Circular Economy and Sustainable Manufacturing
Study programme title in Est.
Ringmajandus ja kestlik tootmine
Study programme title in Engl.
Circular Economy and Sustainable Manufacturing
TalTech study programme code
RDRR27
MER study programme code
Study programme version code
RDRR27/27
Faculty / college
RV - Virumaa College
Head of study programme/study programme manager
Anna Kaljusaar
Language of instruction
Estonian
Study level
Applied higher education study
ECTS credits
180
Self-paid study programme
no
Nominal study period
6 semesters
Study programme group
Engineering, Manufacturing and Technology
Broad area of study
Engineering, Manufacturing and Construction
Study field
Engineering and engineering trades
Curriculum group
Engineering and engineering trades not elsewhere classified
Access conditions
Applicants must have completed secondary education or hold an equivalent qualification.
Admission is based on the admission rules of Tallinn University of Technology and the admission criteria established for the programme. Detailed admission requirements and thresholds will be approved before admissions are announced. Show more...
Study programme aims and objectives
The aim of the Circular Economy and Sustainable Manufacturing programme is to prepare applied higher education specialists for positions related to manufacturing,
industry and resource management, where knowledge of sustainable manufacturing, production process development and resource-efficient solutions is required. The programme integrates manufacturing, circular economy, resource management and digitalisation and focuses on developing practical skills for a modern industrial and manufacturing environment.
The programme focuses on preparing specialists in production and process development who are able to analyse and improve manufacturing processes, material and energy flows, and apply solutions in circular economy, resource efficiency and digitalisation. Show more...
Learning outcomes of the study programme
The program graduate:
- applies the principles of circular economy, sustainable manufacturing and resource management when analysing company operations and production processes;

- analyses and improves production and work processes by applying the principles of resource efficiency, quality and process management;
- analyses material and energy flows and designs resource-efficient solutions;
- uses digital and data-driven solutions, including data analysis and artificial intelligence applications, in production and company development;
- plans and coordinates development and project activities and works effectively both independently and in teams;
- applies sustainable and circular business models and ESG principles to support the processes, resource use and development activities of manufacturing companies;
- communicates professionally and presents and justifies professional solutions in Estonian and in a relevant foreign language;
- acts responsibly, safely and ethically and is prepared for continuous professional development and further studies at Master’s level. Show more...
Graduation requirements
To graduate, the student must complete the full 180 ECTS curriculum,
including the required volumes of general studies, core studies, specialised studies and practical training, complete at least 6 ECTS of free-choice studies, and prepare and defend a 9 ECTS final thesis. The final thesis has an applied orientation and may take the form of a company development project, applied research project or practical solution developed in cooperation with a company or organisation. Show more...
Degrees conferred
Bachelor of Science in Engineering
Study programme version structure :
Module type
total ECTS credits
General studies
18.0
Core studies
57.0
Special studies
90.0
Free choice courses
6.0
Graduation thesis
9.0
Total
180.0
  • +
       MAIN SPECIALITY 1: Ringmajandus ja kestlik tootmine
    • +
         MODULE: Rohe- ja digioskuste ühismoodul 18.0 ECTS credits (General studies)
      Aims
      The aim of the module is to develop general and cross-disciplinary
      competences that support studies in circular economy and sustainable manufacturing and professional performance in a changing work and societal environment. The module provides a foundation for understanding the principles of circular economy, sustainable development, green technologies and chemistry, while enabling students to develop digital, communication, language and intercultural competences.       Show more...
      Learning outcomes
      After completion of the module, the student:
      - explains the principles of circular economy,
      sustainable development and green technologies and their links to manufacturing and societal development;
      - applies basic knowledge of chemistry to understand issues related to materials, resources and manufacturing processes;
      - uses appropriate digital tools for study and work tasks and critically evaluates digital information;
      - communicates and presents viewpoints appropriately for the target audience in Estonian and/or a professional foreign language;
      - acts responsibly in different cultural and communication environments and relates their activities to sustainable development goals.       Show more...
