INNOVATIVE MASTER'S DEGREE PROGRAMMES IN ECOTECHNOLOGY AND 3D-DESIGN OF PRODUCTION START FROM THE NEXT ACADEMIC YEAR
For the first time, private and state universities are develping joint master's degree programmes, and students will be awarded a joint diploma from Varna Free University "Chernorizets Hrabar", The Technical University - Varna and "Paisii Hilendarski" University of Plovdiv. This was announced at the opening press conference of the project "Innovative model for modernization of higher education through the creation of an academic ecosystem VFU" Chernorizets Hrabar "- Technical University - Varna - "Paisii Hilendarski University of Plovdiv. The beneficiary of the project is VFU "Chernorizets Hrabar".
On the eve of the students’ holiday - December 8, the joint work was presented by the rectors of the three universities - Prof. Dr. Petar Hristov - Varna Free University, Prof. Dr. Eng. Ventsislav Valchev - TU - Varna, and Prof. Dr. Temenuzhka Yovcheva - Vice-Rector for Research at "Paisii Hilendarski" University of Plovdiv.
The three universities will jointly develop educational curricula for two new master's degree programmes "Ecotechnological Systems in Industry" and "3D Technologies for Production Design", which will accept 75 students from the academic year 2022/2023. The duration of the programmes will be two semesters. Students who have completed their bachelor's degree in technical sciences will be accepted. The first master's degree programme focuses on the green and blue industries. Students will study about environmentally friendly technologies, recycling and extending the life cycle of products, sustainable development of the marine ecosystem, etc. The second intersectoral programme is entirely dedicated to digitalization and the use of digital technologies in engineering. The focus is on the study and practical application of 3D-technologies, visualization of data and processes, virtual reality, additive technologies.
The new master's programmes are interdisciplinary, and the use of innovative technologies and problem-based learning will be fully covered. The students will be prepared for the real labour market.
The project will involve university students, PhD students, young scientists and academic staff from nine professional fields from the three universities in the following fields: technical sciences - "Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy" (VFU "Chernorizets Hrabar"), "Transport, Shipping and Aviation" (TU), "Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Automation" (PU), "Communication and Computer Engineering" (PU), "Energy" (TU); the Arts - "Fine Arts" (VFU "Chernorizets Hrabar"); social, economic and legal sciences - "Psychology", "Law", "Administration and Management", "Economics" (VFU "Chernorizets Hrabar").
Trainings in English and Information technology are planned for 140 teachers from the three universities. 33 two-week specializations abroad with associate partners are forthcoming. 41 student mobilities are planned - they will be realized in the partner universities in Spain, Slovakia and Romania.
Along with their academic training, 185 university and doctoral students will be involved in training in the so-called soft skills - communication strategies, leadership, creativity, entrepreneurship.
The career centers of the three universities are expected to work in a common network..
The project "Innovative Model for Modernization of Higher Education Through the Creation of an Academic Ecosystem VFU" Chernorizets Hrabar "- Technical University - Varna - " Paisii Hilendarski" University of Plovdiv totals nearly 1.5 million leva under the operational programme "Science and Education for Intelligent growth”. The start was already given on November 8, and the activities are to be completed until the end of 2023. Our three universities have 4 associate partners - the University of Digital and Distance Learning in Madrid and universities in Slovakia and Romania.
Prof. Dr. Petar Hristov - Rector of VFU "Chernorizets Hrabar":
"The project is significant because it is the only one in which a private Bulgarian university is the leading partner. It is a great honour and we are proud to work in a team with two of the established Bulgarian universities. This will improve the partnership between private and public universities in the country. We start this project with high responsibility and ambition to show our capabilities and be competitive participants in future projects.
Prof. Dr. Eng. Ventsislav Valchev - Rector of TU - Varna:
"The project is very well structured, as it unites three universities with different main profiles - i.e. they will complement each other. All three universities are a sought-after partner in the European Education Area, which determines the success of the project. Together, they will be much more competitive on the European education scene.
Prof. Temenuzhka Yovcheva - Vice-Rector of Paisii Hilendarski University of Plovdiv:
The project inspires with its multi-layered programme and international participation. The team can rely entirely on the support of “Paisii Hilendarski" University of Plovdiv.
Prof. Dr. Petar Hristov - Rector of VFU "Chernorizets Hrabar"
Prof. Dr. Eng. Ventsislav Valchev - Rector of TU - Varna
