BNR: JOINT MASTER'S DEGREE PROGRAMMES IN THREE BG UNIVERSITIES

17 December 2021

Varna Free University "Chernorizets Hrabar", the Technical University - Varna and "Paisii Hilendarski" University of Plovdiv will accept students in two joint master's degree programmes - "Ecotechnological Systems in Industry" and "3D Technologies for Production Design" from the next academic year. They are realised under the project "Innovative model for modernization of higher education through the creation of an academic ecosystem." "Innovation" is the key word that describes the project, said the coordinator for Varna Free Assoc. Prof. Rositsa Petkova - Slipets in an interview for BNR - Radio Plovdiv.
Listen to the whole interview here ►

"It is innovative that the cooperation of private and two state universities will train students in the field of technical sciences. These master's programmes will provide solutions to various problems in the field of green and blue economy and 3D design and production."
The challenge is both for the academic staff and for the students who will be awarded a joint diploma from the three universities. Each university will participate with its teaching staff in the master's programmes, which will support the internal mobility of teachers and students. Many trainings are forthcoming, including exchange of experience with foreign universities, said Assoc. Prof. Petkova - Slipets. In addition, students will be taught the so-called "soft skills" for communication, which will help them better present themselves to their future employers.
"The diploma that will be awarded will have the relevant European diploma applications and students will be able to use it not only in Bulgaria but all over the world."
Knowledge that will be realized in the economy of the future is the ambition of the project, according to Assoc. Prof. Galina Ilieva from the Technical University of Varna. She explained that they are concentrating on the first master's programme "Ecotechnological systems in industry", which will focus on energy efficiency in production and transport, waste-free and environmentally friendly technologies.

"This specialty will be unique for Bulgaria and its graduates will have a wide horizon for realization in the country and abroad".
Two modern laboratories will be developed under the project at the 'Paisii Hilendarski' University of Plovdiv, said the coordinator here, Prof. Nevena Mileva. According to her, in addition to practice, the general approach to career development of students is extremely important.
"The laboratory related to 3D technologies, which are now modern and innovative, is of great interest even from now. Many of the elements and parts are made by 3D printing."
The project "Innovative model for modernization of higher education through the creation of an academic ecosystem" will realize the idea of sharing resources - academic staff and facilities, will work for better positioning of the three universities in the rating system and for higher competitiveness of the programmes they offer.
Along with the three Bulgarian universities, universities from Spain, Slovakia and Romania are also taking part in the project.