Designing a Joint Master’s Program ACMI 

The Erasmus Mundus Design Measures project Automotive Computing for Mobility Innovation (ACMI) has now held its three planning meetings, one in Zilina (SK), one at SEAMK in May 2025, and the last one recently at Škoda Auto University (Czech Republic), who is also the leading partner in the project. ACMI brings together partner institutions from the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Finland, and Romania. 

Common goal

 The work started in January 2025 by defining a common understanding of a Master level program and the differences between the collaborating universities in admission systems, organization and course offerings. The main aim of the second workshop held in Seinäjoki between May 26th and 27th was to discuss the content and structure of the program in automotive computing.  

 The new program is designed to offer students the unique opportunity to earn a triple degree from participating universities. However, planning for a unique program such as the one in question does not come without some obstacles that can only be overcome by the willingness to achieve common goals. 

Curriculum development in an international level develops deep understanding of how pedagogical approaches and structural differences in universities may differ from country to country and – of course – from university to university. At this point, compromises are by no means a game of winning or losing from the university perspective but something where the students win.  

 The ability to combine expertise and approaches can create unique study opportunities. However, balancing between what is essential and what can be a specialization track within the curriculum calls for a detailed discussion and the ability to look quite far to the future. After all, the first students for a degree that is now being discussed may enter the programme around 2030. When the topic is something like automotive computing, who knows if there is a need to add a course on flying vehicles by then? 

International degree brings added value to the student

An international degree programme is more than a CV bonus. In the current global economy it can provide significant insight for managing and leading the industry. In addition, the study program like the one that is being developed under this initiative will connect the study group as a powerful global network of professionals in its field.  

Master’s Degree requires deeper knowledge on specific field related topics but also research and development abilities. At the same time, the industry looks at master’s degree holders as those who can lead complicated projects, can apply strategic thinking and develop processes. Along with the actual study content, the process also requires looking at administrative processes, student support availability, and of course, integrating IT solutions and logins to all different universities. 

Future is bright

 While joint curriculum planning is a long process, the added value is truly inspiring. After the Erasmus Mundus initiative and the three planning meetings all partners are confident that the programme is ready for the next stages. 

Key words: Curriculum development, Erasmus Project,  International Collaboration, Joint degree 

This project is funded by the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) can be held responsible for the content of this publication. 

Elisa Kannasto 

Head of Degree Programme, Master School
SEAMK