Programme summary
The Master of Engineering in Intelligent Systems at Novia University of Applied Sciences is a postgraduate programme comprising 60 credits, designed to be completed alongside full-time work over approximately two years. The programme focuses on industrial automation and intelligent solutions, with an emphasis on machine learning, data-driven decision-making, and system modelling.
The studies combine virtual learning with intensive course days in Vaasa and are closely connected to working life through practical development projects. The master’s thesis is a work-life–oriented research and development project. Graduates are prepared for expert and development roles in intelligent systems and industrial automation.
* The summary was created with the assistance of AI and reviewed by an editor.
Goal
Engineering and industrial automation is undergoing rapid development due to digitalization, technological improvements and more integrated AI tools. The Intelligent Systems programme provides education in modern data analytics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence, with a focus on data-driven systems and industrial applications of intelligent agents. The programme is designed for you who has a with prior professional experience as engineer, bringing a strongly applied perspective to the curricula.
As a student you develop competencies in modern data analytics, including machine and deep learning, optimization-based methods as well as experience in working with data from sensors, cameras and diverse real-world data sources. The studies highlight applications of AI in industrial and technological domains, such as predictive maintenance using sensor data, AI-based quality control through computer vision and applications of optimization. The studies also cover large language models (LLMs), with a focus on their practical implementation, such as building AI-powered applications, integrating APIs, and developing agent-based solutions for automation and decision support.
Structure of studies
The Master’s degree programme in Intelligent systems (60 ECTS) consists of degree specific professional studies (30 ECTS) and a Master’s thesis (30 ECTS).
The studies are primarily designed for students who are working. Tuition in the Master’s degree programme is organized so that studying can be combined with full-time work during a period of two years. During these two years, the studies are scheduled for two days a month from September to June. The studies consist of virtual parts and intensive course days mainly at Campus Vaasa. The studies of the programme involve not only theoretical lectures but also practical ways of learning, laboratory assignments and hands-on exercises in innovative learning environments.
The learning process is characterized by a strong integration of real working life problems and development projects. The thesis work is realized as a research and development project related to working life.
Study Content
Novia UAS offers a renewed curriculum from 2027 for the Master’s programme in Intelligent Systems, with a distinct profile in machine learning and artificial intelligence for industrial applications. The curricula include the practical application of machine learning methods for intelligent industrial automation. Both model-based and data-based methods are covered. Specific applications may include automatic quality control, data-driven fault detection, techniques for predictive and forecasting purposes and the application and development of AI agents.
The degree program is linked to the Intelligent Systems Institute at Novia, which focuses on making applied intelligent systems knowledge and recourses readily available for companies. More information about the Intelligent Systems Institute can be found here.
Qualification
A Master’s degree in Intelligent Systems corresponds to the level EQF 7 in the European Qualifications Framework for Higher Education.
Under the Finnish legislation, a person who has taken the Master’s degree is qualified for posts or positions for which the qualification requirement is a second-cycle higher education degree.
In some cases, the qualification requirement also includes the completion of studies in certain specified fields of study. The degree falls under the Article 11 of the Directive 2005/36/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the recognition of professional qualifications.
Scholarships and Tuition Fees
The studies are free for EU citizens.
Tuition fee-paying (non EU/EEA) students can apply for a scholarship. Read more about tuition fees and scholarships on the Admissions Services pages.
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Degree Project
The Master’s thesis comprises 30 ECTS. In the Master’s thesis work you plan and implement a development project in and/or for real working life, typically for your employee organization, applying case specific research and/or development approaches. In the Master’s thesis you complete research and contribute to knowledge and understanding in the field of intelligent systems.
Alternatives for the thesis are for example contributing to research work at the university community, development projects for the laboratory research equipment or studies regarding solving intelligent automation tasks with the industry or working life.
Career Opportunities
The degree programme in Intelligent Systems provides the opportunity for a broad, interdisciplinary career. After graduation with a special emphasis on machine learning methods and intelligent system understanding, you will be qualified to work in various expert, development, and management positions in an international industrial environment in automation and control. The education also offers an excellent basis for a career in research or product development.
The Head of the Degree Programme is happy to answer questions about the programme. For questions regarding the application process, we ask that you first review the admissions information on our website. If anything is still unclear, you are welcome to contact admissions@novia.fi.
Novia UAS quality management is certified according to the ISO 9001 quality standard. This means that every year our entire business is audited by DNV. This is to ensure the best quality and constant development of Novia UAS.