European Masters degree in colour science

The Master’s Degree in Colour Science at the University of Eastern Finland offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary programme designed to equip students with an in-depth understanding of the science and technology of colours. This innovative programme combines principles from physics, chemistry, psychology, and engineering to provide a holistic perspective on how colours are perceived, measured, and applied across various industries. Students will explore the physical and chemical basis of colour, including the nature of light, colour measurement techniques, and colour rendering. Emphasis is also placed on the psychological and perceptual aspects of colour, enabling students to understand how colours influence human behavior, emotions, and aesthetics.

The curriculum covers key topics such as colour vision, colour matching, colour calibration, digital imaging, and colour in manufacturing processes. Practical training is a significant component of the programme, with opportunities for laboratory work, digital design, and industry projects, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios. The programme is designed to meet the growing demand for experts in colour management and quality control across diverse sectors, including manufacturing, digital imaging, print, textiles, cosmetics, and lighting industries.

Students will benefit from the university’s excellent facilities and expert staff, engaging in research projects that address current challenges in colour science. The programme fosters critical thinking, innovation, and research skills, preparing graduates for successful careers in industry or academia. Upon completion, students will possess a unique skill set that combines scientific expertise with practical applications, enabling them to contribute to advancements in colour technology and its applications worldwide. The Master’s Degree in Colour Science aims to cultivate professionals who can operate at the forefront of colour research, innovation, and implementation in a dynamic and evolving global market.

The Master's Degree Programme in Colour Science at the University of Eastern Finland offers a comprehensive and in-depth education in the scientific principles and practical applications of colour. The programme is designed to equip students with a solid understanding of the physics, physiology, and psychology of colour, as well as the technical skills necessary to analyze, measure, and manipulate colour in various industries. Throughout the programme, students will explore topics such as colour perception, colorimetry, image processing, colour management, and the role of colour in design, manufacturing, and quality control. The curriculum combines theoretical courses with hands-on laboratory work and project-based learning, ensuring that graduates gain both the scientific knowledge and practical experience needed to succeed in the field. Students will have opportunities to work with state-of-the-art instruments and software used in colour measurement and analysis, and to participate in research projects that address real-world challenges related to colour accuracy, consistency, and innovation. The programme also emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, encouraging students to apply their knowledge in areas such as digital imaging, textiles, printing, lighting, and consumer electronics. Graduates of the programme can pursue careers in industries including manufacturing, research and development, quality assurance, and consulting, or continue their studies at the doctoral level. The University of Eastern Finland’s vibrant academic community and strong links with industry partners provide an enriching environment for students to expand their professional networks and gain insights into current trends and future developments in the field of colour science. The programme is delivered in English and is aimed at students with backgrounds in science, engineering, design, or related fields who are interested in specialising in colour as a technical and scientific discipline.

Entry requirements / Eligibility criteria

Below are the minimum requirements to be eligible for both COSI and CIMET programme. Please note that additional eligibility requirements apply for applicants to be considered for an Erasmus+ Join Master scholarship, notably ineligibility of applicants who have already benefited from an Erasmus Mundus Master Course scholarship or who have applied to more than 3 Erasmus+ Joint Master Degree.

Administrative process

• Compliance with the application process calendar and deadlines;
• Authenticity, completeness, certification (scan of original document or certified translation), translation (English version only) of application files.

Academic prerequisites

• Applicants must hold a bachelor of science (or any nationally recognized first cycle degree equivalent to 180 ECTS), preferably in the fields of mathematics, technology, engineering, computer science or physics. (While this condition must necessarily be fulfilled at the time of enrollment, the consortium accepts applications from students in the last year of their higher education degree);
• Applicants must possess a solid academic background in the general fields of physics, mathematics, and computer science.

Language requirements

• The tuition language is English. Students are notably expected to produce a Master Thesis in English. A strong command of written and oral English is therefore requested. Applicants will have to demonstrate during application an English language proficiency equivalent to level B2 in the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). (Link to correspondences between CEFR levels and common language proficiency scales around the world that will be used).

Level of English will be assessed on the basis of test scores provided by the applicant, the cover letter and the interview.

Adequate financial resources

• Applicants should be fully aware of the financial costs of the programme and cost of living in hosting countries. While our scholarship policy will allow most of the students to finance the entire studies period, self-funded students who were not awarded a scholarship grant will be required to submit a Guarantee of full financial support (annexed to the Learning Agreement and prior to enrollment).

This is to ensure that you have sufficient funds to cover the entire period of studies. You’ll need to document your source/s of income to apply for a student visa. Please refer to budget simulation to assess your financial ability.

Erasmus+ Joint Master Degree scholarship holders are exempted of this requirement.

For information

No discrimination on the basis of nationality, gender, age, religion, health conditions;

Dedicated to achieving equity for women in science, the consortium supports women who face difficult circumstances or barriers to their full participation. More details on service available to women planning to enroll while having to care for children are available on Academic Services.

Admission criteria

Applicants should be aware that joining COSI and CIMET is an extremely competitive process, which takes time. Only the best 25 applicants will be selected.  The ranking outcome will determine the award of Erasmus+ JMD scholarships and Consortium scholarships to the best applicants.

Scholarships attribution is merit-based: same selection criteria, methods and decision-making for selection to the programme itself are applied to attribute scholarships, attribution is based on absolute selection outcome ranking of applicants.  Learning performance during first year of the programme is used to grant scholarships during the second year of the programme. All scholarships are cumulative, expect E+EMJMD and Eiffel scholarship (holders of these scholarships cannot apply to additional scholarships).

The Master’s Degree Programme in Colour Science at the University of Eastern Finland is a specialized and multidisciplinary study path designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the science and technology of colour. This programme encompasses a broad range of topics including colour perception, colour measurement, colour reproduction, and the application of colour in various industries such as manufacturing, design, and digital media. The curriculum is structured to equip students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for careers in colour technology, research, development, and quality control.

Students enrolled in this programme have the opportunity to explore colour measurement and visual perception through courses that address both the physical and psychological aspects of colour. The programme emphasizes the importance of understanding human visual perception and how it influences colour-related decisions in industry. It also covers the technological aspects of colour reproduction, including the use of colour models, colour spaces, and digital imaging technologies.

The programme is delivered with a combination of lectures, laboratory work, projects, and seminars, fostering an interactive learning environment. Students have access to modern laboratories equipped with advanced instrumentation for colour measurement and analysis. The coursework is complemented by thesis work, during which students undertake independent research on a specific topic within the field of colour science, often collaborating with industry partners to solve real-world problems.

Internationally oriented, the programme attracts students from around the world, creating a diverse academic community. Employability for graduates includes careers in research institutes, the manufacturing industry, color consulting, product design, and digital technology sectors. The programme also prepares students for further academic pursuits, including doctoral studies in fields related to vision science, optics, and material science.

The University of Eastern Finland’s department of physics and mathematics, which offers the programme, is renowned for its research in optics and colour science. Students benefit from close interactions with faculty members who are active researchers and experts in the field. Additionally, the university provides excellent student support services, career counseling, and opportunities for networking through conferences and industry collaborations.

In summary, the Master’s Degree Programme in Colour Science at the University of Eastern Finland is a comprehensive, research-oriented programme designed for students interested in mastering the scientific principles and practical applications of colour. It prepares graduates for a wide range of career opportunities in industry, academia, and research, making it a highly valuable qualification for those pursuing a specialized career in colour-related fields.