Aalto CoDaS MSc Program Guide 2026 | Libertify

What Is the CoDaS Erasmus Mundus Programme?

The Master of Science in Communications Engineering and Data Science, known as CoDaS, is a prestigious Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree (EMJMD) coordinated by Aalto University in Espoo, Finland. Launched with European Union co-funding for the 2025-2027 cohort, CoDaS addresses a growing demand for engineers who can bridge the worlds of advanced telecommunications and modern data science. The programme brings together five leading European technical universities into a single, integrated curriculum spanning 120 ECTS credits over two academic years.

What distinguishes CoDaS from conventional engineering master’s degrees is its dual disciplinary focus. Rather than treating communications engineering and data science as separate silos, the programme weaves them together from the very first semester. Students study signal processing alongside machine learning, network architecture alongside statistical modelling, and wireless systems alongside artificial intelligence. This convergence reflects the reality of modern industry, where 5G and 6G networks generate massive data streams that require sophisticated AI-driven analysis, and where data science techniques increasingly optimise network performance, spectrum allocation, and user experience.

As an Erasmus Mundus programme, CoDaS carries significant international prestige. The EMJMD label is awarded through a highly competitive European Commission selection process that evaluates academic excellence, consortium strength, and student support infrastructure. For students, this translates into access to EU-funded scholarships that cover tuition fees, monthly living allowances, travel costs, and installation support — making it one of the most financially accessible top-tier engineering programmes in Europe. The programme also requires mandatory mobility between at least two consortium universities, ensuring graduates gain genuine cross-cultural experience and build professional networks spanning multiple countries. If you are exploring European engineering master’s options, you can also discover programmes at other top universities featured on Libertify.

The Five-University Consortium Explained

The strength of any Erasmus Mundus programme lies in the quality and complementarity of its consortium partners. CoDaS has assembled a remarkable group of five universities, each contributing world-class expertise in a specific area of communications engineering or data science. Understanding what each partner brings to the table is essential for prospective students deciding where to focus their studies and how to plan their mobility path.

Aalto University serves as the programme coordinator and is consistently ranked among the top technical universities in Northern Europe. Located in the greater Helsinki metropolitan area, Aalto’s Department of Communications and Networking is renowned for research in automation, control systems, and intelligent networks. Students at Aalto benefit from Finland’s thriving tech ecosystem, home to companies like Nokia, Ericsson Finland, and a vibrant startup scene. Aalto’s specialisation within CoDaS centres on automation and control — integrating data-driven decision-making with communications infrastructure.

Grenoble INP, part of Université Grenoble Alpes in France, brings deep expertise in cloud computing and artificial intelligence. Grenoble’s innovation ecosystem includes major research centres like CEA-Leti and INRIA, making it one of Europe’s leading technology hubs. At Grenoble INP, CoDaS students explore how cloud platforms, edge computing, and AI frameworks power next-generation communication systems. Técnico Lisboa, the engineering faculty of the University of Lisbon in Portugal, contributes strength in core communications engineering and data science fundamentals, offering a rigorous theoretical grounding that underpins the applied work at other partner institutions. TU Braunschweig in Germany focuses on health-enabling technologies — a rapidly growing field that applies wireless sensing, wearable devices, and data analytics to healthcare and wellbeing. Finally, UPC Barcelona specialises in IoT and 5G technologies, leveraging Barcelona’s position as a European smart city leader and host of the Mobile World Congress. Together, these five institutions create a consortium that covers the full spectrum from theoretical foundations to cutting-edge applications.

Curriculum and 120-ECTS Structure

The CoDaS curriculum is structured around 120 ECTS credits distributed evenly across four semesters over two years. The programme architecture balances a shared core of mandatory courses with elective specialisation modules and a substantial research thesis component. This design ensures that every CoDaS graduate acquires a common baseline of knowledge while having the flexibility to develop deep expertise in their chosen area.

During the first year, students typically complete 60 ECTS of coursework that includes core modules in advanced signal processing, statistical learning and inference, communications systems and protocols, and data engineering fundamentals. These core courses are designed to be taught at whichever consortium university the student begins their journey, ensuring consistency of standards across all five institutions. The first year also includes introductory project work that familiarises students with the programme’s emphasis on hands-on, collaborative problem-solving. Students begin working in international teams from the outset, tackling real-world challenges drawn from industry partnerships.

