UARD Erasmus Guide

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Table of contents Welcome

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University of agribusiness and rural development

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Bachelor programs 19 Master programs 53 Preparing your stay

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Plovdiv – the oldest inhabited city in Europe

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Practical information during your stay

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Bulgaria in brief

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Coordinators for exchange students 159

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Welcome The “Exchange Students’ Erasmus Guide” has been developed to help students who would like to visit and study at our university to find the most important information they need in order to successfully plan, prepare for and perform their studies at our university.

In this guide you will find useful information about the University of Agribusiness and Rural Development in Plovdiv. You will also find information about living in Plovdiv, tips for discovering the beauties of the Plovdiv region, Bulgaria and others.

International Relations Office administrators and our teachers and students are prepared to help you with the integration into daily students’ life at our university. You can contact them for any academic matters and additional information which is not included in this guide.

Dear students, you are warmly welcome to the University of Agribusiness and Rural Development in Plovdiv.

We wish you a pleasant and fruitful stay in Plovdiv, and we hope your study at our university and your stay in our beautiful country in this very important corner of Europe will be upon your expectations.

International Relation Office team erasmus@uard.bg

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University of agribusiness and rural development About us University of Agribusiness and Rural Development (UARD) is the biggest private higher school in Bulgaria, training specialists in the field of economics, administration, management and tourism.

The main campus is located in Plovdiv. There are also branch campuses in the towns of Ruse and VelikoTarnovo.

University of Agribusiness and Rural Development is a successor of the Higher School “Agricultural College”. It was established in 1992 with a decision of the Bulgarian Government and accredited by the National Agency of Evaluation and Accreditation to the Council of Ministers. The higher school is based on the model of the British Lackham College of Chippenham.

Postal and visiting address University of Agribusiness and Rural Development 78 Dunav Blvd., 4003 Plovdiv, Bulgaria Tel.: +359 32 966 811 Fax: + 359 32 960 406

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www.uard.bg UARD basic units

Faculty of Economics and Management Departments: • Finance • Accounting • Management • Regional Development and Tourism • Information Systems Management

Department of Agribusiness and General Science Institute of Regional Studies (IRIS)

How to reach us From Sofia to Plovdiv Plovdiv is easily accessible from the nearest international airport Sofia (SOF). The airport is about 10 km outside the city, but there are two bus lines which lead right to the airport – № 84 and 384.

The capital Sofia is about 150 km from Plovdiv and there is regular public transport between the two cities. There is a bus to Plovdiv each 30 minutes/1 hour. The bus departs from the “Central Bus Station” which is right next to the Central Train Station. Your last stop in Plovdiv is the “South” bus station. Right across the street where the bus station is, there is a bus stop where you take bus № 1 and it will take you directly to the university.

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www.uard.bg The way from Plovdiv railway station to the university Directly: Take bus № 16 on the same side of the central station, the bus passes through Ruski Boulevard, crosses the bridge over the Maritsa River, called “Gerzhika”, then turns right on the “Bulgaria” boulevard, turns left on the Plovdiv Fair roundabout and then you need to get off and cross street at the pedestrian traffic lights. The University is behind the high block. It has a local parking lot.

With one change: Take bus № 29 on the same side of the central station and get off at the first stop – large place called “Stochna gara”. Take bus № 1, the bus passes through Tsar Boris III Boulevard, through the tunnel, crosses the Maritza River in Plovdiv Fair, continues straight at the roundabout and after turning left on the second round you need to get off on the second stop, the university is on your right side across the junction.

System of study UARD has a flexible system of study. Our courses are credit evaluated in accordance with the principles of the ECTS. Students obtain credits for completion of courses.

Standard credits per semester are 30. Exchange students are required to take minimum 20Â credits per semester. The majority of courses are completed with an exam. The forms of the exams are oral, written, course projects or combined. Examination session starts in January after the end of the semester and it ends one month later. If the student fails an exam, he/she has a second chance.

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www.uard.bg The performance of every student is written in Transcript of Records, where all attended exams and grades are registered.

The grades are written in two forms: according the local grading system and according to the ECTS grading systems.

The Transcript of Records is prepared by the International Relations Office according to the official information in the Bachelor’s or Master’s Departments at the end of the stay and sent to the home university by post or personally by the student.

Grading system of UARD The evaluation is based on interim tests within outgoing monitoring during the semester and final written exams in most courses. Students also write projects in some courses. Students’ achievements are assessed by a six-national scale, containing the following ratings: excellent (6), very good (5), good (4), satisfactory (3) and fail (2). Mark 1 is not used. The student must obtain at least satisfactory (3) to pass the exam.

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www.uard.bg National grading system Excellent

5.50 – 6.00

Very good

The national Other European Grading grading scheme Schemes 5.75 – 6.00

А (10%)

95% - 100%

4.50 – 5.49

5.00 – 5.50

В (25%)

80% - 94%

Good

3.50 – 4.49

4.25 – 4.75

С (30%)

61% - 79%

Fair

3.00 – 3.49

3.50 – 4.00

D (25%)

46% - 60%

Fail

2.00

3.00 – 3.25

E (10%)

40% - 45%

2.50 – 2.75 2.00 – 2.25

Fx F

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ECTS credits (ECTS) applied in University of Agribusiness and Rural Development guarantees academic recognition of studies abroad, as the method for assessing the results shown by the students during the learning process allows equalization among the different universities. ECTS rating provide additional information to the assessment under the local system, but does not replace it.

European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) ECTS Information Package ECTS information package contains information about University of Agribusiness and Rural Development, offers Bachelor and Master programs, specific information of taught courses and credits bearing.

This aims to help foreign students orient themselves quickly in their choice of courses and subjects studied, when they apply for future Erasmus/ECTS students.

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www.uard.bg ECTS ECTS, the European Credit Transfer System is established by the European Union Commission and aims to provide academic recognition of the results of the training of students abroad. ECTS is a system for accumulation and transfer of credits, focuses on the learner, and is based on the transparency of the learning process and results. It aims to facilitate planning, delivery, evaluation, recognition and validation of qualifications and units of learning, and student mobility.

Recognition of studies and diplomas is a prerequisite for establishing an open pan-European educational space in which students and teachers can ‘move’ with no limitations.

ECTS is based on the principle – mutual trust between the partner institutions. This means that the period of study abroad (including exams and other forms of assessment) replaces the full workload in the home university and thereby allows a difference in the curricula of partner universities previously agreed.

ECTS is widely used in formal higher education and can be applied to other activities of lifelong learning.

www.uard.bg European credit system is based on the following key elements: - Credit points, indicating the workload of students in studying a particular discipline or course; - Information package – provides transparency of curricula and assists students in choosing appropriate curriculum for studying abroad.

The University also provides practical and useful information about its location, admission procedures, deadlines for enrollment, accommodation facilities, academic calendar, etc.

- Transcript of Records, showing the achievements of students in a way that is comprehensive, commonly understood and easily transferable from one institution to another.

Learning Agreement, containing the program of study and ECTS credits to be awarded for successful completion of the program requiring both home and host institutions and the student.

ECTS Credits ЕCTS credits are values that are given to each academic discipline (project, specialized practice, thesis, etc.), which students learn in a course.

Credits are the numerical equivalent of the work load of students within a school year: * In-class load: Lectures, Seminar activities (exercises); * Out-of-class load: Tutorials (individual, groups, virtual, etc.), Self – preparatory work, Course Projects, Essays and others.

They show what part of the load throughout the year falls on the particular discipline according to the university curricula.

60 ECTS points represent the workload for one academic year, and 30 points are awarded for one semester.

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www.uard.bg Credit points are awarded to students when they fulfill all their obligations under the particular discipline (regular visit of the lectures or exercises, successfully passing exams), i.e. when the educational purpose is achieved.

ECTS Students Students participating in the Erasmus program receive all credits upon successful completion of a training course abroad.

These credits are transferred to the home university and fully replace the workload for the year/semester (including exams and other forms of evaluation). This way students can study for a period of one semester or one academic year in foreign universities, and when they return, to continue their education without loss of semesters or exams.

Under the ECTS students can also graduate from the host university, the decision on this point should be done by the academic authorities based on the ‘Credit’ Transcript of the student in his own university.

Study programs University of Agribusiness and Rural Development offers courses in the Bachelor and Master levels. The training at UARD aims to prepare more specialists in the field of management and economics related to the agricultural sector.

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Bachelor programs Professional field: Economics • • • •

Agricultural Economics Finance Accounting Economics of Tourism

Professional field: Administration and Management • • • •

Business Management Management of Agribusiness Human Resources Management Information Systems Management

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Duration of education: 8 semesters Forms of education: full-time, part-time and distance learning Graduated students gain Bachelor degree according to Art. 42, Para. 1, Item 1, Letter “B� of the Higher Education Law with 240 credits according to European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS). The students receive a higher education diploma equivalent to the higher education qualification level 6 of the European Qualification Frameworks, along with European Diploma Supplement.

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Agricultural economics Graduates can find job related to the business of enterprises and organizations in the agricultural sphere. They will be able to lead and participate in the marketing, production, innovation, investment, financial and brokering activities of the companies from the agricultural sector.

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www.uard.bg First year Microeconomics Mathematics Informatics Basics of Law Foreign Language Macroeconomics Basics of Management Marketing Statistics Foreign Language Second year Economic Theories Basics of Finance Theory of Accounting Information Systems and Technologies Plant Growing Technologies Agroecology Elective courses Economic History Trade Law Agro Marketing Regional Economics Family Farms Organic Farming Economics of Environment and Natural Resources Theory and History of Cooperation Geo Demography Optional courses Business Correspondence Standards and Systems of Management

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Third year Agrarian Economics Basics of Farming Investments Agrarian Management Livestock Breeding Technologies Banking Elective courses Business Communications Markets and Realization of Farm Production Financial Markets Financial Management of the Company Methods for Economic Analysis of Ecological Projects EconomicPsychology Optional courses E-commerce Social Psychology Applied Software Products Protection of Population and Environment Fourth year Business Analysis of Economic Activity Investment Projects’ Management Accounting of the Enterprise Planning and Prognosis Plant Protection Exchange and Exchange Transactions

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Elective courses National and Regional Agricultural Policy Agrarian Institutions Biotechnologies Prices and Pricing Policy Rural and Ecological Tourism Rural Regions Development Planning of Investments in Financial Assets Optional courses Team Management Insurance and Reinsurance

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Finance The program is focused on public and corporate finance, taxes and tax system, budget and fiscal policy, organization and management of the banks and the banking system, financial markets and transactions, investments, transactions with securities, etc. Knowledge gained in the major forms competences oriented towards management of process and business structures.

