First degree validated by new postgraduate school

The University recently welcomed Professor of Economics Francesco Daveri, from the Faculty of Economics at the University of Parma, Italy. Professor Daveri and University Vice Principal, Professor James Calderhead signed an accord between the two institutions, signalling the beginning of a long-term relationship.

As a result of this partnership, the MSc in International Business, newly set up by the University, will become an integral part of the postgraduate provision of the University of Parma. As from the next academic year, up to twenty students from the University of Parma’s Faculty of Economics will join the University of Dundee to take this exciting new degree. As part of this new venture, participating students will be awarded certificates accredited by both Universities.

One of the main objectives of the new Postgraduate School is to develop and strengthen inter disciplinary and cross faculty teaching at the taught postgraduate level. This follows the success of new undergraduate degrees offering students the opportunity to acquire specialised cross-disciplinary skills, for example, the BSc in Design and Engineering that gives them specific know-how in product design attractive to industry and employers.

Within the new School, the Department of Economic Studies will coordinate the MSc degree in International Business, which has a strong interdisciplinary flavour. In addition to core economics and international business courses students can choose from relevant options offered by the Faculty of Law and Accountancy: Centre for Energy, Petroleum and Mineral Law and Policy and the Department of Accountancy and Business Finance.

This is the first degree to be validated by the Postgraduate School. The school hopes to introduce many other postgraduate courses targeted particularly to overseas students. Once this partnership is fully embedded, both partners look forward to extending its scope to encompass other EU universities.

Professor Calderhead said, "Signing this accord is an exciting step forward for the University. The partnership with the University of Parma establishes a route for Italian students to come and study in Dundee, and contributes to the international community of postgraduate students that the University is developing. Dundee’s international postgraduate community is itself seen as an attractive feature in recruiting students from around the world."