Heading into the City! Enrollment for the "Urban Management" Micro-degree is Underway!

I. Introduction to the Program

The "Urban Management" micro-degree is a joint initiative led by Shenzhen University's School of Government and the Global Research Institute for Mega-City Governance, in collaboration with local urban management departments. The program integrates theories from political science, public administration, sociology, and law to provide students with diverse platforms and channels for engaging in innovative urban governance and research practices. It aims to cultivate versatile professionals who are knowledgeable across various fields, passionate about public service, and actively involved in urban management, thereby advancing the modernization of urban governance systems and capabilities.

II. Talent Development Goals

The "Urban Management" micro-major plans to enroll students from all undergraduate majors across the university who are interested in urban management and possess basic knowledge in related fields. This program will refine the core skills required for positions in the field of urban management through the study of eight core courses, enabling students to quickly master the fundamental skills required for urban management. It aims to address the mismatch between the program's offerings and the national and societal demand for urban management professionals, thereby enhancing students' competitiveness in the field, especially for those aspiring to careers in civil service or public sector organizations. The program is designed to cultivate new-era talents in urban management who are committed to public welfare services, well-versed in urban management theory, familiar with urban management practices, and firmly aligned with the political stance of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the pioneering demonstration zones of socialism with Chinese characteristics.

III. Training Model

(I) Duration and Courses:

The "Urban Management" micro-degree program spans two years, with courses scheduled from the 3rd to the 6th semester, totaling approximately 4 class hours per week.

Note: During the student's enrollment, two courses are planned for each semester. For the first semester of the 2024-2025 academic year, "Urban History" and "Urban Political Economy" courses are scheduled.

(II) Learning Method

 Combination of classroom instruction and social practice.

1.Classroom Instruction

The program offers five fundamental theory courses sequentially covering topics such as urban politics, urban management, urban economics, urban history, and urban society. The growth and development of any city are intricately linked to its political, economic, social, and historical contexts, and a comprehensive understanding of these aspects is crucial for driving modern urban management. These fundamental theory courses are designed to provide students with a systematic and comprehensive understanding of modern urban management. Additionally, two advanced courses are offered, focusing on urban public services and the development of smart cities. These courses guide students to understand urban management from the perspectives of the city's service functions and the advancements in smart city development.

2. Social Practice

 One practical course is offered in partnership with external experts from urban management practice departments. This course, focusing on urban management incidents, immerses students in the real-world settings of urban social management. It gives students the opportunity to deeply experience the innovative and exploratory practices in urban management in Shenzhen, a core city of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and a pilot area for Chinese characteristics socialism. This approach cultivates the students' ability to apply theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios.

In addition to the practical course, the program plans to conduct monthly grassroots social research to enrich students' practical experience.

(III) Graduation Requirements:

Prior to graduation, students must write a thesis on urban management or participate in an innovative entrepreneurial project in urban management, with successful candidates receiving a "Micro-degree Certificate."

IV. Admission Method

Q: What is the size and target audience for the "Urban Management" micro-degree?

The "Urban Management" micro-degree plans to enroll 20-25 students from all undergraduate majors of the 2023 cohort across the university.

Q: What are the eligibility criteria for application?

(1) Undergraduate students from all majors of Shenzhen University from the 2023 cohort.

(2) Applicants must provide their GPA and transcript since entry into the university. Certificates obtained may also be submitted.

Q: What are the selection and admission processes?

The selection will be based on an integrated assessment of the applicants' academic background distribution and grades in relevant foundation courses. The top 40 applicants will be shortlisted for an interview, and those who pass the interview will be admitted to the micro-degree program.

V. Application and Contact Information

To apply, please send an email to iug@szu.edu.cn. Ensure the email subject is formatted as "Micro-Degree - Name - Department/Major". The email should briefly introduce your student ID, strengths in your major, interests in learning, goals for choosing this micro-degree, and contact information. Attach a list and grades of courses already completed.

Application Deadline: May 24, 2024

Contact Person: Teacher Zhu, Telephone: 0755-86939540

VI. Additional Information

For more information about our department and school, please visit the official websites:

School of Government, Shenzhen University: https://sg.szu.edu.cn

Institute for Global Megacity Governance, Shenzhen University: http://iug.szu.edu.cn

Editor: Liu Shuqi

Preliminary Reviewer: Zhu Yabin

Secondary Reviewer: Chen Shuo

Final Reviewer: Gu Zhijun