Graduates can find employment in the financial credit institutions, financial brokerage houses, small and medium-sized enterprises, companies in different sectors and spheres of the economy, financial departments of institutional investors (insurance companies, pension and health insurance funds), customs, tax offices, control authorities, local and regional administrations.

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First year Microeconomics Mathematics Informatics Basics of Law Foreign Language Macroeconomics Basics of Management Marketing Statistics Foreign Language Second year Economic Theories Basics of Finances Theory of Accounting Business Logistics Social Insurance Taxation and Customs Policies Elective courses Economic History Trade Law Regional Economics Sales Management Agroecology European Integration Optional courses Business Correspondence Standards and Systems of Management

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Third year Financial Markets Budget and Budgetary Policy Investments Banking Financial Accounting Corporate Finances Elective courses Financial Control Systems and Institutions Management Psychology Entrepreneurship Financial Intermediation Financial Risk Management Financial Engineering Optional courses Business Communications E-commerce Applied Software Products European Funds and Programs Fourth year Insurance and Reinsurance Accounting of the Enterprise Prices and Pricing Policy International Finances Local Budgets Main Forms of Financial Control

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www.uard.bg Elective courses Economic Analysis and Diagnosis of Enterprise Business Strategies Investment Projects’ Management Exchange and Exchange Transactions Pension Reserve Fund Planning of Investments in Financial Assets Optional courses Information Systems and Technologies Managerial Information Systems

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Accounting The students acquire theoretical and practical knowledge, skills and competencies for understanding the essence of accounting and accounting information, their relation with the main functions of the enterprise management, the methods and techniques of creating and using accounting information, the regulatory of accounting in Bulgaria as well as its organization in enterprises.

The program aims to provide students with knowledge and skills related to: - current accounting of the business transactions and processes occurring in the enterprises; - preparation of the annual financial report of the enterprise, based on the correct interpretation and application of the provisions laid down in the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS),the International Accounting Standards (IAS) and the National Accounting Standards (NAS); - analysis of the financial situation of enterprises.

Graduates have wide possibilities and career opportunities in the public and corporate sectors of the economy of Republic of Bulgaria: commercial, industrial, budgetary, banking, insurance and pension insurance enterprises, as well as companies with accounting and auditing activity, institutions for internal control, Bulgarian National Audit Office, tax and customs administrations, etc.

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First year Microeconomics Mathematics Informatics Basics of Law English Language – Part 1 Macroeconomics Basics of Management Marketing Statistics English Language – Part 2 Second year Economic Theories Basics of Finances Theory of Accounting Financial Law National Accounting Standards Taxation and Customs Policies Elective courses Economic History Trade Law Regional Economics Sales Management Auditing European Integration Optional courses Business Correspondence Standards and Systems of Management

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Third year Book-Keeping of the Plans on Personnel and Insurers Budget and Budgetary Policy Financial and Control Systems and Institutions Organization and Technique of the Accounting Bank Accounting Corporate Finances Elective courses Financial Markets Investments E-commerce Entrepreneurship Banking Financial Intermediation Optional courses Business Communications Psychology of Management Applied Software Products European Funds and Programs Fourth year Accounting of the Enterprise Accounting in the Immaterial Sphere Budgetary Accounting International Finances Annual Financial Reports Controlling

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www.uard.bg Elective courses Economic Analysis and Diagnosis of the Enterprise Business Strategies Investment Projects’ Management Exchange and Exchange Transactions Local Budgets Planning of Investments in Financial Assets Optional courses Information Systems and Technologies Managerial Information Systems

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Economics of tourism Students gain knowledge and skills about economic work in places of interest, tour operators, hotels, spa complexes and others. The program provides graduates with opportunities to organize self-owned business in the field of attractive tourist services, primarily for foreign guests. In addition there are trainings in 5-star hotels in prestigious resorts in the country and abroad, as well as particular specializations. Graduates will be able to make a career in all spheres of tourism as economists, managers, consultants, self-own business, partners in companies, etc., for example as management and expert personnel in companies in the tourist industry – tour operators, tour agencies, hotel, restaurant and additional tourist services; take positions in the institutional management of tourism on national, regional and local level and in non-governmental tourist organization; as consultants in the development and realization of international and national projects and programs in the field of tourism; as associates in tourist companies with participation of partners from foreign countries; as experts in tourism in state and local administration; organizers of self-own tourist business and others.

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www.uard.bg First year Microeconomics Mathematics Informatics Basics of Law Foreign Language Macroeconomics Basics of Management Marketing Statistics Foreign Language Second year Economic Theories Basics of Finances Theory of Accounting Introduction in Tourism Economics of Tourism Geography of Tourism Elective courses Ethnology Corporate Strategies and Competitiveness Geo Economics Trade Law Agroecology On‑line Reservation’s Systems Tourism Animation Optional courses Business Correspondence Quality of Tourism Services English Language Second Foreign Language: German, Russian, Italian, Czech

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Third year Tourist Resources Tourist Guiding Restaurant Industry Human Resources Management International Economics Banking Elective courses Financial Markets Tourism Resources of Bulgaria Spa Tourism Tourism Itineraries Financial Management of the Company Tourist Behavior Optional courses E-commerce Labour Law English Language Second Foreign Language: German, Russian, Italian, Czech Cultural and Historical Heritage Fourth year Accounting of the Enterprise Hotel Industry Tour Operating, Agent and Transport Activities Tourism Policy of Bulgaria Tourism Markets Alternative Types Tourism

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Elective courses Technology of Restaurant Services Technology of Guide Services Rural and Ecological Tourism Planning and Prognosis Projects’ Management Optional courses Organizational Behavior Management Information Systems

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Business management Students mix motivation, knowledge and skills in the five lead functions of each system for management: marketing, innovations, finances, production and personnel, ensured with studying of general educational, management, economic and law disciplines.

Graduates can realize themselves in state or private enterprises, institutions and organizations from all fields of the industry of executive and leading positions, which require higher education and professional training in the field of management and marketing, including management of small and medium-sized enterprises and self-owned business entrepreneurships, consultant services, etc., for example: managers in all productions; top managers; personnel managers; associates in companies with participation of partners from foreign countries; administrative managers; marketing managers; managers on innovations, etc.

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First year Microeconomics Mathematics Informatics Basics of Law Foreign Language Macroeconomics Basics of Management Marketing Statistics Foreign Language Second year Economic Theories Basics of Finances Theory of Accounting Information Systems and Technologies Plant Growing Technologies Agroecology Elective courses Economic History Trade Law Sales Management Regional Economics Organic Farming Business Logistic Business Strategies Information Management Optional subjects Business Correspondence Standards and Systems of Management

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Third year Management Psychology Entrepreneurship Investments Human Resources Management Livestock Breeding Technologies Banking Elective courses Business Communications Resource Management Use of Nature Management Financial Markets Financial Management of the Company International Economics Leadership and Management Optional subjects E-commerce Social Psychology Applied Software Products Protection of Population and Environment Fourth year Business Analysis of Economic Activity Investment Projects’ Management Accounting of the Enterprise Planning and Prognosis Strategic Management Risk Management

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Elective courses Organizational Behavior Sustainable Consumption and Production Team Management Prices and Pricing Policy Exchange and Exchange Transactions Projects Management Planning of Investments in Financial Assets Optional subjects Management Information Systems Information Logistic

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Management of agribusiness Management of Agribusiness comprises activities and functions related to the organization and management of enterprises from the agricultural sector in the conditions of market economy.

These are functions related to the management of companies and organizations in overall aspect – production, finances, innovations, personnel, etc.

The graduates can realize themselves in state or private enterprises, institutes and organizations in the field of agribusiness, for example: production sphere as managers, economists of agricultural companies of sole proprietorship and of association, rental farm, agricultural cooperatives, etc.; sphere of manufacturing of agricultural products as experts in agribusiness; field of agricultural trade as experts in marketing and brokers of agricultural and food products; service area as managers of agricultural service enterprises; secondary education sphere as teachers in professional high schools; governmental, non-governmental, branch and regional organizations and units as experts in agribusiness management; specialized structures for administration and control on European Union programs, etc.; regional and municipal offices of Ministry of Agriculture and Food; sphere of research and consultant activity; sphere of financial and banking capital as experts on agribusiness, etc.

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www.uard.bg First year Microeconomics Mathematics Informatics Basics of Law Foreign Language Macroeconomics Basics of Management Marketing Statistics Foreign Language Second year Economic Theories Basics of Finances Theory of Accounting Mechanization of Farming Plant Growing Technologies – Part 1 Agroecolocy Elective courses Ecological Farming Family Farms Geo Economics Agro Marketing Trade Law Organic Farming Ecological Policy Theory and History of Cooperation Geo Demography Optional courses Business Correspondence Standards and Systems of Management

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Third year Agrarian Economics Basics of Farming Plant Growing Technologies – Part 2 Human Resources Management Livestock Breeding Technologies Banking Elective courses Biotechnologies Rural Regions Development Markets and Realization of Farm Production Financial Management of the Company European Funds and Programs European Standards and Certification in Agribusiness Biodiversity Optional courses Business Communications Social Psychology Labour Law Protection of Population and Environment Fourth year Business Analysis of Economic Activity Investment Projects’ Management Accounting of the Enterprise Planning and Prognosis Plant Protection Strategic Management

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www.uard.bg Elective courses National and Regional Agricultural Policy Production Practices in Agribusiness Team Management Business Strategies Risk Management Projects’ Management Information Systems and Technologies Optional courses Green Marketing Insurance and Reinsurance

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Human resources management The most valuable and sustainable competitive advantage of modern organization are its employees. For this reason the professionals who have the necessary skills to select, motivate and retain quality personnel, have a particularly high value and importance to the business.

The aim of the Bachelor’s program “Human Resource Management� is to prepare professionals with in-depth theoretical knowledge and practical skills for development and rational utilization of human capital. The major offers a compilation of knowledge and skills in the field of economics and business, social sciences and psychology. Through general educational and specialized courses the students acquire necessary training and qualification for working with people and managing their behavior at work in the economic sector as well as in non-profit.

Bachelor graduates can work as managers in Human resources management, heads of HR departments, specialists in such departments, consultants, teachers, scientists/researchers in both public administration and private business.

