The aim of the EMRA project is to create a new European post-graduate programme of studies, interdisciplinary in its nature, intending to make a direct contribution to sustainable rural development, by establishing explicitly the profession of rural animator and by offering the necessary education and competence building as well as the appropriate qualifications to consolidate this profession.
The main objectives of EMRA are:
- To review the academic “market” on the subject of rural development, at post graduate level, and identify the existing gaps, with special reference to the profession of rural animator; and exploit existing experience on pedagogical issues and content.
- To develop a learning methodology based on e-learning combined with hands-on experience (practical work) face-to-face learning in an international seminar and thesis work.
- To develop a curriculum, consisting of a “core“ course and 8 “specialist modules” relating to salient topics of rural development, exploiting the 8 Thematic Guides produced by Euracademy Association between 2002 and 2009.
- To consult with the wider academic community regarding the curriculum and structure of the new degree.
- To compile a library of learning materials.
- To investigate different options of the certification and accreditation of the planned Master of Arts degree and determine their feasibility for EMRA.
- To produce a business plan assessing the feasibility of running EMRA and the conditions and requirements for its success
- To produce the Academic Guide to EMRA.
- To launch the new degree in an international conference at the end of the project.