester Housing/Accommodation WU has no on-campus dormitories or housing services. Still, accomodation can easily be found through the following channels or through newspapers/ online ads: nonprofit student housing organization that manages several residence halls Wihast Dormitories index_e.asp OeAD Housing Office next to the campus list of available apartments to share provided by Austrian Students' Union Working in Vienna WU s ZBP Career Center is the first place to go with any questions regarding working in Austria ( Job openings for students, graduates and young professionals Contacts to over 500 national and international companies Approx. 1,500 job vacancies/year

24 INFORMATION AND CONTACT To find out more about the Master in Socio-Ecological Economics and Policy, please visit wu.ac.at/master/en/seep Program Director of the Master in Socio-Ecological Economics and Policy: Sigrid Stagl For further questions please ADMISSIONS OFFICE/ PROGRAM INFORMATION For information concerning applications and admissions please contact: For all other study-related matters please contact: WU (Vienna University of Economics and Business) As of 09/2013: Welthandelsplatz 1, 1020 Vienna, Austria 07/2013