Università degli Studi di Perugia

Degree course in Sustainable rural development [LM-69] D. M. 270/2004

General information

Qualification awarded

Master’s Degree in Sustainable Rural Development

Level of qualification

Second cycle

Specific admission requirements and specific arrangements for recognition of prior learning

Students who intend to enrol on the Master’s Degree Programme in Sustainable Rural Development must have a three-year University Degree or Diploma, whose didactic regulations refer to class L-25 or to another recognizable qualification awarded abroad, or they must have achieved at least 80 credits in scientific disciplinary sectors within the field of agricultural studies.

Profile of the programme

The Master’s Degree Programme in SRS aims to provide students with a solid scientific multidisciplinary education and with adequate professional skills necessary to carry out planning activities, management and assessment of projects for sustainable development of rural territories and of agrofood systems production processes. Furthermore, it is aimed at the formation of graduates able to competently carry out the activities of the Agronomist profession.

Qualification requirements and regulations

The Master’s Degree Programme in SRS has a duration of two years, during which the student must obtain 120 credits. The educational activities, organized on a six-monthly basis, take place through face to face classes, exercises, practical work, seminars, training and a final examination. All aspects relative to the organization and the management of the Master’s Degree Course in SRS are described in the specific Didactic Regulation, available in the website of the Faculty. The Master offers two profiles: sustainable rural development and Sustainable agriculture.

Key learning outcomes

The Master’s Degree Programme is aimed at forming graduates able to: act autonomously, to plan, manage and assess projects relevant to the development of agricultural production, in consideration of agricultural goods consumers’ trends, business development strategies, policies of distribution, price and promotion of agricultural product demand; analyse and manage projects and activities relevant to the development of rural territories through the certification of agrofood products, food chains and enterprises of consultancy and services; execute projects relevant to agricultural, rural and environmental policy, evaluate private and environmental commodities, carry out agricultural, forest and bioengineering layout projects; analyse risks arising from organic and inorganic pollutants; deal with matters connected to general taxation, private company legislation, agricultural law and European regulations regarding the sector of farms and relevant services.

Examination regulations, assessment and grading

Single examinations take place orally before a Board of at least two Professors. Other possible methods of assessment (i.e. written, final or ongoing examinations, seminar presentations) are specified in the descriptions of the individual courses. The relevant examinations are assessed on a scale of 30 and, where appropriate, with honours. The final grade is based on the results of individual courses and on the final examination which involves the presentation of a written thesis to be discussed before a Board of at least seven Professors. The latter is assessed on a scale of 110 and, where appropriate, with honours.

Graduation requirements

The final qualification is awarded upon the attainment of 120 credits and upon the presentation and discussion of an experimental thesis.

Mode of study (full-time, part-time, e-learning, ...)

Full time study and attendance is recommended, however, part-time study is also possible: attendance is not compulsory and students can sit exams according to their rhythm and needs.

Occupational profiles of graduates with examples

Career opportunities of the Master’s graduate in Sustainable Rural Development are provided for within agricultural and environmental activities, services to enterprises, private practice, public administration and research institutions. The skills acquired by the graduate during this degree course are standard to exercise the profession of Agronomist.

Access to further studies

The qualification provides access to PhD.

Programme director or equivalent

Tabella riepilogativa regolamento

Rural development and multifunctionality (Regulations 2013)

Sustainable agriculture (Regulations 2013)