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First year Microeconomics Mathematics Informatics Basics of Law English Language – Part 1 Macroeconomics Basics of Management Marketing Statistics English Language – Part 2 Second year Economic Theories Basics of Finances Theory of Accounting Social Psychology Basics of Consultant’s Activity Labour Psychology and Health and Safety Conditions of Labour Elective courses Economic History Trade Law Sales Management Regional Economics Business Correspondence Business Strategies European Integration Optional courses Business Logistics Standards and Systems for Management

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Third year Psychology of Management Staff Motivating Accounting Report of Labour Resources Human Resources Management World Practices in Specialists’ Management Leadership, Team Building and Team Work Elective courses Communications’ Management and Public Relations Investments’ Management Financial Management of the Company International Economics Optional courses E-commerce Financial Markets Applied Software Products Banking Fourth year Teams’ Management Organizational Behavior Labour Relations’ Management Human Resources Planning Franchising and Outsourcing in HR Management Conflicts’ Management

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Elective courses HR Training and Career’s Development Globalization and Regional Development Audit of Human Resources Risk Management Projects’ Management Organizational Development Optional courses Managerial Information Systems Information Logistics

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Information systems management Students acquire: - knowledge in the following areas: economics and management, hardware and software, design and use of business information systems, e-business, legislation in the field of e-government and e-administration; - skills in: organizational processes and data modeling, statistical data analysis, business plan preparation, analysis of needs of information technology usage in business processes and organizations, modern information technologies usage in business, implementation and maintenance of software in business organizations, information resources management, etc.

Graduates from the major gain qualification “manager� and can realize themselves in all organizations (state, private, non-profit) where information technologies are applied: state administration, local administration, companies related to software development and implementation, banking sector, customs and tax authorities, industrial companies, commercial companies, etc.

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www.uard.bg First year Economics Mathematics Information Technologies Basics of Law Programming Part 1 (Basics of Informatics and C#) Foreign Language Marketing Basics of Management Computer Architectures Statistics Programming Part 2 (programming with C#) Foreign Language Second year Operation Systems Finances Accounting Object Orientated Programming Data Bases’ Design Programming by side of the Server Programming and Static Technologies for Web Software Practicum Cloud Technologies Elective courses Trade Law Sales Management Information Management Business Logistics Business Strategies Optional courses Information Society Standards and Systems of Management 50

www.uard.bg Third year Management Psychology Algorithms and Structures of Data Entrepreneurship Software Practicum (Visual Programming, C#) Software Technologies Human Resources Management Management Systems in Business and Administration Software Practicum (Software Technologies) Elective courses Business Communications Organization and Management of the Information Resources Institutions and Tools of the European Union Applied Software Products Optional courses Investments Foreign Language Labour Law Leadership and Management Fourth year Programming for Mobile Systems Business Processes’ Modelling and Management Business Analysis Software Practicum (Business Processes/Mobile Systems) Planning and Prognosis Information Security Business with Internet Risk Management

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www.uard.bg Elective courses Programming of Java Team Management Information Logistics Innovational Programs and Projects Strategic Management Financial Analysis of Information Systems Optional courses Organizational Behavior Foreign Language

Master programs Master programs in the field of Economics • Economics and Management of Agribusiness • Economics and Rural Management with specialization in Tourism • Economics and Rural Management with specialization in Public Sector Marketing • Finances and Banking • Accounting and Auditing • International Business Master programs in the field of Administration and Management • Business Management • Business Management with specialization in Management of Agribusiness • Management of Municipalities with specialization in Rural Planning and Development • Project Management • Management of Rural Regions • Art Management • Administration and Information Management • Communication Systems Management • Human Resources Management • Health Management 53

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Graduated students get Master degree, and receive a higher education diploma along with an European Diploma Supplementaccording to the European Qualification Framework for mobility encouragement and life-long learning – LEVEL 7.

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Economics and management of agribusiness The Master program prepares highly qualified specialists with market thinking, with knowledge and skills, professional habits and qualities distinctive to modern expert in the field of agribusiness.

Students acquire skills for conducting efficient agribusiness policy adequate to modern conditions in accordance with the terms of the ongoing globalization of business.

Graduates can realize themselves in state or private enterprises, institutes and organizations in the field of agribusiness management and marketing, including management of small and mediumsized enterprises and self-own business entrepreneurships, consultant services and others. For example: consultants in the field of agribusiness; managers of farms, companies in the field of food, wine and tobacco industries, companies for delivery of raw-material and materials for growers;bank employees and insurance agents in agriculture; specialists in governmental and non-governmental organizations connected to farming, food, wine and tobacco industries, rural regions development and environmental protection;state employees and employees in national and international organizations in the field of regulation of production and distribution of agricultural raw-material and food.

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www.uard.bg Economics and Management of Agribusiness – 1 year National and Land Economy Basics of European Union Strategies in the Agribusiness Common Agricultural Policy of European Union International Trade Modern Economic Theories Elective courses Rural Development and Macroeconomic Policy European Funds and Programs Territorial Development Management Insurance in Business

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Economics and Management of Agribusiness – 2 years First year General Economic Theory Basics of Management Statistics Finances Theory of Accounting Marketing Basics of Law Banking Financial Management of the Company Planning and Prognosis Elective courses Human Resources Management Strategic Management Second year National and Land Economy Basics of European Union Strategies in the Agribusiness Common Agricultural Policy of European Union International Trade Modern Economic Theories Elective courses Rural Development and Macroeconomic Policy European Funds and Programs Territorial Development Management Insurance in Business

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Economics and Management of Agribusiness – 2 years for Professional Bachelors First year Regional Economics Financial Markets International Economics Business Analysis of Economic Activity Investments Entrepreneurship Risk Management Elective courses Business Strategies Economic Psychology Organizational Development Leadership and Management Organization and Management of Enterprise Sales Management Second year National and Land Economy Basics of European Union Strategies in the Agribusiness Common Agricultural Policy of European Union International Trade Modern Economic Theories Elective courses Rural Development and Macroeconomic Policy European Funds and Programs Territorial Development Management Insurance in Business

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Economics and rural management with specialization in Tourism Education aims at preparing highly qualified executive and management personnel in sector Tourism who have knowledge, skills and competences for work in the distinct sectors of Tourism branch of regions in accordance with the modern requirements of Bulgarian and foreign tourist practice Curriculum contains the expected from the business knowledge, skills and competences that the students will have after completing their training. The Master program provides the students with: improvement of theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the field of economy and tourism management; competences for effective usage and management of economic activity of enterprises in the field of tourism, of tourist resources for development of the tourist sector and for regional development; deepening of knowledge, skills in the regional economy, government and policies, regional analysis, strategic planning of socio-economic development on local, regional and central level; practical competences to solve the problems of balanced and sustainable regional development, long-term regional socio-economic growth, operational management of regional projects, plans and strategies for regional development, analysis and evaluation of territorial systems.

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Economics and Rural Management with specialization in Tourism – 1.5 years First year Regional Policy Regional Planning Economic Zoning Regional Sustainable Development Municipal Investments’ Management Municipal Finances’ Management Geographic Information System and Landscape Maps in the Rural Management Regional and International Projects’ Management Elective courses Development of Rural Regions Management of Protected Areas under Nature 2000 Modelling of Business Processes European Funds for Rural Development Eco Monitoring Structural Funds and Operational Programs Second year Tourist Zoning and Rural Development Tourist Resources of Leading Destinations Health, SPA and Eco Tourism International Tourist Organizations

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Economics and Rural Management with specialization in Tourism – 2.5 years First year General Economic Theory Basics of Management Statistics Finances Theory of Accounting Marketing Basics of Law Banking Financial Management of the Company Planning and Prognosis Elective courses Human Resources Management Strategic Management Second year Regional Policy Regional Planning Economic Zoning Regional Sustainable Development Municipal Investments’ Management Municipal Finances’ Management Geographic Information System and Landscape Maps in the Rural Management Regional and International Projects’ Management

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www.uard.bg Elective courses Development of Rural Regions Management of Protected Areas under Nature 2000 Modelling of Business Processes European Funds for Rural Development Eco Monitoring Structural Funds and Operational Programs Third year Tourist Zoning and Rural Development Tourist Resources of Leading Destinations Health, SPA and Eco Tourism International Tourist Organizations

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Economics and Rural Management with specialization in Tourism – 2.5 years for Professional Bachelors First year Regional Economics Financial Markets International Economics Business Analysis of Economic Activity Investments Entrepreneurship Risk Management Elective courses Business Strategies Economic Psychology Organizational Development Leadership and Management Organization and Management of the Enterprise Sales Management Second year Regional Policy Regional Planning Economic Zoning Regional Sustainable Development Municipal Investments’ Management Municipal Finances’ Management Geographic Information System and Landscape Maps in the Rural Management Regional and International Projects’ Management

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Elective courses Development of Rural Regions Management of Protected Areas under Nature 2000 Modelling of Business Processes European Funds for Rural Development Eco Monitoring Structural Funds and Operational Programs Third year Tourist Zoning and Rural Development Tourist Resources of Leading Destinations Health, SPA and Eco Tourism International Tourist Organizations

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Economics and rural management with specialization in Public sector marketing The Master program is directed to acquiring skills for market analysis, planning and management of regional development and marketing activities, with aim fullest, timely and quality service of customers at maximum economy of resources. The acquiring of knowledge in the field of marketing is considered with specificities of the public sector which are determinate by the availability of goods and services to market and non-commercial nature and the lack of competition in regard to certain services. Training on Marketing in Public Sector is consistent with the qualification of public goods.

The Master program is directed to acquiring knowledge and skills in the following fields: - economics and management of rural areas; - public sector marketing; - regional economics and development, regional analysis and strategic rural planning on local, regional and central level; - effective marketing policy in the public sector; - finding solutions for problems connected to achievement of balanced and sustainable regional development and regional long-term socio-economic growth by implementing marketing performances, adapted to the public sector.