      Compulsory courses:
      Course title
      Course code
      ECTS credits
      Hours per week
      Lectures
      Practices
      Exercises
      E/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.
      Teaching semester
      Introduction to the Circular Economy
      EKX0020
      3.0
      2.0
      1.9
      0.0
      0.1
      E
      SK
      Fundamentals of Green Technologies
      EVR0320
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      0.0
      2.0
      H
      SK
      Digital Literacy
      RAM0570
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      2.0
      0.0
      A
      SK
      Total: 15.0 ECTS credits
      Elective courses:
      Course title
      Course code
      ECTS credits
      Hours per week
      Lectures
      Practices
      Exercises
      E/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.
      Teaching semester
      Multicultural Enviromental
      EVK0080
      3.0
      2.0
      0.0
      2.0
      0.0
      A
      SK
      Base Course in Chemistry
      EVM0400
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      1.0
      1.0
      H
      SK
      English Language for Speciality
      NTR0260
      3.0
      2.0
      0.0
      2.0
      0.0
      E
      SK
      Psychology of Communication
      RAH1220
      6.0
      4.0
      1.0
      0.0
      3.0
      A
      SK
      Teamwork and Management
      RAH1230
      3.0
      2.0
      0.5
      0.0
      1.5
      A
      SK
      Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development
      RAH1250
      3.0
      2.0
      1.0
      0.0
      1.0
      A
      SK
      Means of Expression and Basics of Public Speaking in Estonian
      RAH1280
      3.0
      2.0
      0.5
      0.0
      1.5
      A
      SK
      Total: at least 3.0 ECTS credits
    • +
         MODULE: Põhiõppe moodul 57.0 ECTS credits (Core studies)
      Aims
      The aim of the module is to provide a systematic engineering and manufacturing foundation for applying circular economy and sustainable manufacturing principles.
      The module develops knowledge of manufacturing systems and processes, material and energy flows, quality and process management, resource efficiency, safety, and quantitative and research methods. Elective courses enable students to deepen their knowledge in data-driven management, logistics, production planning, life-cycle assessment and industrial ecology.       Show more...
      Learning outcomes
      After completion of the module, the student:
      - explains the operation of manufacturing systems and processes and their links to material, energy and resource flows;

      - analyses manufacturing processes from the perspectives of quality, safety, resource efficiency and sustainability and plans improvements;
      - applies mathematical, statistical and research methods to analyse professional problems and data;
      - evaluates the efficiency of material and energy use and applies the principles of circular economy and sustainable manufacturing;
      - uses methods of production planning, logistics, life-cycle assessment, industrial ecology and data-driven analysis according to the task at hand.       Show more...
      Compulsory courses:
      Course title
      Course code
      ECTS credits
      Hours per week
      Lectures
      Practices
      Exercises
      E/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.
      Teaching semester
      Higher Mathematics
      EVR0220
      6.0
      4.0
      1.0
      0.0
      3.0
      H
      SK
      Energy and Resource Efficiency
      EVR0770
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      1.0
      1.0
      E
      SK
      Manufacturing Systems and Production Processes
      EVR0810
      6.0
      4.0
      1.5
      1.5
      1.0
      A
      SK
      Quality and Process Management
      EVR0860
      6.0
      4.0
      1.5
      1.5
      1.0
      E
      SK
      Applied Physics
      RAE1100
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      1.0
      1.0
      E
      SK
      Introduction to Specialty
      RAH1260
      3.0
      2.0
      0.5
      0.0
      1.5
      A
      S
      Basics of research
      RAH1340
      3.0
      2.0
      1.0
      0.0
      1.0
      A
      SK
      Data Analysis
      RAM0580
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      0.0
      2.0
      E
      SK
      Total: 42.0 ECTS credits
      Elective courses:
      Course title
      Course code
      ECTS credits
      Hours per week
      Lectures
      Practices
      Exercises
      E/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.