The second year shifts focus towards specialisation and independent research. Students take 30 ECTS of elective courses aligned with the specialisation track offered by their host university for that period — whether that is health-enabling technologies at Braunschweig, IoT and 5G at UPC, cloud and AI at Grenoble, communications and data science at Lisboa, or automation and control at Aalto. The remaining 30 ECTS are dedicated to the master’s thesis, which can be conducted at any of the five consortium universities or in collaboration with an industry partner. The thesis represents a substantial piece of original research or engineering development, typically involving six months of full-time work. Topics are drawn from the intersection of communications engineering and data science, and students are supervised by faculty members from at least one consortium institution. Many thesis projects result in conference publications or direct industry applications, reflecting the programme’s strong research orientation. For a deeper exploration of how European universities structure ECTS-based programmes, browse the university programme guides on Libertify.

Specialisation Tracks by University

One of the most compelling features of CoDaS is the ability to tailor your degree through university-specific specialisation tracks. Each consortium partner offers a distinct pathway that allows students to develop expertise in an area aligned with their career ambitions while still completing a unified degree recognised by all five institutions.

At Aalto University, the specialisation in automation and control prepares students to design intelligent, self-optimising systems. Coursework covers control theory, reinforcement learning for networked systems, cyber-physical systems, and industrial automation. Students work on projects involving autonomous network management and data-driven control of communication infrastructure — skills highly valued by companies building smart factories and autonomous vehicles. Grenoble INP’s cloud computing and AI track dives deep into distributed systems, deep learning architectures, natural language processing, and AI deployment on edge and cloud platforms. Given Grenoble’s proximity to major semiconductor and AI research facilities, students gain access to state-of-the-art computing resources and industry mentorship that few European programmes can match.

Técnico Lisboa provides a strong theoretical grounding in communications and data science, with courses in information theory, advanced coding, stochastic processes, and big data analytics. This track is ideal for students who want a rigorous mathematical foundation before moving into applied research or doctoral studies. TU Braunschweig’s health-enabling technologies specialisation is one of the most innovative in the consortium, combining wireless body area networks, biomedical signal processing, health data analytics, and wearable device engineering. Students in this track work on projects ranging from remote patient monitoring systems to AI-assisted diagnostics, addressing one of society’s most pressing challenges. UPC Barcelona rounds out the offering with a focus on IoT and 5G/6G technologies. Barcelona’s vibrant tech scene and its status as the home of the Mobile World Congress provide unparalleled networking opportunities. Students study radio access network design, massive MIMO systems, IoT protocol stacks, and network slicing — technologies at the heart of the ongoing global 5G rollout and emerging 6G research.

Mandatory Mobility and Study Abroad Paths

International mobility is not optional in CoDaS — it is a defining feature of the programme. Every student is required to study at a minimum of two consortium universities during their two-year degree, and many choose to experience three or even four different countries. This mandatory mobility is one of the key differences between an Erasmus Mundus programme and a traditional master’s degree, and it delivers profound benefits for personal development, professional networking, and cultural fluency.

The mobility structure is carefully planned to align with the curriculum’s progression from core fundamentals to specialisation. A typical pathway might see a student beginning at Aalto University for the first semester, covering core courses in communications and data science fundamentals within Finland’s innovative educational environment. The second semester could take the student to UPC Barcelona to study IoT and 5G technologies while immersing themselves in Spain’s dynamic Mediterranean tech ecosystem. The third semester might be spent at Grenoble INP, diving into cloud computing and AI applications alongside researchers at one of Europe’s premier innovation hubs. The fourth semester, dedicated primarily to the thesis, could be completed at any consortium institution or at an industry partner facility.

The consortium provides robust support for student mobility, including assistance with housing, visa applications, health insurance, and cultural integration at each location. Erasmus Mundus scholarships include specific travel and installation allowances to cover the costs of relocation between countries. The programme’s administrative team coordinates across all five universities to ensure smooth credit transfer, consistent academic standards, and timely progression. Students also benefit from the broader Erasmus+ student community at each institution, gaining access to social events, language courses, and support networks that ease the transition between countries. The result is graduates who are not only technically excellent but also genuinely comfortable working across cultures and languages — a critical asset in today’s globalised engineering workforce. You can compare mobility structures of similar programmes by exploring other European university guides on Libertify.

