TalTech offers master’s level studies in four fields: engineering, information technology, nature, and economics. A total of 15 master’s programmes will be opened in the new academic year. But what should you study?

The world needs eco-conscious engineers

The School of Engineering, as the largest school at TalTech, plays a leading role in promoting green and digital transition in Estonia. All five English-language master’s programmes of the School of Engineering are forward-looking and train future engineers who are able to notice the changing needs of people and develop future technologies.

For instance, it is possible to study environmental engineering and management at TalTech. Production has a major impact on the natural world, which is why specialists who have knowledge of both engineering and environmental protection are needed in the industry. The study programme is thus focused on environmental protection, but also deepens the students’ engineering, technical and economic knowledge.

Knowledge of the laws of nature is essential for the green transition

The green transition is not the sole preserve of engineers – all study areas of TalTech play a crucial role in it. The School of Science observes and analyses the green transition from its own specific point of view.

Physics, together with mathematics, is one of the main areas that determines the possibility of green transition, for example, through the use of the conservation of energy or the maximum thermal efficiency in thermodynamics. In addition, physics lays down the principles of operation and feasibility of many things. Therefore, many green transition ideas cannot be implemented without physics.

The graduates of Applied Physics are definitely one of the key players in this area. The graduates of this study programme work, for instance, in the solar industry, but also in banking and IT.

Valorisation of mineral resources is essential to ensure the sustainable future of our planet. This can be studied in depth in the Georesources study programme. The scientists working in this field all say the following: ‘We are transitioning from a linear economy to a circular one, where waste is not waste, but an opportunity.’ How to best realise these opportunities is exactly what the study programme teaches.

Innovation and entrepreneurship in the era of great change

Today’s global challenges – primarily climate change, but also the sustainable resolution of coronavirus crisis – require new types of leaders, management styles and capabilities in both the public and private sector as well as in civil society at large.

The systematic development of entrepreneurial and innovative ways of thinking is essential to tackle such challenges across sectors and organisations. It is equally necessary to change the behavioural and consumption patterns of individuals.

The unique combination of the fields of economics, business, law, and public administration in the School of Business and Governance of TalTech offers a comprehensive approach to understanding and implementing these changes in Estonia and Europe.

Anyone can find a master’s programme that suits their interests in this school. Those who are looking to play a part in creating innovative new solutions may be interested in continuing their studies in the Technology Governance and Digital Transformation programme. The programmes of Entrepreneurial Management (MBA) and International Business Administration are especially suited to those who want to take a leading role in promoting novel governance models and an entrepreneurial mindset. The Law programme, however, gives the students a thorough understanding of the legal issues of new inventions, artificial intelligence, as well as more classic legal matters.

Artificial intelligence must be trustworthy

Artificial intelligence (AI) is nothing new in itself, but greater attention needs to be paid to trustworthy AI. 

One of the great challenges in this area, which the EU’s approach to AI also points out, is its lack of trustworthiness and high vulnerability: we cannot be certain that the AI does not sometimes make ‘dumb’ decisions, which the current AI systems often do. Trustworthiness and reliability are essential in critical areas such as medicine, transport, all kinds of national systems and databases, as well as security and defence. A wider implementation of AI also means guaranteeing its trustworthiness. 

The trustworthiness and security of AI and software is a key issue in the further development of a highly computerised Estonia, which is why it is crucial to enhance the capacity of our researchers and students in this area to ensure the advancement of e-Estonia. 

The School of Information Technologies of TalTech is precisely working on making AI ethical, (cyber)secure and trustworthy. Almost all master’s programmes at the School of Information Technologies deal with AI and its development. The study programmes of Cyber Security and Communicative Electronics are definitely worth considering as they teach students how to develop AI and software solutions that are beneficial and do exactly what we need them to.

Find out more about TalTech’s study opportunities

You can learn more about TalTech’s study programmes and important dates on the Admissions page of our website: taltech.ee/admissions. Each applicant can submit up to two applications. Applications can be changed until the end of the admission.

The Master's Studies Info Week running 7–11 March will provide an excellent overview of master’s study opportunities. See more information about the event and register at taltech.ee/en/mastersweek.