MSc Robotics and Computer Engineering

The MSc Robotics and Computer Engineering at the University of Tartu is a full-time postgraduate programme designed to prepare highly qualified specialists in robotics, computer engineering and space technology. The programme is taught in English and has a nominal duration of 2 years. Students can specialise in Computer Engineering, Robotics, or Space Technology, gaining broad knowledge and skills relevant to technology companies, research and development centres, and other organisations working in these fields.

Programme Specialisations

The programme offers three specialisation areas:

• Computer Engineering
• Robotics
• Space Technology

Students develop expertise in their selected field and can gain practical experience through research groups, leading enterprises, student projects and technology competitions. Opportunities mentioned by the University of Tartu include participation in the student satellite team, RoboCup SPL, Robotex, the student satellite project and the Science Bus club. Students may also gain work experience in Estonia or internationally through research groups or leading enterprises.

Entry Requirements

Applicants must have an undergraduate diploma or higher, specifically a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification that must be obtained by the end of July. The previous degree should be in information technology, electrical and electronic engineering, computer science, mechanical engineering, software engineering, computer engineering, information systems, or a related field.

Applicants must also have completed prior studies containing a total of 45 ECTS in relevant subjects, including:

• Higher mathematics — 6 ECTS
• Physics — 6 ECTS
• Programming — 6 ECTS
• Computer hardware — 3 ECTS
• Electronics, computer engineering, computer technology or informatics — at least 24 ECTS

Entry qualification documents are accepted in English or Estonian. Country-specific document requirements may also apply.

English Language Requirement

All applicants must comply with the University of Tartu’s English language requirements. The source specifies that only the English tests and exemption categories listed by the university are accepted; however, the exact test scores are not provided in the supplied information.

Motivation Letter

A motivation letter is mandatory and must be uploaded in its final version before submitting the application. It cannot be edited after the application has been submitted.

The motivation letter asks applicants to explain their preferred specialisation and why it interests them, how their previous studies or work experience relate to it, and what professional role they see themselves pursuing after graduation. Applicants are also asked to identify three important people and events related to their field of interest and explain their choices, as well as describe the significant achievement they would like to accomplish in their field.

The application may also include previous study and work experience, relevant conferences, workshops or competitions, extracurricular activities, and up to three academic or professional references. References are optional.

Selection and Evaluation

The motivation letter is evaluated according to the following criteria:

• Fit between the applicant’s background and goals and the study programme — 40%
• Analytical and argumentation skills — 40%
• Fluency of written English — 20%

The admission evaluation includes the motivation letter, previous study results and, where applicable, an online entry test. The source states that the motivation letter yields 60% of the final score, while the previous study average and online entry test are each listed as yielding 40%, creating a conflict in the supplied scoring information.

Applicants who have graduated from specified programmes at the University of Tartu, TalTech, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Estonian Entrepreneurship University of Applied Sciences or Estonian Aviation Academy may be exempt from the mandatory entry test and can apply using their previous study average. They may nevertheless take the test, in which case the better result is considered.

Other applicants who achieve at least 51 points for their motivation letter are expected to take the online entry test.

Online Entry Test

The entrance test assesses knowledge of physics, mathematics and programming. According to the supplied information, the test is conducted on the testid.ut.ee platform between April 11 and April 16.

The test can only be taken once. It contains 30 randomly ordered questions with varying difficulty and must be completed within 137 minutes. There is no individual time limit for each question, but once an applicant moves to the next question, previous questions cannot be revisited. The maximum score is 100 points, and a positive result requires at least 51 points.

The application is considered for admission when a total score of at least 66 points is achieved.

Tuition Fees

The tuition fee for the programme is €7,200 per year.

Citizens and permanent residence permit holders of EU/EEA countries or Switzerland are exempt from the tuition fee. The source states that there are no tuition waivers for citizens from outside the EU/EEA or Switzerland.

For this programme, two admitted students receive a 50% tuition fee reduction for their second semester, based on the weighted average grade of all results from the previous semester.

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.

An additional €100 non-refundable application fee is required.

Career Opportunities

Graduates can pursue careers in high-tech companies, telecommunications and computer firms, software enterprises, space technology companies and public administration. The English-language education also supports international career opportunities.

Potential professional roles mentioned by the university include:

• Software Engineer
• Software Developer
• Autonomous Vehicle Development Manager
• Project Manager
• Electronics Engineer
• Hardware Engineer
• Other technology-sector positions

The source also lists companies where Robotics and Computer Engineering students have found employment, including Starship Technologies, Milrem Robotics, Clevon, Bolt, Hedgehog, Auve Tech, Veriff, Atemix Industrial Automation, Fractory, LHV, Siemens and Torm Metall.

Graduates interested in academic and research careers can continue their studies in doctoral programmes in engineering and technology, physics, or informatics at the University of Tartu.

Study Location and Start Date

The programme is offered in Tartu, Estonia, at the University of Tartu’s Faculty of Science and Technology. It is a full-time postgraduate MSc programme with a nominal duration of 2 years.

The source states that the application period has ended and that studies commence on August 31.