Faculty of International Economics and Administration 
Department of Administration and Management

Speciality: Public Administration and Management

Specialization: Management of Projects Financed by EU Funds

Awarded qualification: Master in Public Administration and Management

Level of qualification: Master

Specific admission requirements: Acquired professional Bachelor's degree in Public Administration with an average grade not less than the equivalent of Good 3,5 according to the Bulgarian system of grades; an entry exam. For active employees in the administration – the exam is a motivational interview.

Specific arrangements for recognition of prior learning :
The ECTS - Coordinator /Assoc. Prof. Svetla Mihaleva, PhD/, e-mail: svetlam67@gmail.com of the Master’s Degree Program "European Administration" provides initial information about the procedures for recognition and allocation of credits from prior education.
Procedures:
Recognition of credits on the basis of submitted documents:
- an academic transcript or a diploma from a previous study;
- International diplomas and IT certificates meeting the requirements of ECDL (The European Computer Driving Licence).
Certification of knowledge and skills by passing examinations at Varna Free University "Chernorizets Hrabar" in:
- Computer skills by the Department of "Computer Studies"; 
- specific for the professional area knowledge and skills by Department of Administration and Management: for active employees in state administration- work placement and pre-graduation internship and courses whose educational content directly corresponds to the performance of their duties; on the basis of submitted documents, certificates, etc. from legitimate institutions of higher education for postgraduate (continuing) training in public administration.
The Administration and Management Department allocates ECTS credits corresponding to the study programme of the Master’s degree programme on the basis of certification of knowledge and skills.
 

Qualification requirements and regulations: For Bachelor’s/Master’s degree holders in Public Administration: 60 credits, 30 credits from compulsory courses, 9 credits from elective courses, 3 credits from optional courses, 3 credits from a work placement (practicum in Public Management) and a pre-graduation internship and 15 credits from a Diploma work defence (Master's Thesis).
For Bachelor’s/Master’s degree holders in other majors: 90 credits, 60 credits from compulsory courses (30 credits from the equivalent semester), 9 credits from elective courses, 3 credits from optional courses, 3 credits from a work placement (practicum in Public Management) and a pre-graduation internship and 15 credits from a Diploma work defence (Master's Thesis).

Profile of the programme: The Master’s degree programme prepares highly qualified managers and specialists from state and local administration in order to enhance their theoretical knowledge, practical skills and professional competencies for programming, planning, management, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of projects financed by the funds and programs of the European Union through the operational programs of the Bulgarian government and other international donors of public resources.

Key learning outcomes
The successful graduates of the program should have a thorough knowledge of:
- the role and place of the EU in the globalizing world;
- the mechanisms for the formation and implementation of key EU policies and processes of adoption of Community decisions;
- the Bulgarian and European legislation concerning the programs and projects;
- the procedures for evaluation of projects;
- the Coordination mechanisms for managing projects;
- the standards for management and financial control.
- the modern tools of interaction between state institutions, business sector and civil society in the management and implementation of public projects - including Public-Private Partnerships, Outsourcing, etc.
The successful graduates of the program should be able to:
- to orientate in the diverse flow of information sources, obtaining timely and accurate information about financial institutions, conditions and requirements for application;
- develop and implement projects on European and other international programs;
- apply the acquired creative abilities for expert analysis and evaluation of complex administrative problems and situations and develop alternatives for managerial decisions;
- apply their communication skills (including negotiation, teamwork, etc.).
For this purpose, during the training postgraduates actively participate in interactive training methods - business games, case studies, development of specific administrative and managerial tasks and projects.

Occupational profiles of graduates
The acquired professional qualification allows graduates to successfully realize themselves in specialized divisions and departments of central and local administration which have direct responsibilities in the absorption of EU funds for Bulgaria as well as in NGOs and business organizations applying for funding under various operational programs.

Access to further studies: In educational-and qualification degree "Master" for other majors at Varna Free University and in PhD programmes .