Study Guide

Qualification Awarded and the Level of Qualification

The qualification awarded is Master of Natural resources. The programme corresponds to the competence framework described in European Qualification Framework (EQF) and the National Quality Framework (NQF). The master’s degree corresponds to the competence level 7.

Contact Information

Pauliina Mansikkamäki
Head of Degree Programme

Special Admission Requirements

Master's degree is designed for people who have the minimum of a Bachelor’s degree at and at least two years of work experience in a relevant field after graduation. General admission criteria see TAMK’s websites.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Credit transfer allows the student to apply for recognition of previous higher education to the studied degree, if they meet the competence objectives of the degree programme.
Credit transfer follows the specific policies and procedures of TAMK.

Profile of the Programme

Climate change, the loss of biodiversity and over-consumption of raw materials requires professionals of a new kind with awareness of planetary boundaries, a solution-centric and change-agent’s mindset to lead the change towards a more sustainable future.

The Master's Degree in Risk Management and Circular Economy (RiMCE) brings together students with diverse educational, professional, and cultural backgrounds. Collaborative learning in multidisciplinary and intercultural teams give students competence valued in modern working life.

RiMCE programme focus on specialized knowledge of the circular economy theories, principles, and practices and how circular economy and risk management are interconnected. The studies focus on circular economy value chains and the consumer engagement in circularity actions as well as sustainability measurement tools (e.g. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)) for the development of more sustainable products and services.

During the studies the students build a financial mindset and learn to utilize agile and lean development methodologies and design thinking for development in circular economy business. RiMCE studies focus also on the innovation pipeline process and the roles of stakeholders in sustainable business openings in the company context and the role of leadership and communication when pursuing sustainability.

Key Learning Outcomes

Circular economy challenges the traditional linear economy “take - make - dispose”. According to Ellen MacArthur Foundation “A circular economy is based on the principles of designing out waste and pollution, keeping products and materials in use, and regenerating natural systems”.

Closing the loops requires thorough managerial, professional, and strategic thinking of how to design products, processes and services and what kind of material and models should be used to achieve sustainability goals. For more radical change to happen, a paradigm shift is needed in the way things and whole systems are being designed.

After graduation from RiMCE students can:
1. apply up-to-date knowledge of circular economy and risk management into their work and professional development
2. identify, assess, and prioritize risks in different contexts
3. develop circular economy value chains and the consumer engagement issues
4. apply sustainability measurement tools (e.g. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)) for the development of more sustainable products and services
5. utilize agile and lean development methodologies and design thinking for development in circular economy business
6. collaborate and co create in multidisciplinary and intercultural teams and communicate responsibly and effectively both in different contexts

Studying in an international atmosphere gives students unique possibilities to gain the confidence to work in different working environments, both as a team member and independently, all around the world.

Occupational Profiles of Graduates with Examples

This Master's programme provides specialists that have expertise in risk management and circular economy principles and practices. Graduates will be able to apply and use LCA, sustainability and risk management measures to ensure products and services.

Access to Further Studies

The degree is Master of Natural Resources. It produces the same eligibility for public offices as a Master’s degree from a university. The student may also apply for doctoral studies at a university.

Examination Regulations, Assessment and Grading

Assessment of completed courses is based on TAMK’s assessment criteria. The teaching and assessment methods are agreed on with the students at the beginning of each course. The detailed information and criteria can be found in the course implementation plan. TAMK’s degree regulations are followed in implementation and assessment.

Graduation Requirements

In order to graduate the student needs to complete the studies in accordance to the curriculum.

Mode of Study

This Master's degree programme is 60 credits in extent and it takes 1-1.5 years to complete (it is possible to graduate in 1 one). The studies are mainly on-line courses including 3 intensive study weeks in Finland (4 days per week). It is possible to study on this master's programme while working full-time.

Development of the Programme

The curriculum and implementation of courses are developed in cooperation with working life experts. Student feedback is collected regularly and applied constantly. Alumni feedback is collected regularly.