Master of Interdisciplinary (Engineering, Design, Business) Circular Economy Solutions

Study Contents

Through the core competence courses offered in the program (15 ECTS) the student is able to create circular economy solutions. The core competencies are the same for every student and amount to 15 ECTS:

• Circular economy for global sustainable transformation 5 ECTS
• Circular economy case studies and research methods 5 ECTS
• Sustainable processes and product development 5 ECTS

In addition, MBA students have their own 15 ECTS core competence courses in the field of circular economy and business.

As well as the core competence courses students will plan a personalised learning path through complementary competence studies (15 ECTS) for the engineering and design students and (30 ECTS) for the MBA students, in order to shape and customise their learning to better fit with the set learning objectives. In complementary studies, you can focus, for example, on new technologies, bio-based materials and solutions, and the business potential of the circular economy.

The degree program is conducted online and as a part-time learning opportunity. The courses are mainly executed by the LAB University of Applied Sciences' fields in Technology, Business, and the Institute of Design and Fine Arts, in collaboration with the schools of LUT University. Complementary studies can also be chosen from other faculties of LAB or other relevant institutions, and they offer opportunities to build on each student’s interests.

Structure of Studies

For engineering and design students:

• Core competence 15 ECTS
• Complementary competence 15 ECTS
• Master's thesis 30 ECTS

For MBA students:

• Core competence 30 ECTS
• Complementary competence 30 ECTS
• Master's thesis 30 ECTS

Freely elective complementary studies can be chosen from available master-level courses in LAB University of Applied Sciences, or from courses available in other institutions providing master's level courses. Each student is provided with a personal curriculum, in which formerly completed Master level courses are considered, as is relevant work experience.

Thesis

The degree program includes a 30-ECTS thesis. The thesis is generally carried out as a development project for the private or public sector. The thesis can also be based on RDI projects at LAB University of Applied Sciences. The goal of the thesis is to adapt theory and research results to practice, to develop professional working methods, to introduce new solutions or models and to document the development work according to scientific principles.

The thesis work is an opportunity for students to give an individual profile of their studies.

Internationalization

We offer you excellent opportunities to gain valuable international expertise and language skills for your future career. Future workplaces and positions require multicultural skills, language skills, and international understanding. Learning takes place in an international, multicultural environment, as our degree students come from all over the world.

Go international!

You can complete part of your studies at our partner institutions in different countries around the world, or do your practical training abroad. Every year, we welcome a large number of students from different countries, so the program is genuinely international.

Co-operation with other parties

Your studies will be closely connected with the development of working-life practices, together with businesses and work communities. Multidisciplinary working-life projects and different learning environments, such as student cooperatives, will strengthen your connections with authentic working-life interaction throughout the program.

Research focus

At LAB University of Applied Sciences, our goal is to renew working life and ways of working. Together with our partners, we test new innovations and ways of doing things.

We focus on supporting responsible, regenerative growth through intangible value creation, multipurpose materials, and human well-being.

The multidisciplinary online master's degree program in Circular Economy Solutions prepares students to address global challenges related to sustainable development and to promote societal change. Graduates will master circular economy strategies and business models. They will be able to develop and lead circular economy practices in their workplaces, taking into account resource efficiency and global sustainability challenges. They will also know how to develop circular economy solutions that create value in ways that put less strain on the environment.

The education is carried out under the guidance of experts from technology, design and business fields, and the studies include interdisciplinary teamwork. The students themselves represent diverse areas of expertise.

Applicants are required to possess at least two years of prior work experience in a related field (working full-time) and a desire to develop their professional skills in circular economy-related areas. The Circular Economy Solutions master's degree studies offer an excellent opportunity for networking and sharing expertise with your fellow students.

Both Finnish and international students are strongly encouraged to apply. Also, applicants currently in a stage of career transition can avail of this opportunity to invest in their future skillset to help them re-enter the employment sector.

Graduates will master circular economy strategies and business models. They will be able to develop and lead circular economy practices in their workplaces, taking into account resource efficiency and global sustainability challenges. They will also know how to develop circular economy solutions that create value in ways that put less strain on the environment.

Postgraduate Study Opportunities

Graduates may also utilize the opportunity to carry out post-graduate studies in universities. This might require additional studies.