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Economics and Rural Management with specialization in Public Sector Marketing – 1.5 years First year Regional Policy Regional Planning Economic Zoning Regional Sustainable Development Municipal Investments’ Management Municipal Finances’ Management Geographic Information System and Landscape Maps in the Rural Management Regional and International Projects’ Management Elective courses Development of Rural Regions Management of Protected Areas under Nature 2000 Modelling of Business Processes European Funds for Rural Development Eco Monitoring Structural Funds and Operational Programs Second year Economics of the Public Sector Marketing of the Financial Services Public Sector Marketing Social Marketing in the Public Sector

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Economics and Rural Management with specialization in Public Sector Marketing – 2.5 years First year General Economic Theory Basics of Management Statistics Finances Theory of Accounting Marketing Basics of Law Banking Financial Management of the Company Planning and Prognosis Elective courses Human Resources Management Strategic Management Second year Regional Policy Regional Planning Economic Zoning Regional Sustainable Development Municipal Investments’ Management Municipal Finances’ Management Geographic Information System and Landscape Maps in the Rural Management Regional and International Projects’ Management

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www.uard.bg Elective courses Development of Rural Regions Management of Protected Areas under Nature 2000 Modelling of Business Processes European Funds for Rural Development Eco Monitoring Structural Funds and Operational Programs Third year Economics of the Public Sector Marketing of the Financial Services Public Sector Marketing Social Marketing in the Public Sector

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Economics and Rural Management with specialization in Public Sector Marketing – 2.5 years for Professional Bachelors First year Regional Economics Financial Markets International Economics Business Analysis of Economic Activity Investments Entrepreneurship Risk Management Elective courses Business Strategies Economic Psychology Organizational Development Leadership and Management Organization and Management of the Enterprise Sales Management Second year Regional Policy Regional Planning Economic Zoning Regional Sustainable Development Municipal Investments’ Management Municipal Finances’ Management Geographic Information System and Landscape Maps in the Rural Management Regional and International Projects’ Management

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www.uard.bg Elective courses Development of Rural Regions Management of Protected Areas under Nature 2000 Modelling of Business Processes European Funds for Rural Development Eco Monitoring Structural Funds and Operational Programs Third year Economics of the Public Sector Marketing of the Financial Services Public Sector Marketing Social Marketing in the Public Sector

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Finance and banking The Master program aims the training of highly qualified specialists with established market thinking and the formation of knowledge and skills, professional habits and qualities distinctive for the modern financial expert. The training in Finances and Banking forms the most advanced knowledge of banking, organization of the banking in the context of globalization of banking. Experts acquire skills for conducting effective fiscal and monetary policy adequate to modern conditions.

Graduates can work in the bank system, public administration, capital markets and insurance; experts in finance, social security, financial control and investment; in state and international financial institutions.

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www.uard.bg Finances and Banking – 1 year Bank Analysis Bank and Budget Accounting Stock Exchange Bank Management Financial Analysis Bank Marketing Elective courses Theory of Money and Credit Management of External Debt Management of the Bank Risk Capital Budgeting Regional Markets and International Trade Operations Management of Investment Portfolios Bank Transactions

www.uard.bg Finances and Banking – 2 years First year General Economic Theory Basics of Management Statistics Finances Theory of Accounting Marketing Basics of Law Banking Financial Management of the Company Planning and Prognosis Elective courses Human Resources Management Strategic Management Second year Bank Analysis Bank and Budget Accounting Stock Exchange Bank Management Financial Analysis Bank Marketing Elective courses Theory of Money and Credit Management of External Debt Management of the Bank Risk Capital Budgeting Regional Markets and International Trade Operations Management of Investment Portfolios Bank Transactions

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www.uard.bg Finances and Banking – 2 years for Professional Bachelors First year Regional Economics Financial Markets International Economics Business Analysis of Economic Activity Investments Entrepreneurship Risk Management Elective courses Business Strategies Economic Psychology Organizational Development Leadership and Management Organization and Management of Enterprise Sales Management Second year Bank Analysis Bank and Budget Accounting Stock Exchange Bank Management Financial Analysis Bank Marketing Elective courses Theory of Money and Credit Management of External Debt Management of the Bank Risk Capital Budgeting Regional Markets and International Trade Operations Management of Investment Portfolios Bank Transactions 74

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Accounting and auditing The Master program aims at acquiring and expansion of knowledge and practical skills and competences in the field of accounting policy, financial-accounting analysis, international accounting standards, financial control and audit standards.

It trains economist accountant and financial managers for the public and private and conducting research.

The specialists on accounting and auditing receive special training on: execution of financial-accounting analysis, knowledge and application of standards for financial statements of small and medium-sized enterprises, knowledge of international accounting standards and auditing standards; knowledge of tax, social and labor legislation and controlling the financial discipline; knowledge of the structure and organization of the enterprise, the powers of competencies, corporate culture.

Opportunities for professional realization of graduates include: different structures of financial-accounting and administrative management of producing and commercial enterprises, financial institutions, the institutions of financial administration and control, companies accomplishing accounting and auditing activities.

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www.uard.bg Accounting and Auditing – 1 year Accounting Policy Theory of Control and Audit Concepts Management Accounting Financial Control and Audit Standards International Accounting Standards Financial and Accounting Analysis Audit of Financial Reports Elective courses Accounting Program Products Labour and Insurance Law Capital Budgeting Accounting for Insurance Undertakings Audit of Projects Legal and Accounting Experts’ Report

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Accounting and Auditing – 2 years First year General Economic Theory Basics of Management Statistics Finances Theory of Accounting Marketing Basics of Law Banking Financial Management of the Company Planning and Prognosis Elective courses Human Resources Management Strategic Management Second year Accounting Policy Theory of Control and Audit Concepts Management Accounting Financial Control and Audit Standards International Accounting Standards Financial and Accounting Analysis Audit of Financial Reports Elective courses Accounting Program Products Labour and Insurance Law Capital Budgeting Accounting for Insurance Undertakings Audit of Projects Legal and Accounting Experts’ Report

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www.uard.bg Accounting and Auditing – 2 years for Professional Bachelors First year Regional Economics Financial Markets International Economics Business Analysis of Economic Activity Investments Entrepreneurship Risk Management Elective courses Business Strategies Economic Psychology Organizational Development Leadership and Management Organization and Management of Enterprise Sales Management Second year Accounting Policy Theory of Control and Audit Concepts Management Accounting Financial Control and Audit Standards International Accounting Standards Financial and Accounting Analysis Audit of Financial Reports Elective courses Accounting Program Products Labour and Insurance Law Capital Budgeting Accounting for Insurance Undertakings Audit of Projects Legal and Accounting Experts’ Report 78

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International business The educational goal of the program is to prepare highly qualified and competent specialists with basic wide profiled economic training and specialized functional expertise in the field of organization and management of external economic relations, international trade, international business and finance, analysis of the situation on international markets and international marketing, organization of international commodity and stock exchanges that give the graduates successful intervention in solving the problems in that area.

Graduates can occupy positions related to the operational management of international business on company level, including financial managers, production managers, marketing managers, innovation managers, etc., as specialists and experts in investment companies, markets and stock exchanges, trade brokers, operational managers in international retail chains; specialists and experts in the field of financial administration; specialists and experts in state institutions and departments, specialists and experts in international economic organizations, etc.

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www.uard.bg International Business – 1 year Innovations in the International Business International Financial Markets International Risk Management English Language Establish and Management of Joint Venture International Commodity Exchange International Business Statistics and Comparisons English Language Elective courses Management of External Debt Multicultural Aspects of the Business Institutions and Tools of the European Union Monetary and Custom Control International Stock Exchange International Projects’ Management Leadership and Strategic Management International Payments International Logistics

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International Business – 1.5 years First year International Economic Relations and Business in Europe International Economic Organizations International Trade Law Marketing in the International Business International Finances European Economic Integration English Language Innovations in the International Business International Financial Markets International Risk Management English Language Elective courses Management of External Debt Multicultural Aspects of the Business Institutions and Tools of the European Union Monetary and Custom Control International Stock Exchange Second year Establish and Management of Joint Venture International Commodity Exchange International Business Statistics and Comparisons English Language Elective courses International Projects’ Management Leadership and Strategic Management International Payments International Logistics

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www.uard.bg International Business – 2 years First year Economics Finances Theory of Accounting Statistics Marketing Basics of Management English Language International Economic Relations International Economic Organizations International Trade Law Marketing in the International Business International Finances European Economic Integration English Language Second year Innovations in the International Business International Financial Markets International Risk Management English Language Establish and Management of Joint Venture International Commodity Exchange International Business Statistics and Comparisons English Language Elective courses Management of External Debt Multicultural Aspects of the Business Institutions and Tools of the European Union Monetary and Custom Control International Stock Exchange International Projects’ Management Leadership and Strategic Management International Payments International Logistics 82

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International Business – 2 years for Professional Bachelors First year Entrepreneurship Investments Financial Markets Sales Management International Economics Business Strategies English Language International Economic Relations and Business in Europe International Economic Organizations International Trade Law Marketing in the International Business International Finances European Economic Integration English Language Second year Innovations in the International Business International Financial Markets International Risk Management English Language Establish and Management of Joint Venture International Commodity Exchange International Business Statistics and Comparisons English Language

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Elective courses Management of External Debt Multicultural Aspects of the Business Institutions and Tools of the European Union Monetary and Custom Control International Stock Exchange International Projects’ Management Leadership and Strategic Management International Payments International Logistics

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Business management The Master program trains specialists for professional appearance as leaders, experts, consultants in all units of business and non-profit spheres, as well as researchers and specialists in management at universities, research institutes, development units and others. Graduates can realize themselves in state or private enterprises, institutes and organizations from all branches of industry on leading positions, for example: - managers on highest levels of companies’ management; - experts on management of production, non-production and scientific field; - consultants on management and organizational development in specialized companies and scientific organizations; - specialists on management and administration in local and state management structures.

The program in Business Management is offered with specialization in “Management of Agribusiness�.

