News

2021

3D-CIRCULAR Launches Three Cutting-Edge Master’s Programmes in Digital Deep-Tech Driven Circular Economy

EU-backed initiative opens applications for tuition-free, 100% online graduate degrees to power Europe’s twin green and digital transition.

We are pleased to share exciting news from the 3D-CIRCULAR project, a pan-European initiative awarded the prestigious European Commission STEP Seal. Led by an ambitious alliance of industry and research partners, the project is dedicated to closing the critical skills gap at the intersection of deep-tech innovation and circular economy principles.

To achieve this, 3D-CIRCULAR has designed a next-generation educational ecosystem featuring three new Master’s programmes. These programmes are tailored to reskill and upskill both young talents and seasoned professionals, ensuring Europe’s workforce can drive sustainable growth and lead the digitally native circular economy of tomorrow.

The Three Master’s Programmes

The curriculum is built around a common core of mandatory modules—including Introduction to Digital Circular Economy, Circular Economy and Digital Product Passports (DPPs), and Standardisation and EU Regulatory Compliance—before branching into specialized pathways:

1. Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Digital Deep-Tech Driven Circular Economy

  • Focus: Applied technical, analytical, and innovation aspects.

  • Best fit for: Graduates, engineers, sustainability officers, digital transformation leads, and policy professionals.

  • Key Technologies: AI, Blockchain, IoT, Data Analytics, and Digital Twins.

  • Outcome: A final postgraduate thesis tackling a real-world digital circular economy challenge.

2. Master of Science by Research (M.Sc.Res) in Digital Deep-Tech Driven Circular Economy

  • Focus: Advanced applied research capabilities for sustainable development.

  • Best fit for: Research-oriented graduates, future PhD candidates, technical researchers, and innovation policy professionals.

  • Key Features: Intense focus on research methodology, EU research funding & proposal development, and a supervised research thesis.

  • Outcome: A high-level research output connected to European innovation ecosystems.

3. Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Digital Deep-Tech Driven Circular Economy

  • Focus: Leadership, management, business strategy, and organizational transformation.

  • Best fit for: Experienced professionals in ESG, operations, consultancy, and C-suite/leadership tracks.

  • Key Features: Business models, financial strategies for circular ventures, and innovation management.

  • Outcome: An integrative Business Project translating learning into a practical organizational transformation contribution.

Key Programme Details

All three programmes are designed with flexibility and accessibility in mind:

  • Format: 100% online (the MBA includes some hybrid elements).

  • Credits: 90 ECTS.

  • Duration: 3 semesters.

  • Language: English.

  • Start Dates:M.Sc. and M.Sc. by Research commence in October 2026; the MBA follows in January 2027.

Tuition & Eligibility

In line with the EU’s commitment to building a skilled workforce, eligible EU and DEP (Digital Europe Programme) applicants will be exempt from tuition fees for the M.Sc. and M.Sc. by Research programmes.

  • M.Sc. / M.Sc. by Research: Tuition-free for EU/DEP applicants. (Non-EU/Non-DEP fee: €5,000).

  • MBA: Admission fee of €2,400 for EU/DEP applicants. (Non-EU/Non-DEP tuition fee: €45,000).

  • A standard non-refundable application fee of €100 applies to all submissions (platform administrator overhead).

How to Apply

An open call for expressions of interest is currently live. Prospective students are encouraged to register now to receive further information as the official application window opens.

Express your interest today at:https://3d-circular.eu/

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