Certificate Diploma/BSc in Rural Development

Transcription

1 J.E. Cairnes School of Business & Economics Certificate Diploma/BSc in Rural Development PART-TIME & FULL-TIME IS THE DIPLOMA / BACHELOR IN RURAL DEVELOPMENT FOR YOU? Are you involved in, or do you have an interest in rural development? Do you wish you had a university degree but never had the opportunity? Would you like to study in your own time, without giving up your work? Would you be prepared to attend a weekend workshop 5-6 times during the academic year with other mature students from all over the country? The course is targeted towards mature learners seeking a third level qualification with an interest in rural affairs and community development, as well as Rural Enterprise managers and entrepreneurs, Enterprise support and Local authority staff, and Rural and Community Development activists seeking continuing professional development opportunities. Programme Objectives To deepen your understanding of the issues that have and will continue to shape modern Irish rural life in the areas of economy, society and environment. To introduce participants to a broad ranging knowledge of theory and practice in the field of rural development. To train participants in the planning and management of rural development activities such as community/area analysis and project management. To assist participants in critically appraising the multiplicity of local, national, and EU policy strategies and approaches to rural development issues. To provide participants with the knowledge and skills required to successfully establish and manage rural farm/non-farm based private, community, co-operative and social enterprises. To give participants the competence to communicate on a range of rural development issues and engage local stakeholders. More Information Web: lic-policy-law/cairnes/courses/adultcontinuingeducation/ruraldev/ Department of Economics, NUI Galway T: / E: rutac@nuigalway.ie Project.indd 1 25/04/ :33

2 Certificate / Diploma / BSc Rural Development Programme Structure 5-6 weekend workshops at the participating universities, which do not exceed two full days. Learning material provided through a combination of online (Blackboard) and text-based modules, tutorials, and lecture presentations. Programme Content Continuing Professional Development 10 ECTS Certificate 30 ECTS Diploma 60 ECTS (full or part-time) Degree further 120 ECTS (60 ECTS per annum) Entry Requirements Applicants will meet university requirements for matures students, that is, over 23 years of age at time of enrolment. Applicants should also have at least 2 years of rural development experience, in either a voluntary or a professional capacity. An interview may also form part of the selection criteria. Application Process To apply, please visit the website nuigalway.ie/apply/ for our online application system. Applications will continue to be reviewed up to mid- August if there are still programme places available. Programme Fees for Academic Year 2013/14 CPD 838 (EU), Certificate 1,676 (EU) Diploma 1,676/year part-time, 3,352 full-time (EU) Degree 3,352 / year (EU) Please contact rutac@nuigalway.ie for non-eu fees. I have realised that I have earned not just an Honours Degree but also a toolkit for both my own personal and professional development. The degree opened up opportunities for me to teach part-time in primary and adult education, gain recognition from the Teaching Council and ultimately to establish my own business. Bernard Joyce (B.Sc.), New Paradigms Diploma Degree YEAR 1 Full-Time Year 1 (Part-time) Year 2 (Part-time) Options* Introduction to Rural Development Rural Organization Rural Economy Rural Environment Rural Society Community Education OR Communications for Rural Development Social Farming OR Food Business YEAR 2 Full-Time Rural Research Rural Tourism OR Methods Integrated Rural Renewable Energy Development Policy OR Rural Enterprise Social Economy OR Integrated Rural Community Planning Professional Placement YEAR 3 Full-Time Marketing & Business Skills for Rural Enterprise Financial Marine & Natural Resources OR ICT & Rural Management Development OR Project Planning & Conservation & Development Management of the Rural Landscape OR Research Project / Eco-politics of Food Minor Thesis & Nutrition *Not offered in all years and subject to a minimum enrollment I More Information Web: Department of Economics, NUI Galway T: /492177, E: rutac@nuigalway.ie Project.indd 2 25/04/ :33

