Participation and Local Policies – (M.A.)

The master'sdegree in Participation and Local Policies consists of a strong professional component (training of professionals working with citizen participation). It is co-funded by the Provincial Council of Barcelona (Office for Citizen Participation) and the Catalan Government (Department of Citizen Participation), with the support of five city councils from the province of Barcelona which collaborate in offering work experiences.

This master'sdegree was originally a postgraduate diploma in "Participation and Sustainable Development". A constant innovation in contents and specialisations (linked to research carried out by professors of this field and the vast contribution in experience made by collaborating professionals) have converted this degree into a useful tool not only for professionals, but also for those who look to improve and renew local management in their area.

Training of professionals for the coordination and encouragement of processes for citizen participation in the preparation and the implementation of localpolicies.

The content of the master'sdegree is divided into theoretical modules (local policy contexts, awareness and analysis of actions within this field), methodological modules (methods and techniques in designing participation processes) and practical modules which are carried out with a tutor and in work groups, and which consist of introducing participative research in collaborating town councils. The final objective is to prepare students with theoretical and practical professional skills related to the field of localpolicies and participation mechanisms.

Skills acquired

* Critically analysing the theories and practices found in civic participation.
* Understanding current social changes and their impact at local level, how they affect society's well-being, territory and sustainability.
* Understanding the theoretical and epistemological principles and techniques related to participative methodologies.
* Leading and encouraging work teams, seminars and other participation areas and mechanisms.
* Designing and assessing local policy programmes and projects.
* Designing localpolicies that require or could be considered from a participative approach, taking into account the characteristics and dynamics of the agents involved.
* Designing, coordinating and encouraging processes for civic participation at local level.
* Mastering analytical, communicative and work skills specifically needed to work in complex and changing environments.