Project-Based Learning Across All Partners

CoDaS places project-based learning at the centre of its pedagogical approach, distinguishing it from programmes that rely predominantly on lectures and examinations. At every consortium university, students engage in hands-on projects that apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges in communications engineering and data science. This approach develops not only technical competence but also the soft skills — teamwork, presentation, project management, and creative problem-solving — that employers consistently rank among the most important graduate attributes.

Projects within CoDaS are typically drawn from genuine industry problems or active research initiatives at each partner university. At Aalto, for example, students might work on optimising industrial IoT networks using reinforcement learning, collaborating with Nokia’s local research teams. At UPC Barcelona, project themes often revolve around smart city applications, leveraging Barcelona’s extensive urban sensor infrastructure and open data platforms. Grenoble INP connects students with projects involving edge AI deployment, often in partnership with STMicroelectronics or Schneider Electric. TU Braunschweig’s projects frequently involve prototype development for health monitoring devices, requiring students to integrate hardware design, wireless communication, and data analytics into a single system. Técnico Lisboa emphasises analytical projects that push students to develop novel algorithms for communications system optimisation or data-driven network management.

The project component is integrated throughout the curriculum, not confined to a single capstone course. First-year students undertake shorter, structured projects designed to build foundational skills in collaborative engineering. Second-year projects become more ambitious and open-ended, often serving as precursors to the thesis research. Many projects are conducted in international teams that span multiple consortium universities, with students collaborating remotely across time zones — mirroring the distributed work environment they will encounter in their professional careers. Faculty members from different institutions co-supervise these projects, exposing students to diverse mentorship styles and research traditions. This integrated, multi-institutional approach to project-based learning is one of CoDaS’s strongest differentiators in the European master’s landscape.

Admission Requirements and Application Process

Gaining admission to CoDaS is competitive, reflecting the programme’s prestige and the generous scholarship funding available. However, the application process is transparent and well-documented, giving motivated candidates every opportunity to present a strong case. Understanding the requirements and timeline is crucial for success.

The fundamental academic requirement is a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in electrical engineering, computer science, telecommunications engineering, applied mathematics, or a closely related STEM discipline. The degree must include a solid foundation in mathematics — including linear algebra, calculus, probability, and statistics — as well as demonstrated programming competence in languages such as Python, MATLAB, or C/C++. Prior coursework in signal processing, machine learning, or communications systems is advantageous but not strictly mandatory, as the first-year core courses are designed to establish a common knowledge baseline across students from diverse undergraduate backgrounds.

English language proficiency is required, as all instruction is delivered in English across all five consortium universities. Accepted tests typically include IELTS (minimum 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0), TOEFL iBT (minimum 92), or Cambridge C1 Advanced. Native English speakers and applicants from English-medium undergraduate programmes may be exempt from this requirement. Beyond academic credentials, the application asks for a detailed motivation letter explaining why the candidate is drawn to the intersection of communications engineering and data science, which specialisation tracks interest them most, and how the programme aligns with their career goals. Two academic reference letters, a comprehensive CV, and official transcripts complete the application package. The selection committee evaluates applications holistically, weighting academic achievement, research potential, motivation quality, and diversity of the cohort. Applications typically open in October and close in late January for the following September intake, with results announced by April.

Scholarships, Tuition, and EU Funding

One of the most attractive aspects of CoDaS is its financial accessibility through the Erasmus Mundus scholarship scheme. The European Commission co-funds a set number of scholarships for each cohort, and these awards are among the most generous available for master’s-level study in Europe. Understanding the funding landscape helps prospective students plan their finances and maximise their chances of securing support.

Erasmus Mundus scholarships for CoDaS cover the full cost of tuition fees at all consortium universities for the entire two-year programme. In addition, scholarship recipients receive a monthly living allowance (currently approximately €1,400 per month), a travel and installation contribution that varies based on the student’s country of origin, and coverage of participation costs. For students from non-EU countries — often called “partner country” students in Erasmus Mundus terminology — the scholarship package is particularly generous, as it is designed to attract top talent from around the world. EU-resident students (“programme country” students) receive slightly different allowances but still benefit from full tuition coverage and substantial financial support.

