The M.Sc. by Research is a research-focused programme for learners who want to develop research capability and produce original academic work in digital circular economy.

The M.Sc. by Research is offered by the University of the Aegean, School of Social Sciences, Department of Cultural Technology and Communication.

Applicants are expected to hold a Bachelor’s degree and have sufficient English proficiency to follow a postgraduate programme delivered in English.

The programme is suitable for research-oriented graduates, professionals, engineers, sustainability profiles, policy specialists and learners interested in digital circular economy research.

Yes. The programme is delivered through distance learning with online teaching, digital platforms, communication tools and academic support.

The language of instruction and assessment is English.

The programme is structured across 3 academic semesters.

The programme requires 90 ECTS credits in total.

Semester 1: Foundations in digital circular economy, digital product passports, EU compliance, AI and robotics.

Semester 2: Research Methodology + EU Research Funding & Proposal Development + 1 elective course.

Semester 3: MSc Thesis, 30 ECTS.

Students conduct supervised independent or group research on a specialised topic within Digital Circular Economy.

The thesis should demonstrate advanced theoretical and technical knowledge, independent research thinking and the ability to contribute to new scientific knowledge.

The thesis may include literature analysis, primary data analysis, research models, algorithms, frameworks or applied research work.

The M.Sc. by Research thesis assessment is based on:

Research-oriented graduates, future PhD candidates, engineers and technical researchers, sustainability researchers, policy and innovation professionals.

The M.Sc. by Research can help learners strengthen their research profile and prepare for future academic or research-oriented pathways.

Admission to a PhD depends on the requirements of the receiving institution, supervisor availability, research proposal quality and official doctoral admission rules.

It means that eligible applicants from countries participating in the Digital Europe Programme may be exempt from tuition fees, subject to the official programme rules.

Application fee: All applicants pay €100 when submitting their application. Non-refundable.

Registration fee: Selected applicants pay €500 to complete registration. Non-refundable.

Tuition fees for DEP applicants: Applicants from DEP countries do not pay additional tuition fees, subject to eligibility confirmation.

Tuition fees for non-DEP applicants: Applicants from non-DEP countries pay €5,000 in tuition fees.

Yes, applicants from non-EU or non-DEP countries can apply. If they are accepted, they will need to pay tuition fees.

The Expression of Interest period is expected to remain open until the end of June. After that, the official application process is expected to open.

The official application process is expected to open after accreditation is completed.

Candidates will receive further information about the application process, required documents, eligibility and next steps.

Yes, there will be a selection process. Each M.Sc. programme has 250 available places. Applicants who meet the typical requirements won’t have major barriers.

The programme is expected to start in the first week of October.