IIT-Madras joins hands with UK Russell Group university to offer joint masters programmes

NEW DELHI: In a first for any Indian Institute of Technology, IIT-Madras joins hands with a UK Russell Group university to offer joint masters programmes. IIT-Madras and University of Birmingham started the collaboration by opening applications for their new Joint Masters programmes in data science and artificial intelligence on Thursday.
Successful applicants will study in both Birmingham and Chennai campuses before receiving a single degree awarded by both universities. They will also carry out a substantial research project, giving them an opportunity to apply their knowledge to real world challenges.
The joint programmes will be delivered at the campuses of both institutions and mutual recognition of academic credits issued by each university will lead to the award of a single degree certificate. Students will benefit from academic flexibility to learn and work in current areas that are going to define the future of global engineering and technology. The last date to apply is June 11, 2023.
An IIT-Madras press statement claims that the partnership offers a competitive overall fee for students with the UK study element charged at domestic fee levels rather than the usual international level.
Professor Adam Tickell, vice-chancellor and principal, the University of Birmingham, commented, said: “Our landmark new Joint masters programmes open new and exciting opportunities to study in two countries, benefitting from the expertise and industry links of both IIT-Madras and the University of Birmingham.
Tickell added, “Successful applicants will experience a global perspective as they learn the fundamental principles of data science and explore the world of AI. Our research-informed teaching will put students at the forefront of these rapidly evolving fields.”
The programmes offer flexibility to students to spend either five months or twelve months in the UK, concluding the programme in Birmingham or Chennai. The programmes will begin in July 2023 when students would commence their studies at IIT-Madras and complete several modules before beginning a short industrial placement.
Students have the option of two different programmes of study — study in the UK for 12 months concluding with a research project in Birmingham or study in the UK for five months, then return to IIT-Madras to complete the programme and carry out a research project at IIT-Madras.