Master in Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Societies
Tallinn, Estonia
Master degree
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2027
TUITION FEES
EUR 2,000 / per semester
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Key Summary
About: The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s in Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Societies combines AI, sustainability and social innovation to study how data and intelligent systems can benefit societies. Studies balance theory and practice in international cohorts across three countries. The programme is offered by Tallinn University; Tampere University; and Lusófona University with partners such as Citizen OS.
Career Outcomes: Graduates pursue roles where AI, data and sustainability intersect. They may work as policy analysts, AI ethics consultants, data analysts for NGOs, sustainability analysts or project managers for AI-enabled projects. The programme’s practical teamwork builds applied research and stakeholder engagement skills.
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Programme (EMJM) in Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Societies fcombines AI, sustainability, and social innovation to help you understand how data and intelligent systems can be used responsibly for the benefit of societies. Studies balance theory and practice, and are carried out in international, interdisciplinary cohorts that move between three countries. Students learn to analyse societal challenges and design human-centred, data-driven, and sustainable AI solutions in collaboration with diverse stakeholders.
The programme is designed together with three universities: Tallinn University, School of Digital Technologies; Tampere University, Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Sciences; and Lusófona University, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Engineering. In addition, societal NGOs and industry partners such as Citizen OS, Estonian Anthropocene Center NGO, Lääne-Harju municipality, Inspirators!.
Course Outline
The programme consists of the following academically dependent specialisations, which are studied in 3 different locations throughout the time:
- Enrolling in Tallinn, basic studies in sustainable societies, AI and data and design.
- Continuing in Porto with a mix of electives and basic studies.
- Arriving at Tampere, studies are in the form of an Interdisciplinary project-based course with real clients.
- Last semester focused on professional placement and master’s thesis and allowed students to choose a place between Tampere, Tallinn, and Porto for their studies.
Graduates of Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Societies build careers in roles where AI, data and sustainability intersect. The programme prepares students to contribute to areas such as public sector digital transformation, smart cities, civic technology, NGOs, start-ups and research groups, as well as to pursue doctoral studies.
Graduates move into roles that involve supporting evidence-based decision making, analysing the societal impact of technology or designing and coordinating AI-enabled projects.
Graduate and student feedback highlights that the programme’s international environment, practical teamwork and supportive teaching help build the skills and confidence needed to enter these fields.
The programme welcomes open-minded, reflective, and creatively curious students with strong English skills and a background or deep interest in one of the core pillars of the programme. AISS is looking for individuals who are visionary and technologically engaged, motivated to use AI and data to support sustainable futures and to contribute to the development of cities, communities, mobility, and well-being while caring for the planet.
- Applicants with technical backgrounds: for example, engineering, computer science, or information technology, who want to apply AI to sustainability and societal challenges.
- Applicants from natural and environmental sciences: such as biology, geography, or environmental sciences, who want to work with data-driven and AI-based approaches.
- Applicants from social sciences, humanities and design: including social and humanistic studies, cognitive science, media or design, who are interested in AI, participation and socio-technical change.
- Applicants with data, business or quantitative profiles: such as statistics, mathematics, business or management, who want to connect analytics and decision making with sustainability goals.
A good command of English and an open, collaborative mindset are essential. A background related to at least one of the pillars is beneficial, and harmonization courses support students in bridging gaps between disciplines.