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www.uard.bg Business Management – 1 year Methods and Strategies in Management Quantity Methods for Risk Management Company Strategies Administrative Management Financial Management Franchising and Outsourcing Organizational Change Management Elective courses Basics of the European Union Intercultural Communication Management Accounting Electronic Administrative Services Regional Markets and International Trade Operations Bank Management

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Business Management – 2 years First year General Economic Theory Basics of Management Statistics Finances Theory of Accounting Marketing Basics of Law Banking Strategic Management Planning and Prognosis Elective courses Human Resources Management Financial Management of the Company Second year Methods and Strategies in Management Quantity Methods for Risk Management Company Strategies Administrative Management Financial Management Franchising and Outsourcing Organizational Change Management Elective courses Basics of the European Union Intercultural Communication Management Accounting Electronic Administrative Services Regional Markets and International Trade Operations Bank Management

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www.uard.bg Business Management – 2 years for Professional Bachelors First year Regional Economics Financial Markets International Economics Business Analysis of Economic Activity Investments Entrepreneurship Risk Management Elective courses Business Strategies Economic Psychology Organizational Development Leadership and Management Organization and Management of the Enterprise Sales Management Second year Methods and Strategies in Management Quantity Methods for Risk Management Company Strategies Administrative Management Financial Management Franchising and Outsourcing Organizational Change Management Elective courses Basics of the European Union Intercultural Communication Management Accounting Electronic Administrative Services Regional Markets and International Trade Operations Bank Management 88

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Business Management with specialization in Management of Agribusiness – 1.5 years First year Methods and Strategies in Management Quantity Methods for Risk Management Company Strategies Administrative Management Financial Management Franchising and Outsourcing Organizational Change Management Elective courses Basics of the European Union Intercultural Communication Management Accounting Electronic Administrative Services Regional Markets and International Trade Operations Bank Management Second year Agrarian Institutions Marketing Research in Agribusiness Small and Family Agribusiness International Trade with Agricultural Products

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Business Management with specialization in Management of Agribusiness – 2.5 years First year General Economic Theory Basics of Management Statistics Finances Theory of Accounting Marketing Basics of Law Banking Strategic Management Planning and Prognosis Elective courses Human Resources Management Financial Management of the Company Second year Methods and Strategies in Management Quantity Methods for Risk Management Company Strategies Administrative Management Financial Management Franchising and Outsourcing Organizational Change Management

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www.uard.bg Elective courses Basics of the European Union Intercultural Communication Management Accounting Electronic Administrative Services Regional Markets and International Trade Operations Bank Management Third year Agrarian Institutions Marketing Research in Agribusiness Small and Family Agribusiness International Trade with Agricultural Products

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Business Management with specialization in Management of Agribusiness – 2.5 years for Professional Bachelors First year Regional Economics Financial Markets International Economics Business Analysis of Economic Activity Investments Entrepreneurship Risk Management Elective courses Business Strategies Economic Psychology Organizational Development Leadership and Management Organization and Management of the Enterprise Sales Management Second year Methods and Strategies in Management Quantity Methods for Risk Management Company Strategies Administrative Management Financial Management Franchising and Outsourcing Organizational Change Management

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Elective courses Basics of the European Union Intercultural Communication Management Accounting Electronic Administrative Services Regional Markets and Institutional Trade Operations Bank Management Third year Agrarian Institutions Marketing Research in Agribusiness Small and Family Agribusiness International Trade with Agricultural Products

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Management of municipalities with specialization in Ruralplanning and development Specialization on “Rural Planning and Development” is relatively new for Bulgaria unlike many other countries which have a long tradition. In UARD it completes the training of students in Master qualification degree in the field of management of municipalities.

The specialization “Rural Planning and Development” has high degree of interdisciplinarity, expressed in studying economic, managerial, legal and political sciences in accordance with modern trends in development of education and socio-economic practice. The educational goal is toward receiving fundamental and specialized knowledge and skills in the field of regional planning and development, necessary for successful realization of the students.

Graduates from this specialization acquire knowledge in the field of: - theoretical basis of regional economics, management and policies; - methodology and method of regional analysis and research; - strategic regional planning; - diagnostic and evaluation of regional system; - making managerial decision for development of the systems in different territorial and hierarchical ranks; - programming and projecting socio-economic development at local, regional and central level; - development of policies and strategies on national, regional and local level.

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Graduates can realize themselves as: - specialists in managerial hierarch of administrative organizations and institutions; - specialists/experts in administrative units of executive power; - specialists and consultants in territorial institutions and administration; - advisors and consultants of leading administrative institutions; - specialists and experts on regional development in research organizations; - consultants in the structures of non-governmental organizations and agencies for regional development; - specialists on administration and management of state and local structures; - specialists in institutions for regional development and policies of European Union.

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Management of Municipalities with specialization in Rural Planning and Development – 1.5 years First year Local Self-Government Basics of Public Administration Administrative Law and Process Local Budgets Management of Territorial Infrastructure State Regulation of Economics Geographic Information System and Landscape Maps in the Rural Management Elective courses Applied Geourbanism Nature Potential of Local and Regional Communities Electronic Administrative Services in the Public Administration European Funds and Programs Protected Areas of Bulgaria Taxes and Tax Policy Budget Accounting Second year Economic Zoning and Rural Development Strategic Planning of the Rural Development Competitiveness of the Regions Ecological Modelling and Expert Reports

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Management of Municipalities with specialization in Rural Planning and Development – 2.5 years First year General Economic Theory Basics of Management Statistics Finances Theory of Accounting Marketing Basics of Law Banking Strategic Management Planning and Prognosis Elective courses Human Resources Management Financial Management of the Company Second year Local Self-Government Basics of Public Administration Administrative Law and Process Local Budgets Management of Territorial Infrastructure State Regulation of Economics Geographic Information System and Landscape Maps in the Rural Management

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www.uard.bg Elective courses Applied Geourbanism Nature Potential of Local and Regional Communities Electronic Administrative Services in the Public Administration European Funds and Programs Protected Areas of Bulgaria Taxes and Tax Policy Budget Accounting Third year Economic Zoning and Rural Development Strategic Planning of the Rural Development Competitiveness of the Regions Ecological Modelling and Expert Reports

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Management of Municipalities with specialization in Rural Planning and Development2.5 years for Professional Bachelors First year Regional Economics Financial Markets International Economics Business Analysis of Economic Activity Investments Entrepreneurship Risk Management Elective courses Business Strategies Economic Psychology Organizational Development Leadership and Management Organization and Management of the Enterprise Sales Management Second year Local Self-Government Basics of Public Administration Administrative Law and Process Local Budgets Management of Territorial Infrastructure State Regulation of Economics Geographic Information System and Landscape Maps in the Rural Management

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www.uard.bg Elective courses Applied Geourbanism Nature Potential of Local and Regional Communities Electronic Administrative Services in the Public Administration European Funds and Programs Protected Areas of Bulgaria Taxes and Tax Policy Budget Accounting Third year Economic Zoning and Rural Development Strategic Planning of the Rural Development Competitiveness of the Regions Ecological Modelling and Expert Reports

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Project management Education in “Project Management� aims at acquiring wide theoretical knowledge for achievement of market analysis, planning and management of company practice and performing research work. Specialists in project management receive special training to systematize, analyze and use the opportunities for project implementation, financed from Bulgarian government and European funds.

Graduates can work as experts and consultants in development and management of project; specialists and leaders of units on project management on all managerial levels in different institutions and organizations – institutions and organs of state and municipal governance, banks, investment companies and consultants firms; organizations in public and private sectors; non-governmental organizations, universities, research institutes, etc.

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www.uard.bg Project Management – 1 year Methods and Processes in Project Management Project Funding and Techniques Electronic Project Management Analysis and Risk Assessment in the Project Funding Project Auditing Structural Funds and Operational Programs Elective courses Applied Software in Project Management European Funds and Programs Project Financing of Entrepreneurial Business Regional and International Projects Management Group Project

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Project Management – 2 years First year General Economic Theory Basics of Management Statistics Finances Theory of Accounting Marketing Basics of Law Banking Strategic Management Planning and Prognosis Elective courses Human Resources Management Financial Management of the Company Second year Methods and Processes in Project Management Project Funding and Techniques Electronic Project Management Analysis and Risk Assessment in the Project Funding Project Auditing Structural Funds and Operational Programs Elective courses Applied Software in Project Management European Funds and Programs Project Financing of Entrepreneurial Business Regional and International Projects Management Group Project

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www.uard.bg Project Management – 2 years for Professional Bachelors First year Regional Economics Financial Markets International Economics Business Analysis of Economic Activity Investments Entrepreneurship Risk Management Elective courses Business Strategies Economic Psychology Organizational Development Leadership and Management Organization and Management of Enterprise Sales Management Second year Methods and Processes in Project Management Project Funding and Techniques Electronic Project Management Analysis and Risk Assessment in the Project Funding Project Auditing Structural Funds and Operational Programs Elective courses Applied Software in Project Management European Funds and Programs Project Financing of Entrepreneurial Business Regional and International Projects Management Group Project

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Management of rural regions Accelerated socio-economic development of regions sets specific requirements for professionals who must have a general theoretical and specialized training as well as practical knowledge and skills for effective management and development of policies for economic and social cohesion with a view to eliminate disparities between regions nationwide. This requires an interdisciplinary approach and complex techniques of experts in a wide range of economic, social, environmental and political directions.

The program aims to prepare highly qualified and competitive managerial personnel and experts who on basis of acquired systematical knowledge and skills to build professional career of active leaders, able to identify complex regional problems; to analyze, develop and evaluate alternatives and strategies for rural regions development; to develop and realize managerial plans and projects according to European regulations and standards for regional development; to conduct regional policy of European Union with giving an account of specific characteristics and interests of rural regions in Bulgaria.

Graduates can realize themselves as managers, experts on composing, accomplishment, monitoring and control of projects, financed by structural funds of European Union; as specialists in the field of development and management of rural regions in regional and municipal administrations, research institutes and firms, ministries and international organizations.

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www.uard.bg Management of Rural Regions - 1 year Development of Rural Regions Regional Institutions and Administration Environmental Management Common Agricultural Policy of European Union Structural Funds and Operational Programs Strategic Management of Rural Areas Elective courses Protected Areas Biodiversity Organic Farming European Funds and Programs Rural and Ecological Tourism Regional and International Projects Management

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Management of Rural Regions – 2 years First year General Economic Theory Basics of Management Statistics Finances Theory of Accounting Marketing Basics of Law Banking Strategic Management Planning and Prognosis Elective courses Human Resources Management Financial Management of the Company Second year Development of Rural Regions Regional Institutions and Administration Environmental Management Common Agricultural Policy of the European Union Structural Funds and Operational Programs Strategic Management of Rural Areas Elective courses Protected Areas Biodiversity Organic Farming European Funds and Programs Rural and Ecological Tourism Regional and International Projects Management

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www.uard.bg Management of Rural Regions – 2 years for Professional Bachelors First year Regional Economics Financial Markets International Economics Business Analysis of Economic Activity Investments Entrepreneurship Risk Management Elective courses Business Strategies Economic Psychology Organizational Development Leadership and Management Organization and Management of Enterprise Sales Management Second year Development of Rural Regions Regional Institutions and Administration Environmental Management Common Agricultural Policy of the European Union Structural Funds and Operational Programs Strategic Management of Rural Areas Elective courses Protected Areas Biodiversity Organic Farming European Funds and Programs Rural and Ecological Tourism Regional and International Projects Management

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Art management The major is designed for experts who will lead the development of activities in the field of arts in the regions. The main mission of these activities will be continuing of good national traditions in community center work. The main goal is to study and develop Bulgarian cultural heritage, which is conserving in the rural regions. The Curriculum includes science of art, folklore, ethnography, introduction to art, amateur art activities, basics of impresario, patron, production and publishing activities, gallery science and management of the media.

