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Digital Transformation of Mechanical Engineering for Technological Sustainability
An Erasmus Mundus Design Measures (EMDM) project uniting 10 leading European institutions to co-design a future joint Master's programme at the intersection of mechanical engineering, digital innovation, and Industry 5.0 sustainability.
Modernizing European Mechanical Engineering Education
Modernizing European Mechanical Engineering Education
The global manufacturing sector is undergoing a massive shift towards digital integration and environmental responsibility. Preparing the next generation of engineers requires an updated educational model that extends beyond traditional mechanical principles.
Future mechanical engineers must seamlessly navigate digital twins, artificial intelligence, industrial automation, data analytics, and circular economy practices. To address these requirements, European higher education needs unified curricula centered on Industry 5.0 and sustainable technology deployment.
MechDiTS (Digital Transformation of Mechanical Engineering for Technological Sustainability) brings together ten European academic institutions to structure an advanced joint Master's degree at the crossroads of digital innovation, sustainable design, and smart manufacturing.
Strategic Mission
Strategic Mission
Our primary objective is to co-create a joint European Master's degree that provides engineering students with cutting-edge technical skills, interdisciplinary insights, and multi-country academic mobility, empowering them to drive the green and digital transitions across European industry.
Synergies Across the EUt+ Alliance and Beyond
Synergies Across the EUt+ Alliance and Beyond
The MechDiTS project builds upon established academic cooperation within the European University of Technology (EUt+) Alliance. Over recent years, member universities have successfully conducted joint summer schools, Blended Intensive Programmes (BIPs), academic exchanges, and collaborative research initiatives.
Capitalising on this strong foundation, the consortium is expanding its collaboration to establish a fully integrated international Master's programme tailored to contemporary industrial challenges.
Extended Partnership: NTU «KhPI» (Ukraine)
To broaden the project's scope and expertise, the consortium officially includes the National Technical University «Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute» (Ukraine). Their contribution enhances the curriculum in areas such as digital engineering and advanced manufacturing, while reinforcing European academic resilience and cross-border cooperation.
Future Master’s Degree Blueprint
Future Master’s Degree Blueprint
Target Student Profile
The future degree is designed for graduates holding a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or closely related technical disciplines who aim to specialize in digital engineering, smart manufacturing, AI applications, and sustainable industrial design.
Planned Academic Structure
The programme is structured as a 2-year degree (120 ECTS) featuring multi-country mobility across partner campuses and culminating in an applied research or industry-based Master’s thesis.
Strategic targets
1. Industry Skills Assessment
Analyse evolving skill requirements in mechanical engineering, digital transformation, and sustainable manufacturing across European sectors.
2. Interdisciplinary Curriculum Co-Design
Develop a modern, unified study plan integrating digital twins, artificial intelligence, robotics, and Industry 5.0 sustainability principles.
3. International Mobility Pathways
Formulate structured academic mobility schemes that allow students to study and train across multiple European partner universities.
4. Integrated Student Support Services
Establish common administrative guidelines, application mechanisms, and student support systems across all participating campuses.
5. Shared Governance & Quality Control
Define joint management protocols, academic standards, and evaluation frameworks to maintain educational excellence.
6. Accreditation Framework Setup
Prepare the legal and institutional groundwork required for joint degree recognition and national accreditations.
7. Strategic University Network
Strengthen long-term educational and research cooperation among European Higher Education Institutions within and beyond the EUt+ network.
Participating European Institutions
Participating European Institutions
Riga Technical University (Latvia) — Project Coordinator
University of Cassino and Southern Lazio (Italy)
Hochschule Darmstadt, University of Applied Sciences (Germany)
University of Technology of Troyes (France)
Technical University of Sofia (Bulgaria)
Cyprus University of Technology (Cyprus)
Technological University Dublin (Ireland)
Technical University of Cluj-Napoca (Romania)
Polytechnic University of Cartagena (Spain)
National Technical University «Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute» (Ukraine)
Programme Roadmap
2025–2026
Design Phase
EMDM grant execution, including curriculum co-design, mobility scheme definition, and accreditation setup.
2027
Proposal Submission
Application for full implementation funding under the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master (EMJM) call.
2028
Institutional Setup
Finalizing joint admission procedures and launching global recruitment campaigns.
2028-2029
First Student Intake
Welcoming the first cohort of international students (pending final selection and accreditation procedures)
FAQ
1. When will student applications open?
The project is currently in its design phase (2025–2026). Following planned accreditation and funding selection in 2027, student application calls are targeted to launch in 2028 for the 2028/2029 academic year.
2. Does the programme involve studying in multiple European countries?
Yes. Multi-country academic mobility is a core requirement of the degree. Students will spend semesters in at least three different European countries, benefiting from diverse academic environments, research labs, and regional industrial ecosystems.
3. Will Erasmus Mundus scholarships be available?
Full Erasmus Mundus scholarships are expected to become available once the designed Master's programme achieves official EMJM funding selection in future EU calls.
4. What is UNICAS's role in this initiative?
As an active EUt+ Alliance member, UNICAS (DICEM) contributes to module design, specializes in key mechanical and robotic learning outcomes, defines mobility schemes for Cassino students, and aids in establishing joint quality assurance standards.
Key Project Specifications
Project Reference (Grant Agreement): 101241157
EU Action: Erasmus Mundus Design Measures (EMDM) — Erasmus+ Programme
Grant Allocated: € 60,000 (Curriculum Design Phase)
Duration: 15 Months (2025 – 2026)
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