3 NUI BSc Rural Development Module Descriptions Communications for Rural Development (10 credits) The module provides the student with an understanding of the role of communications in rural development and the main requirements for effective communication in development at all levels. It will provide the student with an insight into the main communication methods used in rural development and will help in developing skills in disseminating information. Particular communication media and methods are addressed in the context of rural development processes. Specifically skills related to the use of mass media; public speaking, group communications and written communications methods are developed due to their importance in enabling rural development. Explain the critical role of communications in the development process Understand the theory of human communications Describe the media and methods used in professional communications and evaluate the appropriateness of each for a given situation Plan a communications campaign Analyse how groups work and how they achieve their goals Demonstrate skills to participate effectively as a group member, lead group processes & facilitate meetings Demonstrate skills related to the use of selected communications methods (individual communication / consultations, group methods such as lecture presentations and meetings, mass media such as preparing press articles and radio presentations, write effective project proposals and reports. Community Education (10 credits) The module aims to provide an understanding of education and development in a rural community context, to give the student an understanding of how community education is an integral part of community development and to explore how to enhance community education. The module will define education and community education, the theory and skills of community education, the place of community education in rural development, and developing community education programmes. Recognise the role of adult & community education in Ireland Discuss women's education in Ireland, present position and new directions Analyse the role of adult & community education in rural development Apply and link the theory of adult & community education to its practice in Ireland. Conservation and Management of the Rural Landscape (10 credits) Students will be introduced to the principles of ecology and the evolution of the Irish agricultural landscape. Topics covered include: definition and components of biodiversity; importance of biodiversity and contribution to sustainable rural development; threats to biodiversity; current and prospective legislation to protect biodiversity within the rural landscape; relationships between farm management practices and the resultant ecological status of rural ecosystems; current issues in agri-environmental research. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the components of biodiversity Appreciate the functions and ecological services, which are facilitated through biodiversity in the rural environment Assess the principal threats to biodiversity both at global and national scales Demonstrate an understanding of the national, EU and international legislation currently in place to protect biodiversity within the rural landscape Demonstrate an understanding of the complexity of the relationships between farm management practices and the resultant ecological status of rural ecosystems Be aware of the fundamental issues currently being addressed through agri-environmental research.

4 Eco-Politics Of Food And Nutrition (10 credits) The purpose of this module is to inform the students of the contemporary issues in the food system and provide an understanding of the impact of internal and external factors guiding the debate.the changing European and global food industry along with a rapidly evolving policy environment provides the context for this module. The contribution of the various stakeholders is explored and the issues are discussed. Explain the contemporary health and nutritional issues associated with food and lifestyle Examine the role of the food system stakeholders Appraise the impacts of the various food supply chains in the context of the environmental impact Evaluate the nutrition value of consumer food choices Analyse the contemporary debate on the role of food and predict outcomes to the principal issues in the food system. Financial Management (10 credits) The module gives participants an understanding of financial accounting systems and presents the student with a methodology for the preparation and interpretation of financial plans and final accounts. Content includes preparation of annual reports, financial statements, profit and loss accounts and balance sheets with particular relevance to rural development projects and rural based enterprises, as well as financial management and accounting tools, financial proofing and risk assessment. Demonstrate competence in interpretation of annual reports, financial statements, profit and loss accounts, and balance sheets relevant to rural development programmes and rural businesses Identify familiarity with performance indicators relevant to financial management of rural programmes Appraise the strengths and weaknesses of the application of financial management tools to the holistic approach of integrated rural development Demonstrate competence in writing financial reports and completing funding application forms Demonstrate competence in financial proofing and risk assessment of Rural Development projects in conjunction with financial and business specialists. Food Business (10 credits) The module provides an understanding of food business chains through an examination of the food business chain from producer to consumer with an emphasis on the roles and needs of the various stakeholders, particularly the rural producer and consumer. The module will examine the roles and needs of stakeholders along the food chain, in the context of the farmer viability, consumer demand and niche markets, retail structures, quality and traceability of food, environmental impact and sustainability. Both conventional and alternative approaches to addressing these issues will be discussed including CSA. Understand the functions of the food supply chain and the role of the actors in the chain Identify the ethical and environmental implications of the current food business model Assess the role of the emerging models in the context of sustainable development Explain the dimensions of organic food production, shortening the supply chain and the role of the consumer Analyse the policy framework directing the sector. ICT and Rural Development (10 credits) This module provides participants with an understanding of how Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) contribute to sustainable rural development. The module allows students: to explore the European, Irish and International policy environment governing the development of ICT; examine issues relating to current ICT infrastructure in rural areas; assess the contribution of ICT to Rural Development; and examine development and management of community portals and websites. Discuss the European, Irish and International policy context for the growth and development of ICT as a sector Describe and analyse the current ICT infrastructure in a specified country Explain the nature, scale, scope, growth, benefits and potential of IT and e-business Evaluate the potential contribution of ICT to rural areas, with a particular emphasis on rural business and Community Economic Development

