1. Joint European Master in
COMPARATIVE LOCAL
DEVELOPMENT
Detailed programme description
Academic Year 2011–2012

2. 2
Table of Contents
1. GENERAL INFORMATION �3
1.1 Main Objective �3
1.2 Structure of the Programme and Student Mobility �3
1.3 Target Students �4
1.4 Language �4
1.5 Course Descriptions �4

3. 1. GENERAL INFORMATION
The Joint European Master in Comparative Local Development (Code) is a 24-month master’s course
organised by the University of Trento (Italy, as coordinating Institution), the Corvinus University of
Budapest (Hungary), the University of Ljubljana (Slovenia) and the University of Regensburg (Germany).
1.1 Main Objective
Its main objective is to provide participants with the necessary knowledge and skills for introducing,
supporting and co-ordinating processes of change and transformation at the local level. The focus
of the programme is local development, with the following characteristics: public, private and
non governmental actors are the fundamental agents; social stability and economic prosperity are
pursued, in conformity with international best practices. The general approach is comparative and
interdisciplinary.
The primary objective of the course is to offer a programme of study which includes achieved both by
means of the study of theory, and by means of the analysis of solutions at local level. The educational
process is finalized through the practical experience of traineeships, in order to deepen operational
knowledge of the functioning of institutions of local development and local autonomy.
Master CoDe focuses on how development is linked to the territorial dimension of economic,
institutional and social processes and how sub-national development can support economic and social
progress, as well as political and social stability. The Course educates and trains students through
theoretical and practical learning on local development. It places particular emphasis on issues arising
from ethnically complex situations, and provides direct contact with European and international best
practices. Students will be able to introduce, support and co-ordinate transformation at the local level,
acting as an interface between organisations and structures engaged locally.
Master CoDe is fully embedded in the “third wave” of local development which began in the late
1990s. Within this wave, the focus of local development has shifted from direct intervention, e.g. from
individual direct financial transfers, to shaping the entire environment, including the institutional, legal,
social and business environment more conducive to stabilisation, business and growth.
Thus the focus is placed on supporting quality of life improvements, supporting and encouraging
networking and collaboration, providing a competitive local investment climate, encouraging workforce
development and education, developing a holistic strategy aimed at growing local firms. Tools used to
this end include, among others, public/private partnerships, networking and the leveraging of private
sector investments for the public good and soft infrastructure investments.
1.2 Structure of the Programme and Student Mobility
Master CoDe is an interdisciplinary and comparative study programme comprising lectures and
laboratory activities in economics, law, political science, sociology and project cycle management, as
well as workshops, language courses, and discussion groups.
Student mobility and teaching staff mobility are both integral to the Course. The students’ mobility
arrangements will include didactic activities at two partner universities, established on a rotation
3

4. basis. The second part of the mobility track treats students individually: each student, according to
their knowledge base and interests, chooses at which partner university to pursue the rest of their
Master’s activities.
First year:
1st semester (University of Trento):
1. Economic foundations of local development 9 ECTS
4
2. Legal analysis of local development 9 ECTS
3. Social foundations of local development 9 ECTS
2nd semester (University of Trento):
1. Local Data Analysis and Statistics 6 ECTS
2. Economic and social analysis of institutions 6 ECTS
3. Local sustainable development 6 ECTS
4. Research methodology 6 ECTS
5. The management of diversity in societies 6 ECTS
3rd and 4th semesters (partner universities)
Optional modules, thesis writing and internship
1.3 Target Students
The target students of the Programme are highly qualified young people, active in studying and
promoting local development and cohabitation in their countries.
In order to qualify for the programme candidates have to comply with the following requirements:
1. University degree in Economics, Law, Political Science, Sociology or an equivalent qualification, i.e.
related to fields relevant for local development issues, corresponding to at least 210 ECTS, or a four-year
university degree for students from countries where ECTS is not in place.
2. Fluent English and computer literacy.
1.4 Language
English is the general working language of the Programme. Additionally, the programme offers Italian
and German language courses and, upon request, Hungarian and Slovenian. Each student also has a
personal supervisor for the master thesis (Project work) and one for the internship.
For more information:
www.mastercode.unitn.it
1.5 Course Descriptions
SE THE WEBSITE