Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Industrial Master’s Programme? How does it differ from the standard master’s programme?
Students will get the chance to do in-depth practical training in a selected company. You will pass the regular master’s curriculum following an individual study plan.
Who can apply?
All first-year master students in Software Engineering, Computer Science and Data Science can apply.
When will the programme begin and how long will it last?
The programme begins at the end of your second semester of the first academic year (June) and lasts for 12 months.
What is an individual study plan?
The individual study plan is a course plan based on your standard curriculum and customized for your and the company’s research interests.
What will I do in the company?
You will perform practical tasks related to the company’s everyday work, relevant to your curriculum and master’s thesis.
How much time will I spend at University and the company?
You will spend approximately half of your time in the University and half in the company (2–3 days per week). During the last semester, when you are expected to work full time on your master’s thesis, you will spend most of the time in the company.
How will my tasks in the company be evaluated?
Before starting the programme, the student's personal goals will be agreed on in a tripartite way (student, company, and University). Achieving them is the basis for the evaluation. Supervisors from both the Institute of Computer Science and the company will be involved in the evaluation.
Who will supervise my master’s thesis?
You will be assigned a supervisor by the University, and you will have a co-supervisor from the company.
Do I have a say in which research topic I will choose?
Yes. We expect you to be proactive, as it will help you choose a topic and stay on track during your studies.
Will I need to sign a contract?
Yes, you will sign a trilateral agreement with the company and the University.
What will be in the contract?
The contract will cover your study plan's details, terms of confidentiality, intellectual property, stipend, etc. other conditions relevant to each party and agreed mutually.
How are intellectual property rights regulated?
You are expected to agree on transferring all intellectual property rights of the results of tasks and your master’s thesis done in the company to the company.
How much is the stipend?
The stipend is 660 - 900 euros per month.
Can I apply for other stipends while being in the programme?
The scholarship cannot be used at the same time as other stipends. Excluding the Estonian needs-based study allowance, travel stipends, Reet and Teet Villigi, Cybernetica, and Ülo Kaasiku scholarships. In case you are a Dora+ or MFA scholarship recipient, then starting from February, you will receive only Industrial Master’s Programme in IT scholarship.
Can I work in another company while being in the programme?
The programme is mainly targeted at students who want to focus entirely on their studies and not work in parallel. You will be forbidden to work in a competitive position with your partner company. However, you may work in a non-IT-related position outside the scheduled hours.
Can I go to Erasmus exchange while being in the programme?
If you have decided to apply for Erasmus exchange, this Industrial Master’s Programme in IT will not be suitable for you. You are expected to collaborate closely with the partner company throughout your studies.
What happens if
the company wants to terminate my contract?
This is a study program, so you don’t need to worry that you don’t know everything in the beginning. You are expected to be curious and proactive, learn and practice and commit to fulfilling the programme on schedule. If you show a lack of interest and dedication, the company has the right to cancel the agreement with you. Studies can be continued by the master’s curricula where you were admitted.
I want to quit the programme?
You will be selected for the programme with confidence that you will complete the programme as planned. However, sometimes unexpected circumstances still happen that may force you to pause your studies. In such a case, your participation in this programme will be terminated without the option of continuation. You will have the chance to continue your studies by the regular curriculum.
I don’t manage to keep up with the individual study plan?
You are expected to fulfill your study plan in a timely manner. If the reasons for the delay are justified, the supervisors may approve changes in the plan. In case there are no reasonable justifications for delays, the company has the right to cancel the agreement with you.
I don’t finish my master’s thesis on time?
You are expected to defend your master’s thesis at the end of your two-year master’s studies in June. After the official end of the programme, the stipend will cease, and the company may discontinue your supervision.