Self-funded students are also welcome to apply and can attend the programme by paying tuition fees set by the consortium. These fees are structured differently for EU/EEA residents and non-EU residents, with the consortium aiming to keep costs competitive relative to comparable programmes in the partner countries. Some consortium universities also offer their own institutional scholarships or fee waivers that self-funded CoDaS students may be eligible for. Beyond the core Erasmus Mundus scheme, students can explore additional funding sources such as national scholarship agencies (Fulbright, DAAD, FCT, or similar bodies in their home country), bilateral agreements between their home institution and a consortium university, and industry-sponsored research fellowships. The programme’s administrative team provides guidance on identifying and applying for supplementary funding opportunities, recognising that financial barriers should not prevent talented students from accessing world-class education in communications engineering and data science.

Career Outcomes and Industry Connections

CoDaS graduates enter the job market with a rare combination of skills that spans two of the most in-demand engineering disciplines of the decade. The convergence of communications engineering and data science places alumni at the nexus of multiple booming industries, from 5G/6G telecommunications and IoT to artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital health. Employment outcomes for Erasmus Mundus graduates are consistently strong, and CoDaS is designed to amplify this advantage through deliberate industry engagement and career development support.

The programme’s industry connections are woven into every stage of the student experience. At Aalto, students access Nokia’s extensive research partnership network and Finland’s thriving deep-tech startup ecosystem. UPC Barcelona’s proximity to the Mobile World Congress and its collaborations with Telefónica, Vodafone, and numerous 5G infrastructure companies provide direct pathways into the telecommunications sector. Grenoble INP’s partnerships with STMicroelectronics, Orange Labs, and Schneider Electric open doors in semiconductor, telecom, and energy management industries. TU Braunschweig connects students with Siemens Healthineers, Volkswagen’s connected vehicle divisions, and the broader German Mittelstand of technology companies. Técnico Lisboa offers access to Portugal’s growing tech scene and strong research ties with organisations across the Lusophone world.

Typical career paths for CoDaS graduates include roles such as 5G/6G network engineer, data scientist in telecommunications, IoT solutions architect, AI/ML engineer, cloud infrastructure specialist, wireless systems researcher, health technology developer, and communications consultant. Many graduates also pursue doctoral studies at leading institutions worldwide, leveraging the strong research training and publication record developed during their thesis work. Salary expectations vary by country and role, but the combination of an Erasmus Mundus credential, multi-country experience, and cutting-edge technical skills positions CoDaS alumni among the highest-earning young professionals in European engineering. Alumni networks spanning five countries further enhance long-term career development through mentorship, job referrals, and collaborative opportunities.

How CoDaS Compares to Other European MSc Programmes

The European higher education landscape offers numerous master’s programmes in telecommunications, data science, and related fields. Understanding how CoDaS positions itself within this competitive landscape helps prospective students make an informed choice. Several key differentiators set CoDaS apart from both single-institution programmes and other Erasmus Mundus offerings.

First, the specific combination of communications engineering and data science is rare at the master’s level. Most programmes focus on one discipline or the other — a traditional MSc in Telecommunications at a single university, or a standalone Data Science degree. CoDaS bridges this gap systematically, recognising that modern network infrastructure is inherently data-driven and that data science increasingly relies on sophisticated communication systems for real-time data collection and processing. This integrated approach produces graduates who can work across disciplinary boundaries, a skill that single-focus programmes struggle to develop. Second, the five-university consortium offers breadth and depth that no single institution can match. While a student at a single university might specialise in one area, CoDaS students can combine multiple specialisations across different semesters and countries, creating a uniquely customised degree profile.

Third, the mandatory mobility requirement delivers genuine international experience, not just a semester abroad as an afterthought. Every CoDaS student builds a multi-country professional network and demonstrates adaptability to diverse working environments — qualities that multinational employers explicitly seek. Fourth, the Erasmus Mundus scholarship framework makes CoDaS financially accessible in a way that many comparable programmes — particularly in the UK or at private institutions — cannot match. Full tuition coverage plus living stipends removes financial barriers that disproportionately affect talented students from developing countries. Finally, the project-based learning approach integrated across all five universities ensures that CoDaS graduates have substantial practical experience alongside their theoretical training. Compared to research-only programmes or coursework-heavy degrees, this balanced pedagogy better prepares students for the varied demands of professional engineering careers. For anyone serious about a career at the intersection of communications and AI in Europe, CoDaS represents one of the strongest options available in 2026 and beyond.