Graduates from this major can realize themselves as art managers in all fields of culture, arts, media, performance, business.

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First year History of Art Basics of Art Management Cultural Heritage, Ethnography, Cultural Clubs and Museum Activities Regulations in the Culture Study practice in a Museum Entrepreneurship and Production in Art Art Funding Introduction to Performing Art Marketing and Advertising in Art Study Practice in a Theater Elective courses Management of Art-Projects Antique Art Modern Culture Impresario Activities Second year Plastic Arts, Gallery and Curator Activities Investments and Collector’s Activities Economics in Art-Management Media Management and Publishing Activities Study Practice in a Gallery Elective courses Organizational Behavior and Psychology of the Artist Aesthetics

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Administration and information management The Master program is with marked applied focus in the field of planning, organization, directing, controlling and using information as strategic resource of the organizational unit. It gives opportunity for effective link between acquired knowledge and skills in previous Bachelor or Master degree, and specifics of the application of the information technologies in administrative and business environment.

Students receive specialized knowledge and skills in the field of management; modern information technologies; planning, report and control in the field of information systems; forming of organizational structures; using and exploitation of information resources; creating and accomplishing innovation programs and projects; provision of complex protection of information resources, etc.

Graduates from this program acquire knowledge and experience in the field of three technologies: resource, instrumental and managerial, which gives them opportunity for successful realization in different organizations in the public and private sectors.

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First year Organizational Management Normative and Legal Regulation in Information Systems Information Management Information Systems for Administrative Service Administrative Management Information Processes and Systems for Decision Making Techniques for Management Decision Making Elective courses Information Society E-commerce Information Resources Management Electronic Management of Projects Information Security Information Policy of the European Union Assessment of Administrative Activities Second year Nature and Design of Business Information Systems System for Data Base Management Elective courses Statistical Methods for Business Analysis Information Analytical Systems Systems for Management and Planning of Resources

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Communication systems management The Master program offers in-depth studying of theory and practice of communications and documentation inside organizations and between organizations, studying electronic communication systems in the context of global use of communication and information technologies in management and administration.

Graduates have knowledge and skills for design, constructing, organization and management of communication and information systems in organizations in terms of diverse and constantly changing environment.

Students acquire competencies in management and skills for self-resolving problems situations and use of advanced-guard technologies in management which provides them with big opportunities for realization in all spheres of public and economic life.

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www.uard.bg First year Information Society Sociology of Communications Normative and Legal Regulation in Information Systems Information and Communication Technologies and Their Application Communication Systems and Services Information Systems Management Information Security Elective courses Electronic Administrative Systems Intercultural Communication Organizational Development Assessment of Administrative Activities and Administrative Capacity Second year Organizational Management Information Management Elective courses Management of Business Effectiveness Information Analytical Systems

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Human resources management The aim of the Master program is to secure complex and indepth training of highly qualified specialists, corresponding to the international standards of professionalism in the field of human resources management (HRM). The main task of the training is to submit knowledge and to form practical skills for personnel management in terms of global, dynamic and highly competitive market environment. The content of the program is oriented towards building competences in all fundamental aspects of HRM – mechanisms for design of effective HRM systems and their synchronization with the business strategy of the organization; legal framework of labor relations (incl. antidiscrimination legislation); specifics of external and internal labor market; modern methods of attracting, selecting and mobilizing the talents of the workforce; principles for building equitable and motivating remuneration systems; using of information systems to facilitate the activities of professionals; psychological environment of HRM and methods for its study; tools of management consulting.

The program has universal applicability and graduates masters can realize themselves successfully in all economic and nonprofit sectors as: managers of HRM; associates in departments of HRM; specialists in consultant firms and agencies; managers on all levels in the organizational hierarchy; leaders of teams; teachers and instructors; researchers and others.

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www.uard.bg Human Resources Management – 1 year Strategic Human Resources Management Labour and Insurance Law Methods and Techniques for Election, Assessment and Development of the Staff Management Consulting Labour Market Management of Remunerations Information Systems in the HRM Elective courses Institutions and Tools of the European Union Intercultural Management Motivational Models in Staff Management Systems of Human Resources Management Research Methods in Labour Organization Professional Standards in HRM HRM in Project Surroundings Psychological Aspects of HRM Leadership and Management of Differences

www.uard.bg Human Resources Management – 2 years First year General Economic Theory Basics of Management Statistics Finances Theory of Accounting Marketing Basics of Law Banking Strategic Management Planning and Prognosis Elective courses Human Resources Management Financial Management of the Company Second year Strategic Human Resources Management Labour and Insurance Law Methods and Techniques for Election, Assessment and Development of the Staff Management Consulting Labour Market Management of Remunerations Information Systems in the HRM Elective courses Institutions and Tools of the European Union Intercultural Management Motivational Models in Staff Management Systems of Human Resources Management Research Methods in Labour Organization Professional Standards in HRM HRM in Project Surroundings Psychological Aspects of HRM Leadership and Management of Differences 117

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Human Resources Management – 2 years for Professional Bachelors First year Regional Economics Financial Markets International Economics Business Analysis of Economic Activity Investments Entrepreneurship Risk Management Elective courses Business Strategies Economic Psychology Organizational Development Leadership and Management Organization and Management of Enterprise Sales Management Second year Strategic Human Resources Management Labour and Insurance Law Methods and Techniques for Election, Assessment and Development of the Staff Management Consulting Labour Market Management of Remunerations Information Systems in the HRM

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Elective courses Institutions and Tools of the European Union Intercultural Management Motivational Models in Staff Management Systems of Human Resources Management Research Methods in Labour Organization Professional Standards in HRM HRM in Project Surroundings Psychological Aspects of HRM Leadership and Management of Differences

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Health management The Master‘s program in Health Management aims to provide knowledge and skills to manage healthcare organizations and projects in the field of health through: - Providing a variety of theoretical and specific knowledge of the nature and content of the organization and management of health system.

- Acquiring practical skills for implementation of various types of technology in healthcare management and organization and management problems solving.

- Creating innovative and analytical thinking skills of graduate students by extensive use of various interactive methods.

The Master’s degree in Health Management gives specific knowledge and skills in the key areas of the health system and its management. The Master in „Health Management“ should demonstrate knowledge of: - Organization of health care system; - The nature and content of the management; - The combination of modern technology-based management; - Methods for decision- making; - Healthcare information systems; - Ensuring the quality of health services, good medical practice and medical standards.

The Master in „Health Management“ should beable to: - Pinpointing problems of the health system and to find methods and technologies for their solving; - Applying quantitative and qualitative methods in health care management; - Skills for proper use of the management communications methods; 120

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- Developing different types of documents for management level (orders, regulations, instructions, plans, instructions, etc.); - Creating health activities reports and to apply methods of evaluating the health outcomes achieved; - Organizing and holding meetings at management level; - Respecting the fundamental ethical rules in carrying out management activities; - Drawing up plans for conducting research in the field of healthcare management.

The course duration of Master’s program in Health Management is three semesters.

The postgraduate course is available to study part-time for Bachelors or Masters of all subject fields. The course curriculum includes compulsory and optional courses. The training finishes with a state exam or thesis defense.

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First year Health Management Normative and Legal Regulation in the Healthcare Methodology of the Health Management Managerial Psychology Health Policy and Strategies Organization and Ergonomics of Labour in the Health Facility Elective courses Basics of Organization of the Healthcare Time Management Labour Law Motivational Models in the Staff Management Managerial Sociology Business Ethics Projects’ Management Leadership and Management of Differences Administrative Law Second year Economics and Funding of the Healthcare Human Resources Management in the Healthcare Management of Quality and Effectiveness in Healthcare Elective courses Quantity Methods in the Health Management Marketing in the Healthcare International Health Tourism

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PhD programs • Plant breeding • Finance and banking

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Study in English UARD offers a large list of academic courses in Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in English. You can find them listed on the website of UARD in the English version of the section Erasmus+.

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Preparing your stay How to apply All required documents duly signed by the student and by the home university coordinator should be sent to International Relations Office of UARD via email or by post by June 31 for winter semester or the whole academic year and by December 31 for summer semester to the following address:

University of Agribusiness and Rural Development International Relations Office 78 Dunav Blvd.

4003 Plovdiv, Bulgaria erasmus@uard.bg

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Required application documents for Erasmus+ study stay are: - Learning Agreement for Studies; - Application Form; - Accommodation Form (if you want us to organize your stay in Plovdiv); - Transcript of Records; - English Language Certificate - foreign students are required to have at least intermediate level of English (B1) in order to follow lectures and pass exams; - Copy of Passport or Identity Card.

Once we have received a complete application and it has been accepted by the faculty, we will return signed Learning Agreement for Studies and a Letter of Acceptance to your home university contact person. This may take 4-6 weeks from the respective deadline.

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Academic calendar The academic year in University of Agribusiness and Rural Development starts on 1 September. It is divided into two semesters.

Winter semester: Bachelor’s degree – September-December; exam session in January; Master’s degree – November-January; exam session in February.

Summer semester: Bachelor’s degree – February-May; exam session in June; Master’s degree – March-May; exam session in June.

Holidays: Winter: approx. 2 weeks around Christmas Easter: mid-week before Easter until mid-week after Easter NB! In Bulgaria, Easter is celebrated according to the calendar of the Eastern Orthodox Church.

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www.uard.bg Preparing the study program We offer a large amend of academic courses in English. Your only restriction is to choose course which correspond with your study field in your home university.

What needs to be done: Select the courses you wish to study and consult them with your home university coordinator at the time of application. Necessary changes can be done after arrival upon an agreement with the Erasmus coordinator of UARD.

Language preparation The regular language of instruction is Bulgarian, however our faculty and department offer wide range of courses in English language for foreign students. Exchange students are required to have intermediate knowledge of English language (at least B1) in order to follow lectures and pass exams.