5 Evaluate websites and portals and participate in web site development Discuss the role of Social Media in contributing to communications in rural areas Discuss the contribution of ICT to social inclusion through the aspects such as elearning, employment, ecommerce and egovernance. Integrated Rural Community Planning (10 credits) The module provides an understanding and critique of the processes, procedures and requirements of effective and sustainable rural planning and development. It includes stakeholder and consultative processes, as well as sustainable planning and development in rural area. Describe the process, procedures and requirements for effective rural area planning Critique practice of area planning in rural areas Appraise the role of the range of stakeholders involved in integrated planning for rural areas Debate a holistic planning approach incorporating social, economic, cultural and environmental aspects of sustainable rural planning Demonstrate skills of managing a community driven integrated rural community planning process. Integrated Rural Development Policy and Practice (10 credits) The module examines and reviews contemporary integrated rural development policy within a European context. The key content areas include the development of a theoretical and policy context for the understanding of contemporary European rural development strategies, and case study analysis of contemporary European integrated rural development strategies. Describe the practice of Integrated Rural Development (IRD) with reference to Irish and European policy & practice Explain & describe the emergence of the IRD approach at a national and European level Discuss the current policy issues of IRD strategies List the skill and knowledge sets required for effective IRD. Introduction to Rural Development (5 credits) The introductory module gives the student an understanding of the concept of rural development, the issues in rural development and the policies and practices affecting rural areas. It provides a context for many of the ideas and concepts explored in later modules, such as key concepts, approaches, theories and practices associated with rural development; evolution of rural development in Ireland and EU; current issues of development in rural Ireland; and the role and functions of organizations and agencies involved in rural development. Define and explain the major concepts and approaches associated with rural development Describe the evolution of rural development in Ireland and EU Discuss the current issues of development in rural Ireland Identify the most significant organizations and agencies involved in rural development and discuss their role Participate in debates on rural development in Ireland. Marine Resources (10 credits) The module covers the study of the marine environment, with a focus on Ireland, in the context of understanding the nature of marine resources and how these are impacted. It integrates economic, social and natural sciences. The module describes and analyses the economic utility of the marine environment (e.g. transportation, recreation) and ecological value (e.g. fisheries, aquaculture) derived from the productivity of associated ecosystems and associated policy, planning and management approaches. Define and describe the structural organization and processes of marine ecosystems Discuss the political, social, economic and natural science perspectives of natural resources management Analyse the contribution of marine/coastal resources to the local resource base and evaluate different policy, planning and management approaches

