Kicking Off the Master’s with High Enrolment and a Participatory Welcome Activity

The academic year for the international master’s degree in Machine Learning and Cybersecurity for Internet Connected Systems, created within the framework of the European project Master of Science in Smart, Secure, Interconnected Systems (MERIT) and delivered at UPC Manresa, has begun with great momentum. This second edition has launched with high demand, a welcome event designed to strengthen relationships between students and faculty, and very positive feedback from students who completed the first year. A combination that reaffirms the attractiveness of a programme designed to train tomorrow’s digital professionals.

International Interest and Growing Demand

Pre-enrolments have doubled compared to the previous year, with applications coming from a wide range of countries and diverse academic backgrounds. This strong demand confirms the growing global interest in advanced, cross-disciplinary training in key fields such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cybersecurity, and the Internet of Things (IoT). The combination of these fields offers a unique and highly employable academic profile for today’s technological job market.

Welcome Session to Break the Ice and Build Community

Unlike last year, and with the aim of encouraging mutual knowledge among new students and between students and the faculty, a fun and participatory welcome activity was organised during the initial welcome aperitif. Through a game based on personal coincidences, participants discovered common traits such as country of origin, languages spoken, hobbies, or musical preferences.

It was a simple but effective activity, which helped foster a relaxed, inclusive, and collaborative environment, key to the success of a master’s programme with a strong international and cross-disciplinary dimension.

Thanks to this activity and the contributions of second-year students who shared their experiences and practical tips, the new students began their first classes knowing faces and names, and with a sense of belonging and connection from day one.

In parallel with the start of the third semester, the programme has incorporated new full-time professors this year: two in the field of cybersecurity, one in NeuroAI, and it continues to work on consolidating two existing lecturers in the areas of AI and robotics, both already involved in the project.

An Innovative and Forward-Thinking Educational Proposal

Initial impressions from the new cohort have been very positive. Students highlight the uniqueness and relevance of the programme, which stands out for its integration of three in-demand disciplines and its strong connection to industry.

Another key strength is its pedagogical structure, with short, intensive course modules, allowing for deeper thematic immersion, improved time management, and greater flexibility for international mobility.

Indeed, being part of the Digital Europe MERIT project has not only made this master’s possible, but has also helped establish solid partnerships with academic and industrial stakeholders across Europe. This provides students with real opportunities to participate in research networks, go on international exchanges, and connect with leading experts and companies in the sector.

Training Professionals for a Digital World

This master’s programme not only responds to current labour market demands, but also anticipates future needs. It trains professionals with a broad and integrated vision, capable of tackling global digital challenges and contributing to the development of a safer, smarter, and more connected world.

Additionally, UPC Manresa brings its experience as an innovative and dynamic learning environment. Other pioneering programmes, such as the Bachelor’s Degree in ICT Systems Engineering, which combines electronics, computer science, and telecommunications, already produce highly valued multidisciplinary profiles. This undergraduate degree also serves as a natural pathway into the master’s, enabling students to deepen their knowledge in AI, cybersecurity, and IoT.

The Future Starts Here

The Master’s Degree in Machine Learning and Cybersecurity for Internet Connected Systems at UPC is much more than an academic programme. It is a gateway to a growing international community, where knowledge, practical experience, and innovation come together to shape the digital leaders of tomorrow.