MA Innovation and Technology Management

The Master’s programme in Innovation and Technology Management at the University of Tartu is an international, interdisciplinary programme designed to prepare specialists who can connect technology, innovation and management. The programme focuses on how ICT solutions can be implemented in business management processes to help organisations create greater added value and support sustainable growth.

The programme is particularly suitable for students who are interested in more than programming or system management and want to develop knowledge in management, innovation, entrepreneurship, digitalisation and information technology. It also provides an opportunity for students who already have an interest in business, innovation or entrepreneurship to learn how ICT solutions can be applied to these areas.

Programme Structure and Study Format

The programme is offered as full-time Master’s study and has a nominal duration of 2 years. The language of instruction is English, and graduates receive a Master of Arts in Social Sciences (MA).

The programme brings together several disciplines, combining management, innovation, digitalisation and IT. Students can develop both technological understanding and business-oriented skills, allowing them to approach organisational and entrepreneurial challenges from different perspectives.

Students also have the opportunity to spend their second semester at Ghent University in Belgium and can receive two diplomas through this study opportunity.

Entrepreneurship and Innovation

A key focus of the programme is the development and implementation of innovative business ideas. Students can work on their own ideas during their studies and have the opportunity to develop their own company.

The programme provides an environment where students can collaborate with entrepreneurs, test ideas through real-life projects and explore how new technologies can be brought to market. At the University of Tartu’s Delta Centre, students can work in a modern innovation environment that connects academic learning with entrepreneurship and practical innovation.

Admission Requirements

Applicants should have a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification, which must be obtained by the end of July. The accepted fields include:

• Economics
• Mathematical sciences
• Technology sciences, including IT

Country-specific document requirements may also apply. Applicants are advised to follow the University of Tartu’s step-by-step application guidance and check the requirements applicable to their country.

Qualification documents for admission are accepted in English or Estonian.

English Language Requirements

All applicants must meet the University of Tartu’s English language requirements. The university specifies which English-language tests and exempt categories are acceptable.

Tuition and Fees

The tuition fee for the programme is €4,800 per year. Applicants who are not citizens of the EU, EEA or Switzerland must pre-pay half of the first semester’s tuition fee after receiving an admission offer.

For this programme, two admitted students receive a 100% tuition fee reduction for their first semester.

An additional €100 non-refundable application fee applies.

Career Opportunities

The programme prepares graduates for a range of careers at the intersection of technology, business, innovation and digitalisation. Graduates can pursue roles such as innovation manager, process manager, innovation consultant, or work in innovation policy and digitalisation. The programme can also support students who want to establish their own company.

Potential career paths include:

Startup Founder: Students can use their knowledge and experience to launch their own startup and develop innovative business ideas.

Corporate Innovator: Graduates can contribute to digital transformation and innovation within established companies.

Public Sector Professional: The programme can prepare graduates to support innovation and modernisation within governments and NGOs, including work related to digital services and policy.

Innovation Consultant: Graduates can help organisations adapt to technological change, develop innovative approaches and implement technology-driven improvements.

Researcher: Students interested in academic research can continue towards doctoral studies and pursue research and teaching opportunities.

University of Tartu alumni have pursued careers at organisations including Bolt, Wise, Nordea Bank, Swedbank and Finnair, while others have continued into doctoral research.

Study Environment

Students study in the University of Tartu’s Delta Centre, described as a modern innovation hub where students collaborate with entrepreneurs, test ideas through real-life projects and explore the process of bringing new technologies to market.

Overall, the Innovation and Technology Management Master’s programme provides an interdisciplinary education combining technology, management, innovation, entrepreneurship and digitalisation, with opportunities for international study, practical projects and different career pathways in business, public-sector innovation, consulting, entrepreneurship and research.