6 Demonstrate an understanding of the marine tourism environment and its various elements (ecotourism, fisheries, marine environmental education, parks and protected areas, etc.). Marketing & Business Skills for Rural Enterprise (10 credits) The module will provide the student with an understanding of the role enterprises play in the rural economy, the importance of stimulating a thriving enterprise environment in rural areas, the role marketing plays in the rural enterprise and how this supports sustainable rural development. Discuss how businesses get started and evaluate the different stages of business development Discuss the types of business ventures that are most likely to succeed and the support needs of businesses at various stages of development Discuss the marketing concept and describe the role marketing plays in the development of the small-scale rural enterprise and the basic activities of marketing Formulate a marketing strategy and set marketing objectives Evaluate the potential of new enterprise proposals Prepare a business plan for a new venture, including production, marketing and financial plans. Professional Placement (10 credits) The module aims to develop professional and transferable skills and experience by working in a rural development environment/organisation. It will provide students with exposure to, and experience in, a rural development environment/organisation relevant to the degree and to a working environment. Performance will be monitored by both the employer and academic staff. Evidence their Rural Development skills in a professional Rural Development environment for at least six working weeks Have completed the required assignments, portfolios, or learning journals required to evidence professional practice skills Demonstrate application of the Rural Development BSc programme learning to practice in a working environment Demonstrate cross programme competence in a placement situation Reflect on the value of work placement in the context of learning from the course. Project Planning and Development (10 credits) The purpose of this module is to introduce the student to the concept and practice of Project Planning and Management. Project Planning and Project Management are two practices that are critical to the successful implementation of rural development programmes and projects. The module deals with definitions and concepts of planning and management; composition of projects, factors that affect project success; types of planning and approaches to planning; the process of planning and the planning cycle. Explain the composition of a project and how it is assembled Explain the links that exist in a policy to project hierarchy and be able to apply this to rural development scenarios Analyse the contextual factors that impact on project success Apply the concepts and methods of needs analysis as they relate to project identification Design and present a project proposal which comprises goal to inputs linkages, indicators and means of verification as well as critical underpinning assumptions Explain and apply through examples the flows and sequencing associated with the Logical Framework Approach to planning, appraising and managing projects Illustrate the key roles and functions associated with project management Demonstrate an understanding of people management and motivation theories as they relate to rural development projects. Renewable Energy - Community & Co-operative ownership (10 credits) The changing European and global environmental policy framework provides the context for this module. The key technologies and their application in Ireland will be discussed through the use of case studies highlighting the strategic options available, the support needed to develop this sector and the benefits for

7 sustainable rural development. Outline the key technologies that generate renewable energy - wind, wave, biomass and bioenergy (anaerobic digestion and PVO and Alcohol based transport fuels) Explain the issues and constraints in applying these technologies and the value of collective ownership models Explain the benefits of employing renewable energy technologies in rural areas Critique some of the main policy instruments to support renewable energy development Evaluate the applicability of these technologies to rural areas. Research Project/Minor Thesis (20 credits) The module includes researching and writing of a minor thesis under academic supervision. Conduct an analytical review of relevant scientific literature in a national and international context Develop specific research questions and present a research proposal Conduct comprehensive secondary and primary research Design, develop and deliver a quantitative study and a qualitative study Complete detailed interpretation and analysis of data Coordinate and manage a research project Analyse data using appropriate techniques with supporting statistics Present the outcomes of data analysis in appropriate formats. Rural Economy (10 credits) The module aims to develop an understanding of the economic elements of consumption, production and trade in rural areas and to provide the tools to analyse them. It explores basic micro and macroeconomic concepts related to agricultural and non-agricultural activities in rural areas, the role and impact of regional, national and international policies and the implications of the changing economic landscape for social and political development in rural. Identify the components of the rural economy Describe and be able to discuss the changing role of agriculture in rural economies Demonstrate an understanding of the economic linkages at the local, national and international level Understand the concepts of production functions, production costs, and the interaction of businesses in a marketplace Identify current and potential alternative income sources in a rural area (multifunctionality) Analyse the drivers of rural labour demand and labour supply and how they interact Identify and evaluate issues of income distribution in the context of Rural Development Analyse the role and impact of policy incentives on rural economic activity. Rural Enterprise (10 credits) The module will examine the unique characteristics of rural enterprises and the nature and importance of the rural business and policy environment in stimulating a thriving enterprise environment in rural areas. The module identifies the many ways in which rural SMEs can serve a variety of rural stakeholders as well as the role of socio-economic development agencies and policies conducive to entrepreneurship and innovation. Discuss the concepts of entrepreneurship and innovation and the social, economic and political factors that impact on them Explain and evaluate the reasons why governments and enterprise supporting agencies intervene to develop and support rural enterprises Critically evaluate national and international enterprise and innovation policies in their historic context and their impact on rural enterprises Demonstrate and understanding of the role of statutory and non-statutory agencies at the national and international level in supporting small and medium businesses in rural Ireland Evaluate why and how enterprises develop in response to market demand.

