Apply for the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master in Manufacturing by Intelligent and Sustainable Technologies (meta4.0)

The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master in Manufacturing by Intelligent and Sustainable Technologies (meta4.0) is a prestigious two-year, full-time Master’s degree taught entirely in English and jointly delivered by six leading European universities across France, Italy, Germany, Norway, and Slovenia.

Developed in close collaboration with industry, the meta4.0 programme addresses the growing global demand for professionals skilled in advanced, digital, and sustainable manufacturing. It prepares graduates to lead innovation in manufacturing systems shaped by Industry 4.0 and the global green transition.

Programme Overview

meta4.0 combines technological excellence, sustainability, innovation, and international mobility to train the next generation of manufacturing experts. Students benefit from a multidisciplinary curriculum, hands-on learning, and exposure to real-world industrial challenges.

Graduates are equipped to work in global manufacturing environments undergoing rapid digitalisation, automation, and environmental transformation.

Programme Focus and Learning Objectives

The programme is structured around four key pillars of modern manufacturing:

Digital Manufacturing
Smart Manufacturing
Clean Manufacturing
Sustainable Manufacturing

By integrating these focus areas, meta4.0 enables students to design, optimise, and manage manufacturing systems that are both high-performance and environmentally responsible.

Why Manufacturing 4.0 Is Important

Manufacturing is at the centre of today’s technological and environmental transformation. Across Europe and globally:

The green transition is projected to generate over one million new jobs by 2030
Europe currently faces more than one million unfilled positions in digital technology
Nearly 70% of companies report difficulties finding professionals with the right skills

The meta4.0 programme was created to bridge this skills gap by aligning academic excellence with industry needs, producing graduates who can drive sustainable industrial growth worldwide.

Programme Structure

The meta4.0 Master’s programme blends theoretical knowledge with applied learning, including laboratory work, group projects, and industry internships in an international academic environment.

Year 1: Core Foundations

In the first year, students study in two countries, building a strong common foundation:

France: Core manufacturing technologies and production systems
Italy: Materials science and materials engineering

This structure ensures all students acquire essential competencies for advanced manufacturing careers.

Year 2: Specialisation and Mobility

In the second year, students select one of four specialisations and continue their studies at a partner university in:

Norway
Slovenia
France
Germany

This year focuses on advanced manufacturing topics, applied research, and industry-oriented learning, often combined with project work or internships.

Academic Excellence and Industry Collaboration

meta4.0 is delivered by a consortium of top European universities with strong expertise in manufacturing, particularly in Germany, Italy, and France, which together represent a major share of Europe’s manufacturing output.

The programme is further strengthened by partnerships with leading companies in sectors such as:

Aerospace and aviation
Automotive manufacturing
Energy, automation, and robotics
Advanced production systems

Industry partners contribute to curriculum design, internships, applied research projects, and continuous programme improvement.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the meta4.0 programme are well-prepared for high-level careers in both public and private sectors worldwide. Typical roles include:

Manufacturing and process engineer
Digital manufacturing specialist
Sustainability and clean production expert
R&D engineer or scientific researcher
Industry 4.0 and innovation consultant

Through the Erasmus Mundus framework, graduates also gain access to a strong European and international professional network.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

Hold a Bachelor’s degree in Science or Engineering (minimum 180 ECTS)
Have an academic background in:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mechanics
- Materials Science and Engineering
- Mechatronics or closely related fields
Demonstrate English language proficiency at B2 level, supported by:
- IELTS
- TOEFL
- TOEIC