Master of Engineering, Data Engineering and AI: YDATIS26

Descriptions

The Data Engineering and Artificial Intelligence (AI) program is aimed at engineers in information technology, electronics, or telecommunications who have gained professional experience and wish to deepen their expertise in data management and artificial intelligence. Upon completion, you will earn UAS Master’s degree from a University of Applied Sciences.
In the Data Engineering and AI program, your advanced professional competence will expand, offering new perspectives for applying industry practices in your work. You will learn to anticipate changes in the operational environment, form a comprehensive understanding of the need for change, and implement necessary development actions. The studies cover data management, including data collection, preparation, and transformation for data-driven applications. You will also explore machine learning processes and algorithms, as well as artificial intelligence.
Your work during the studies, including learning assignments and a development project as your thesis, will be closely linked to your professional tasks, enabling you to simultaneously contribute to the development of your employer organization.
The Data Engineering and AI program is part of Turku UAS Master School and its Professional Excellence offering. The studies consist of common courses shared across all Master-level programs and advanced courses specific to your specialization. The program’s core themes are big data management and the development of AI-based solutions. These themes are also reflected in the thesis, which is typically carried out as a work-related development project. The skills gained in these areas are needed in all types of organizations.

Structure of the studies

The scope of the Data Engineering and AI program is 60 ECTS credits, and when completed alongside work, the duration is approximately 1.5 years. The degree awarded is UAS Master of Engineering.
The studies consist of:
• Advanced common studies: 5 ECTS
• Advanced professional studies: 20 ECTS
• Optional studies: 5 ECTS
• Master’s thesis: 30 ECTS

The advanced professional studies include methodological courses and professional studies that deepen previous knowledge. The themes of the advanced professional studies are:
• Data Engineering practices
• Machine learning processes and algorithms
• Applications of artificial intelligence

Many graduates of the program go on to work at some point in their careers either as independent entrepreneurs or in responsible leadership or expert roles within companies. Through elective studies, you can expand your competence, for example, in business and project management by choosing courses from other Master’s programs at Turku UAS or from other universities or higher education institutions. A wide range of elective studies is also available as fully virtual online courses.

The Master’s thesis is carried out as a development project with a clear research-oriented approach and a strong connection to practical work. It is most often completed within the student’s own organization as a development or research project. If the student cannot obtain a suitable development task from their workplace or is not currently employed, Turku University of Applied Sciences’ research groups offer thesis topics related to data management and artificial intelligence.

Internationalisation

Internationalization is based on the student’s own needs and professional role. A global perspective can be integrated into the Master’s thesis, for example, by participating in an international conference or seminar in the field. This international dimension also supports the development of language skills.
A significant portion of the source material used in study modules and learning assignments consists of international professional and scientific literature. Master’s level students have the opportunity to participate in international research and development projects. International student exchange is also possible.

Qualifications provided by the degree programme

The UAS Master’s degree from a University of Applied Sciences is a higher education degree that provides the same eligibility for public sector positions as a Master’s degree completed at a university.
The education follows the competence level descriptions of the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) as well as the national framework for qualifications and other learning. The competence level corresponding to UAS Master’s degree is level 7, which is equivalent to university-level Master’s and Master of Science in Technology degrees.

Career opportunities

The program provides students with versatile skills especially for planning, executing, and managing tasks related to data management and artificial intelligence. Graduates will also be equipped to take on demanding project management and administrative roles, as well as expert and development positions in companies across various industries or in the public sector.
Research shows that completing a degree has a positive impact on career progression and job roles. The program is designed to enhance the graduate’s personal ability to continuously develop themselves and their expertise in a constantly changing environment. The studies also benefit employers, as learning assignments can be applied to the development of the student’s own work and workplace. The degree strengthens opportunities to pursue more challenging roles, increases knowledge and skills in project management and business competence, and builds confidence in working within professional networks.

Opportunities for further education

After completing UAS Master’s degree at a University of Applied Sciences, you have the same opportunities for further studies as those who have completed a university-level Master’s degree.
Universities may set specific conditions for granting the right to pursue further degrees, such as requiring supplementary bridging studies.
The degree also qualifies you to apply for vocational teacher education.

Cooperation with other parties

The Data Engineering and AI program is planned and implemented in collaboration with working life. The connection to professional practice is primarily formed between the student, the student’s workplace, and the education provider. Interaction among students working in different roles plays a significant part in developing professional skills and building collaboration networks.
The central element of the degree is a development project that serves working life, which forms the basis of the Master’s thesis. The thesis enhances the student’s professional competence and expertise while addressing the development needs of working life. Several local and international partners are also involved in research and development activities.
Through flexible study rights, students can participate in courses offered by the University of Turku and Åbo Akademi and include these in their degree. Students can also take advantage of the shared online course offerings of Finnish universities of applied sciences.

Research focus areas

Data is utilized in numerous applications, including business management, financial administration, service and product development, marketing, and sales.
Many research groups at Turku University of Applied Sciences—spanning business, technology, arts, and health and well-being—conduct data analysis and apply various forms of artificial intelligence, such as machine learning, in their research projects.
These research groups may also offer project work or thesis topics related to data management and artificial intelligence for students.

Development

It is possible to complete the studies alongside work. The program is delivered as blended learning, which includes both on-campus and online sessions. In addition to independent study, collaborative teamwork to solve work-oriented learning and development tasks plays a significant role in the studies.

The program applies adult education principles. Learning takes place partly online using e-learning methods and in multidisciplinary environments. On-campus study days are held on average two consecutive weekdays per month, utilizing innovative teaching and learning methods. The studies include a mix of theoretical instruction and laboratory work during on-campus days, as well as online courses, assignments, projects, and internships as remote learning.

Further information

The objectives for skill levels in a master’s degree are based on the legislation concerning universities of applied sciences and the European Qualification Framework (EQF). The level corresponding to a master’s degree is level 7. The study evaluation criteria are described in the implementation plan of each course. Criteria are varying depending on different objectives, contents, and implementation models.

Courses and the thesis are graded on a numerical scale from 0 to 5, where grade 1 is the lowest passing grade and 5 is the highest. Assessment methods for courses vary according to the objectives of the study module. Evaluation may focus on the output (e.g., a report or seminar presentation), the process (personal activity and participation during the course), or both. In addition to teacher assessment, peer and self-assessment are used, and feedback is also received from commissioning parties.