8 Rural Environment (10 credits) The module will deliver an understanding of the Irish rural environmental heritage and to develop skills and tools for its analysis and management. It provides the tools for economic evaluation of the environment and of natural resources, and the rationale and impact of key environmental policies affecting rural areas. Define and describe the structural organisation and processes of natural and agricultural ecosystems Analyse the role of natural resources, such as renewable energies, in the economic base of a rural area Demonstrate skills to critically analyse the role of sustainability and biodiversity and rural resource management Discuss the theories that underlie environmental policies to correct market failures Discuss and evaluate global and national environmental policies and their impact on local rural communities. Explain and evaluate basic measures of environmental sustainability Discuss the sources of greenhouse gas emissions and the contribution of the various sectors nationally and internationally Appraise the environmental impact of rural enterprises and rural actions. Rural Organisations (5 credits) The module will examine the different types of organisations that exist and will investigate the distinguishing features of these organisations. In addition, the module will explore the factors that led to the emergence of this organisation and how they contribute to sustainable rural development. Differentiate different types of organisations in a rural context Describe and discuss the different legal structures available to rural based organisations Discuss differences between conventional and alternative forms of organisations Compare and contrast different forms of organisations Discuss the development of the partnership approach to rural development Classify co-operatives according to their prime beneficiaries and define the concept of the cooperative according to co-operative principles and according to the co-operative theory of action. Rural Research Methods (10 credits) This module focuses on developing students socio economic research capacity. The issues selected for study include: research approaches; problem/topic identification; literature review; development of objectives; sampling; questionnaire design; questionnaire delivery; data coding and data entry; data analysis and presentation of research findings. Describe the role and principles of research in rural development Discuss the theoretical underpinning of quantitative and qualitative research Differentiate and critically assess the role of secondary and primary data in research. Critically analyse a variety of research methods and techniques Write research proposals for given rural development contexts (needs analysis, monitoring and evaluation) Develop data collection schedules Prepare a database, perform simple data analysis tasks using MS Office software and write a research report Present research findings to diverse audiences Critically analyse research reports and papers. Rural Society (10 credits) The module introduces the participants to a sociological interpretation of the changing nature of rural society. It includes an introduction to rural sociology and an examination of rural social change and the related consequences for rural society. Competently describe the key aspects of rural society in a state of change Describe the changes that have taken place in rural society in Ireland over time

9 Relate social theory to traditional, modern, and post-modern rural society List the differentiations between urban and rural sociology Outline the challenges for rural society globally and locally. Rural Tourism (10 credits) Tourism is a key lever of economic development in a growing, dynamic but uncertain sector. This module seeks to locate opportunities and provide analysis tools for rural tourism. The module provides depth knowledge and understanding of the various aspects of rural tourism and tourism policies, the set of complex challenges and relevant solutions faced by the sector, as well is applied research methodology appropriate to the study of rural tourism. Analyse the role of the tourism sector as part of the wider economy Discuss the evolution of tourism policy in Ireland Identify different sources of rural tourism (cultural, heritage, eco-tourism, marine, food, etc.) Analyse the direct, indirect and induced effects of tourism on a local rural economy and outline the methods to measuring the local economic impact of tourism Discuss the elements of sustainable rural tourism development and how it can be implemented Evaluate national and international case studies of successful rural tourism and their applicability to Irish rural communities. Social Economy (10 credits) The module discusses key concepts, role of and policy considerations for the social economy in a rural context. Understand and explain the concept of the social economy and its potential for rural development Discuss the policy environment of the social economy in general and social enterprises in particular Explain the role of the social economy as a strategy for local rural based social and economic development Discuss the survival strategies of rural based social enterprises through case study analysis Discuss, evaluate and illustrate the impact of rural based social economy initiatives through specific case study material. Social Farming (10 credits) This module develops participants awareness and understanding of the concepts, the applications and the policy environment that surround the use of social farming practices in an Irish and European context. The term social farming covers all activities that use agricultural resources to promote, or to generate, social services in rural areas. Examples of these services include rehabilitation, therapy, sheltered employment, life-long education and other activities that contribute to social inclusion. Define Social Farming and describe how it has emerged as a form of service provision in rural areas Explain the principles of Social Farming how it may be applied both for the benefit of people using services and for rural development Map the nature, extent and range of settings in which social farming initiatives are being undertaken within Ireland and in the broader European context Outline the drivers of Social Farming from a Rural Development and Health and Social Care Policy perspective Critically assess the relevant national and European policy context across a wide range of policy domains and analyse how it impacts on the operation and development of Social Farming Evaluate the development requirements to establish a Social Farm from the perspective of multiple stakeholders.