Accommodation We do not have our own dormitories however we have contract with a private dormitory in the “Belomorski� quarter of the city. It is located in the Yuzhen area. The dormitory has rooms for one, two and three persons. The rooms are newly furnished. There is a high-speed Internet connection. The rent includes the supplies.

When our International Relations Office prepares all the needed documents with incoming students, we offer to book you a room in the dormitory upon your wishes.

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Health insurance Students arrive from EU member states should ensure that they request European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) from their local health authorities, therefore issued in their home countries.

Recommended: also do not forget to arrange travel insurance!

Average living costs Bulgaria has very low prices in comparison with the other countries in the European Union.Remember: 1 euro is close to 2 leva. Here are some examples of the basic products and services: Cinema ticket (3D): 12-15 lv.

Pizza: 4-6 lv.

Coke: 2 lv.

Beer in shops (0,5l): 1,60 lv.

Beer in pubs (0,5l): 2 lv.

Wine in shops (0,7 l): 6 lv.

Mineral water (0,5l): 0,80 lv.

Bread: 0,90 lv.

Milk: 2 lv.

Butter: 1,40 lv Ham, sausage (100gr): 0,80 lv Eggs (5 pieces): 1,20 lv.

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Orientation week One week before each semester International Relations Office organizes an Orientation week for the incoming Erasmus students in order to help them start their mobility smoothly.

Extending your stay If you enjoy your stay so much that you would like to stay one more semester you can extend your stay in Plovdiv providing that the Institutional Erasmus coordinator in Plovdiv and your home coordinator agree with it. You will need to submit to the International Relations Office Changes to the original Learning agreement form with courses you would like to study in the summer semester signed by you and the Institutional Erasmus coordinator in Plovdiv by December 1st. We will then send it to your home university for approval and arrange prolongation.

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Plovdiv – the oldest inhabited city in Europe

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www.uard.bg The Roman writer Lucian presents Plovdiv as “This is the biggest and loveliest of all cities. Its beauty shines from faraway”. So it is not just us who think that our city is the loveliest in Bulgaria and one of the prettiest in Europe. It has its own style, ambience and luminance. The city is famous for its seven hills and many names because of the different states that it has belonged to.

Plovdiv’s history spans 6,000 years, with traces of a Neolithic settlement dating to roughly 4000 BC, ranking it among the world’s oldest cities – it is on 6th place. Plovdiv was known in the West for most of its recorded history by the Greek name Philippoupolis, which was introduced in 340 BC. It was originally a Thracian city, later becoming a Macedonian Greek city, and then a major Roman city.

Plovdiv is situated in the Upper Thracian Plain (Gornotrakiyska Nizina), on the both banks of the Maritsa River. The town in its present appearance was built around seven hills – the hills of Plovdiv (Plovdiv Tepes) which are an inseparable part of the city’s history. Because of these hills, Plovdiv is often referred to in Bulgaria as “The City of the Seven Hills”. The ancient settlement was situated on the natural elevation between Nebet, Taksim and Dzhambaz hills (the Three Hills). The names of the other four hills are Sahat hill, Bunardzhik hill, Dzhendem hill and the now non-existent Markovo hill.

Some of the many old names of Plovdiv are: Paldin, Pulpudeva, Trimontium, Philippoupolis, Filibe.

Plovdiv is divided into 6 areas – Tsentralen (Central), Iztochen (East), Zapaden (West), Severen (North), Yuzhen (South) and Trakiya (Trakia). University of Agribusiness and Rural Development is located in the Severen area.

Plovdiv is a big student center – there are 9 universities. But not only the young people have contributed for the special ambience.

The city has rich cultural calendar and dynamic cultural life during all seasons.

In September 2014 Plovdiv was chosen for European Capital of Culture for 2019.

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Places to visit in Plovdiv It is almost obligatory your first visit to be the Old Town. It is the most loved part of the city. The Old Town is situated on the Three Hills (Nebet, Taksim and Dzhambaz hills). It is full of houses built during the Bulgarian Revival. Those houses are very special because they are built with specific architectural requirements – the upper floor is wider than the lower. Many of the houses in the Old Town are now art galleries or they are used for cultural purposes – Balabanova house, Hindliyan house, Nedkovich house, ZlatyuBoyadzhiev Gallery, etc. The pearl of the Old Town is the Ancient Theatre which was found during the digging of the tunnel under the Three Hills.

In the Old Town you can find some of the oldest and prettiest churches in the city – “St. St. Konstantin and Elena”, “St. Nikolay” and “St. Nedelya”. Other beautiful churches in the Old Town are “St. Dimitar” and the biggest eastern orthodox cathedral in Plovdiv “Assumption”.

Just before you take the road to the Old Town, you will pass through the Dzhumaya square where the Roman Stadium is located. The bigger part of the Roman Stadium is hidden under the walking street of Plovdiv and only a small part of it is exposed.

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Different civilizations and religions live together in Plovdiv. Along the Roman Stadium, which dates from ancient roman time, on the Dzhumaya square is the Dzhumaya Mosque built in 14th century. Next to the eastern orthodox churches in the Old Town sits the Armenian church “Surp Kevork”.

The walking street in Plovdiv is the longest in Europe – 1750 m.

There are many shops and places for drinking and eating you can visit while taking a walk to view the beauty of the city.

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There are two museums on Saedinenie (Unification) square: Regional Historic Museum – Plovdiv and Regional Archeological Museum – Plovdiv. They have interesting seasonal expositions. Close by is the Regional Scientific Museum – Plovdiv. In an old and beautiful building in the Old Town is situated the Regional Ethnographic Museum which is one of the favorite places to visit of citizens of Plovdiv and guests.

www.uard.bg Things to do in Plovdiv The annual cultural calendar of Plovdiv is very rich and there is always something to do in the city in each season.

The autumn/winter season can offer many possibilities. The theater season is open. The Plovdiv Drama Theatre is one of the best in Bulgaria. The Plovdiv Puppet Theatre, founded in 1948, remains one of the leading institutions in this genre. The International Puppet-Theatre Festival “Three are too many, two – not enough” organized by Plovdiv Puppet Theatre is one of most beloved culture events. The Plovdiv State Opera was established in 1953 and it is very popular among the citizens and guests of the city. “Scene of crossroad” offers many spectacles from different countries. National Autumn Exhibitions Plovdiv (September 1st to September 30th) is an annual national festival of contemporary Bulgarian art. The last weekend of September there is a double Night of Museums and Galleries – Friday and Saturday night.

The events of the Night are focused more over the street art than the art in the museums. The fests of the Old Town are in the end of September – last full week of the month. In November and May there is Defile of the Young Wine where different wineries from across the country present their production to the lovers of the wine.

In the spring/summer season the program is less intensive but not less interesting. In spring there is a second Night of Museums and Galleries. It is held in the night of the European Night of Museums and Galleries. This Night is about the museums and the classical art they present. The most anticipated event in the summer is the International Folk Festival in the last week of July/first week of August. There are opera performances at the Ancient Theater in July. The most famous of them are “Aida” by Giuseppe Verdi and “Carmen” by Georges Bizet.

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www.uard.bg Some of the new festivals in Plovdiv are One Design Week in June, One Architecture Week in September and One Dance Week in October.

Keeping fit For the lovers of sports there are possibilities too. There is long chain of bicycle lanes for the cyclists. Grebnata baza is the place where you can do your jogging or just walk around and enjoy the peace.

Evening entertainment There are various ways to enjoy yourselves in the night. You can go sit in a local restaurants and bars with your new friends, try some of the Bulgarian food. Later you can go to night bars.

There is very rich choice of bars with different kinds of music for everyone’s taste.

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Interesting places in Plovdiv region There are many towns close to Plovdiv. Hisarya is famous with its SPA procedures and artefacts from roman time. Brestnik, Bretovitsa, Starosel and many others villages are famous with their numerous small wineries. In proximately closeness to Plovdiv is the renowned Rose Valley of Kazanlak. This is the place where big part of the yield of roses and lavender comes from. Bulgaria is in first place of yield of rose oil in the world and in the last few years it is the biggest producer of lavender oil too.

Practical information during your stay

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Banks in Plovdiv http://www.goldenpages.bg/en/banks/PLOVDIV The currency of Republic of Bulgaria is the Bulgarian lev (лев/лв. / BGN) Following denominations are used: Notes: 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 лв. (lev/ leva Pl.) Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 ст. (stotinka/ stotinki Pl.) It is recommended to change money in banks and to use ATMs of banks.

Post Office http://www.bgpost.bg/?cid=3 Address: Central Square, 1, Plovdiv 4000, tel. 00359 32 276 233 Envelope price: 0, 03 – 0, 57 stotinki Letter (non-priority), standard up to 20g, total price: 1 lv Letter (priority), standard up to 20g, total price: 1, 40 lv

Public transport in Plovdiv Tickets are available in the buses. Ticket costs 1 lev. http://transport.plovdiv.bg/desktop/

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www.uard.bg Mobile phones Telenor http://www.telenor.bg/en/plans/postpaid-plans Prepaid program Packages price up to 6 lv Mtel http://www.mtel.bg/about-prima/index.php Prepaid program Packages price up to 8 lv Vivacom http://www.vivacom.bg/bg/residential/ceni-i-uslugi/ mobilni-uslugi/abonamenten-plan Prepaid program Packages price up to 15 lv

Culture in Plovdiv Useful link: http://www.programata.bg/?p=1&l=2&c=2

Theaters A’part: Plovdiv, Spectrum Youth House Amphitheatre: Plovdiv, Tzar Ivailo Str. Charlie Theatre: Plovdiv, Avksentyi Veleshki str. 20 Hand Theatre: Plovdiv, 18 Ruski Blvd.

Nikolay O. Masalitinov Drama Theatre http://www.dtp.bg/en Plovdiv, 38 Knтaz Alexander Batenberg I Str. Open Air Theatre, city of Plovdiv: Plovdiv, Bunardjikpark State Opera - Plovdiv: Plovdiv, 1 Central Sqr. State Puppet Theatre Plovdiv: Plovdiv, 14 Hristo G. Danov Str. University Theatre: Plovdiv, 24 Tsar Asen Str.

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Museums Archaeological Museum http://www.archaeologicalmuseumplovdiv.org/ Regional Natural History Museum Plovdiv http://rnhm.org/history.html Ethnographic Museum http://ethnograph.info/front/index.php?lng=en Historical Museum http://www.historymuseumplovdiv.com/?lang_id=2 Aviation Museum (branch of National museum of Military History) http://www.militarymuseum.bg/eng/Kontakti/kontakti.html

Cinemas halls Cinema City: Plovdiv, 8 Perushtica St., Plovdiv Mall Working time: 10:00–24:00 Faces: Plovdiv, Saedinenie Blvd, Trakia Residential Area Flamingo Cinema: Plovdiv, 128 6ti septemvriBlvd Geo Milev: Plovdiv, Vassil Aprilov Blvd.

