MERIT Launches an International Master’s Programme in ICT for 2024-2025 to Train Professionals for Digitalizing SMEs
Four European universities, including Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (VILNIUS TECH), Tallinn University of Technology (TALTECH), the School of Engineering of Manresa (EPSEM) at the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya – BarcelonaTech (UPC), and the Riga Technical University (RTU), will begin offering four master’s programmes in the 2024-2025 academic year (starting in September) as part of the MERIT project, co-funded by the EU under the Digital Europe Programme. This unique and innovative ICT program focuses on three main areas: Internet of Things, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence (AI) —key elements in the digitalisation of SMEs.
The combination of these disciplines will provide students with comprehensive training in advanced digital skills that prepares them to face the challenges and opportunities of the global technology industry. These study programs are designed to meet the skills’ gap among digital specialists and, in particular, the current needs of SMEs in Europe.
A Comprehensive Training Ecosystem
To achieve this, a training ecosystem has been created to educate these professionals in the digital field. Students will have the opportunity to learn from expert faculty and professionals in each area, with a practical approach that includes real projects and industry collaborations. They will also have access to state-of-the-art facilities and laboratories, providing them with solid theoretical knowledge and practical skills to enhance their employability.
The project to offer this master program has been developed within the framework of the European MERIT project, led by EPSEM. This has allowed for funding and collaboration with three other prestigious European universities (VILNIUS TECH, TALTECH, and RTU), two SMEs, a research centre, and three technology centres as part of an international consortium. The participating universities will offer master’s programs and facilitate student mobility within the same field, allowing students to spend a semester at one of the other institutions. Additionally, professors from these universities will collaborate in teaching the master’s program.
Master’s Programmes and Start Dates:
- Lithuania – VILNIUS TECH: Master’s degree in Engineering of Artificial Intelligence (EAI) and Master’s degree in Management of Artificial Intelligence Solutions (MAIS). Starting date: September 1, 2024.
- Estonia – TALTECH: Master’s degree in Industry Engineering and Management (MARM). Starting date: September 2, 2024.
- Spain – EPSEM-UPC: Master’s degree in Machine Learning and Cybersecurity for Internet-Connected Systems (MERIT). Starting date: September 9, 2024.
- Latvia – RTU: Master’s degree in Management of Smart, Resilient and Interconnected Systems. Further details coming soon.
Scholarships to Foster Talent
To facilitate access to this specialised training, and thanks to European funding, each university program will offer several scholarships to cover tuition costs and promote international student mobility among the four member universities of the consortium. These scholarships, aimed at promoting diversity and academic excellence, are designed to attract and support talented students interested in machine learning, cybersecurity, and Internet-connected systems, ensuring that their economic situation is not a barrier.
An International Student Profile
Another notable aspect of the master’s program is that it has attracted an international profile of students from various countries and cultural backgrounds, enriching the academic and personal experience of the group. This diversity reflects the global importance of the master’s program, which will be taught mostly in English, and the attractiveness of the four universities as centres of academic excellence.
A Commitment to Innovation and the Digital Future
“The launch of this master’s program reflects the commitment of EPSEM and UPC, as well as VILNIUS TECH, TALTECH and RTU, to innovation and preparing students for the professions of the future”, says Professor Ilker Demirkol, Coordinator of the MERIT project and the master’s program at EPSEM (UPC Manresa). “In an increasingly connected and technology-dependent world, skills in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and Internet of Things (IoT) systems are essential. This program not only equips students with this knowledge but also prepares them to be leaders in the digital transformation of the industry”, concludes Demirkol.
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