Orpheus Open Air Movie Theatre: Plovdiv, Todor Kableshkov str.

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www.uard.bg Clubs & Restaurants http://www.programata.bg/?p=26&l=2&c=2 Clubs Bar & Diner Restaurants Pizzeria Fast food Irish pubs Beer houses Pastry shops Cafeterias

Sports http://www.programata.bg/?p=27&l=2&c=2 Swimming pools Bungee jumping, paragliding, parachuting Billiard, bowling Water sports Military games Horse riding Winter sports Carting Climbing, walk trips, alpinism Amusement parks 145

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Tourist Information Center http://www.plovdiv-tour.info/en/ Address: Central Square, 1, next to the Central Post Office Working hours: Monday – Friday 8:45 – 12:00; 12:45 – 17:30 Saturday 10:00-14:00

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Bulgaria in brief Official name: Republic of Bulgaria Short form: Bulgaria Capital city: Sofia Population: 7, 3 mil.

Land area: 110 993 6 sq km ISO 2-letters code: BG UN 3-letters code: BGR National flag: Official language: Bulgarian Political system: Parliamentary Democracy Currency: 1 LEV (BGN) Time zone: EET (UTC+2) Membership in international organizations: EU, Council of Europe, NATO, OSCE, UNESCO, Interpol, etc.

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www.uard.bg Geography Bulgaria is a country in South-Eastern Europe. It is located in the center of the Balkan Peninsula. Bulgaria is surrounded by five other countries: Romania to the north (mostly along the Danube River), Serbia and the Republic of Macedonia to the west, and Greece and Turkey to the south. The Black Sea defines the extent of the country to the east. Our country has some very beautiful mountains: StaraPlanina, Rila, Pirin, Rhodopes, Vitosha, Strandzha, Sakar.

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Considering its small size, Bulgaria has a great variety of topographical features. Even within small parts of the country, the land may be divided into plains, plateaus, hills, mountains, basins, gorges, and deep river valleys. By its geographical position the country is divided into several parts: the Danubian Plain and the Upper Thracian Plain are the most famous among them. The name of the Balkan Peninsula comes from the mountain range in the center of Bulgaria which lies from the east side all the way to the Black Sea – Stara planina. All of the mountains in the country propose possibilities for winter sports. The town of Bansko (in the foot of Pirin) is very popular with its ski season. As for the sea, Varna and Burgas are most known as sea capitals in North and South Bulgaria and during the summer the two cities and their nearby villages are full of visitors.

Time zone: EET (GMT+2); EET (GMT+3) from last Sunday in March to last Saturday in October Bulgaria is in the Eastern European Time Zone. Eastern European Standard Time (EET) is 2Â hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+2).

Like most states in Europe, Summer (Daylight-Saving) Time is observed in Bulgaria, where the time is shifted forward by 1 hour; 3 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+3).

After the summer months the time in Bulgaria is shifted back by 1 hour to Eastern European Time (EET) or (GMT+2)

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Climate and Weather Considering its small area, Bulgaria has an unusually variable and complex climate. The country lies between the strongly contrasting continental and Mediterranean climatic zones.

Generally there are beautiful blooming springs, dry and hot summers, long and pleasant autumn and cold, damp winters.

The average temperatures during the spring and autumn are about 20째C. The average winter temperature for the Northern regions is about 1 째C, at South it is 4 째C. In summer, temperatures in the southeast Bulgaria often exceed 30 째C but remain cooler by the coast.

Population and Religion The population of Bulgaria is 7,364,570 people according to the 2011 national census. The majority of the population (72.5 %) resides in urban areas; approximately one-sixth of the total population is concentrated in the capital Sofia. Plovdiv is the second big city in the country, followed closely by Varna.

Bulgaria has been baptized in the 9th century. The official religion in the country is Eastern Orthodox. There are representatives of other religions: Roman-Catholic, Jewish, Islam, etc.

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www.uard.bg History Bulgaria is one of the few countries that have kept its inhabited territory since the establishment of the First Bulgarian Empire in 681. Since then the country has changes several times its borders, it has vanished two times from the political map of Europe but it was always situated in the same location. After World War II when Europe was divided in two, Bulgaria was part of the Soviet sphere of influence. With the disintegration of the Soviet Union in 1989 Bulgaria opened its borders and now the movement in and out of the country is completely unlimited.

Bulgaria became a member of the United Nations in 1955.

Bulgaria was also among the founding nations of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) in 1975. It joined NATO on 29 March 2004, signed the European Union Treaty of Accession on 25 April 2005, and became a full member of the European Union on 1 January 2007.

www.uard.bg Language and Alphabet The language that the inhabitants of Bulgaria use is called Bulgarian. It is part of the family of the Slavic languages. The Bulgarian language is representative of the south Slavic language along with Serbo-Croatian, Slovenian and Church Slavic. The latter is used in the Eastern Orthodox Church in Bulgaria, Poland, Russia, Serbia, Montenegro, and Ukraine.

The famous brothers Cyril and Methodius have created the first Slavic alphabet – glasolitsa. A few years later their student Kliment Ohridski has created the Cyrillic alphabet (cyrilitsa), which is used today by 300 million people. Cyrilitsa is the third official alphabet of the European Union after the Latin and Greek ones.

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Government and Administration The political system of Bulgaria is parliamentary democracy. The position of the president is the highest in the state hierarchy. He/ she is elected directly from the nation and has five-year term.

The president who is head of the country has mainly protocol functions.

The executive power is led by the prime minister. He/she is the head of the government which he/she presents to the president after the parliamentary elections.

Bulgaria is administratively divided into 27 provinces and a metropolitan capital province (Sofia–Grad). Each province is headed by a provincial governor appointed by the government.

All areas take their names from their respective capital cities.

The provinces subdivide into 264Â municipalities. The biggest cities of Bulgaria are the capital Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, Burgas, Ruse, Stara Zagora.

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Public holidays National, public and religious holidays are days off in Bulgaria.

Banks, Post Offices, medical centres and most shops are closed.

Public transport services may be reduced.

January 1 – New Year’s Day March 3 – Liberation Day: National Day. Marks the Treaty of San Stefano signed on 3 Mar 1878 March/April/May (movable) – Orthodox Good Friday March/April/May (movable) – Orthodox Easter Monday May 1 – Labour Day: Labour Day and International Workers’ Solidarity Day May 6 – St George’s Day: Day of the Bulgarian Army May 24 – Culture and Literacy Day: Day of Bulgarian Enlightenment and Culture and of Slavonic Alphabet September 6 – Unification Day: Commemorates the unification of Eastern Rumelia and Bulgaria in 1885 September 22 – Independence Day: Independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1908 December 24 – Christmas Eve December 25 – Christmas Day December 26 – Second Christmas Day

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www.uard.bg Famous Bulgarians

John Atanasoff who is best known for inventing the first electronic digital computer is of Bulgarian descent.

Boris Christoff is world famous Bulgarian bass who was a phenomenon in opera. His most famous role is Boris Godunov of the eponymous opera by Mussorgsky.

Valya Balkanska is a Bulgarian folklore singer. She is known as “the space voice of Bulgaria”. Her performance of the song “Izlel e Deliu haidutin” was sent into space in 1977 and will sound there for at least another 60 000 years.

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Stefka Kostadinova is the current women’s world record holder in the high jump – 209 cm (1987).

Hristo Stoichkov is winner of the Golden Boot and the Golden Ball and the most successful Bulgarian player of all time.

Grigor Dimitrov is a tennis player who is often compared with Roger Federer for his stylish play and on-court talent which led to his nickname “Baby Fed”.

Ivet Lalova holds the record for the fastest time by a sprinter not of West African descent.

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Cuisine Essentially South Slavic, Bulgarian cuisine shares characteristics with other Balkans cuisines. Bulgarian cooking traditions are diverse because of geographical factors such as climatic conditions suitable for a variety of vegetables, herbs and fruit.

Aside from the vast variety of local Bulgarian dishes, Bulgarian cuisine shares a number of dishes with the Greek, Middle Eastern, and Italian cuisines. The culinary exchange with the East started as early as 7th century AD, when traders started bringing herbs and spices to the First Bulgarian Empire from India and Persia via the Roman and later Byzantine empires. Yogurt, lukanka, banitsa, shopska salad, lyutenitsa and kozunak are among the best-known local foods. Wide popular are also the dishes tarator, moussaka, gyuvech, kyufte, baklava. Meat consumption is lower than the European average, given a notable preference for a large variety of salads. Rakia is a traditional fruit brandy.

Bulgarian wine is known for its Traminer, Muskat and Mavrud types, of which up to 200,000 tonnes are produced annually.

Each holiday is related to traditional meals. For exemple, on Christmas Eve the tradition requires only vegetarian dishes; Nikulden (Day of St. Nicholas, December 6) fish (usually carp), while Gergyovden (St George’s Day, May 6) is typically celebrated with roast lamb.

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www.uard.bg Did you know?

Currently nine places in Bulgaria are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites: - Boyana Church (1979); - Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo (1979); - Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak (1979); - Madara Rider (1979); - Ancient City of Nessebar (1983); - Rila Monastery (1983); - Thracian Tomb of Sveshtari (1985); - Pirin National Park (1983; 2010); - Srebarna Nature Reserve (1983; 2008).

The Intangible Cultural Heritage of Bulgaria includes: - Bistritsa Babi (2008); - Nestinarstvo (2009; it is a ritual fire-dance of Thracian origin); - The tradition of carpet-making in Chiprovtsi (2014).

Coordinators for Exchange Students At university level UARD has an Erasmus+ Institutional coordinator who is the official signatory of all documents. It is part of the duties of the Vice-Rector for International Relations of the university. At administrative level there is Erasmus coordinator who helps the students to organize their stay in and out of Bulgaria.

Contact: University of Agribusiness and Rural Development International Relations Office 78 Dunav Blvd., floor 1, room 8 4003 Plovdiv, Bulgaria Tel.: +359 32Â 966 811 Fax: + 359 32 960Â 406 erasmus@uard.bg uard.bg > Erasmus+ > Application procedure

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