      Teaching semester
      Process Modelling
      EVM0350
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      0.0
      2.0
      H
      SK
      Data Processing and Visualization
      EVR0310
      3.0
      2.0
      1.0
      0.0
      1.0
      H
      SK
      Graduation Thesis Seminar
      EVR0400
      3.0
      2.0
      0.5
      0.0
      1.5
      A
      SK
      Project Management
      EVR0730
      3.0
      2.0
      1.0
      1.0
      0.0
      A
      SK
      Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
      EVR0760
      6.0
      4.0
      1.5
      1.5
      1.0
      A
      SK
      Applied Statistics and Mathematical Software
      EVR0870
      6.0
      4.0
      1.5
      1.5
      1.0
      A
      SK
      Logistics and Supply Chain Management
      EVR0880
      6.0
      4.0
      1.5
      1.5
      1.0
      H
      SK
      Materials and Material Flows in Manufacturing
      EVR0890
      6.0
      4.0
      1.5
      1.5
      1.0
      H
      SK
      Industrial Ecology and Industrial Symbiosis
      EVR0910
      6.0
      4.0
      1.5
      1.5
      1.0
      H
      SK
      Science of Risk and Safety
      RAE0740
      3.0
      2.0
      0.5
      0.5
      1.0
      A
      SK
      Total: at least 15.0 ECTS credits
    • +
         MODULE: Practical Training 30.0 ECTS credits (Special studies)
      Aims
      The aim of the module is to integrate theoretical knowledge
      with practical work experience and to develop the ability to analyse and improve manufacturing and work processes in companies. During practical training, students become familiar with company operations and the manufacturing environment, apply professional knowledge in manufacturing processes, resource management, quality and digitalisation, and solve a practical development task in cooperation with a company in the field of sustainable manufacturing, circular economy or enterprise development.       Show more...
      Learning outcomes
      Upon completion of the module, the student:
      - acts professionally, safely and ethically in a company or organisational work environment;

      - analyses manufacturing and work processes and their material, energy and resource use;
      - applies professional knowledge to practical tasks in manufacturing, quality, resource management, digitalisation and sustainability;
      - identifies a development need and plans a justified improvement solution;
      - collaborates with company stakeholders, presents work results and analyses their professional development.       Show more...
      Compulsory courses:
      Course title
      Course code
      ECTS credits
      Hours per week
      Lectures
      Practices
      Exercises
      E/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.
      Teaching semester
      Development Internship (Internship)
      EVR0750
      12.0
      0.0
      0.0
      0.0
      0.0
      A
      SK
      Company and Manufacturing Practice (Internship)
      EVR0790
      6.0
      0.0
      0.0
      0.0
      0.0
      A
      SK
      Manufacturing and Resource Management Practice (Internship)
      EVR0800
      12.0
      0.0
      0.0
      0.0
      0.0
      A
      SK
      Total: 30.0 ECTS credits
    • +
         MODULE: Specialised Studies 60.0 ECTS credits (Special studies)
      Aims
      The aim of the module is to deepen students' knowledge of sustainable manufacturing,
      circular business models, and the development of manufacturing and enterprises, and to develop skills for supporting the sustainable and digital development of manufacturing companies. The module integrates entrepreneurship, ESG and sustainability reporting, digital manufacturing, artificial intelligence, process development, innovation and project-based learning, while electives enable deeper study of circular product development, environmental management, decarbonisation, management and sustainable marketing.       Show more...
      Learning outcomes
      Upon completion of the module, the student:
      - analyses a manufacturing company's business model,
      manufacturing activities and value creation based on the principles of circular economy and sustainable development;
      - applies ESG and sustainability reporting principles to assess company processes and development activities;
      - uses digital manufacturing, data-driven management and artificial intelligence to develop manufacturing processes;
      - plans and implements problem-, project- and challenge-based development tasks in cooperation with companies and other partners;
      - evaluates the technical, economic, environmental and market feasibility of development solutions and justifies the choices made.       Show more...
      Compulsory courses:
      Course title
      Course code
      ECTS credits
      Hours per week
      Lectures
      Practices
      Exercises
      E/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.
      Teaching semester
      ESG and Sustainability Reporting
      EVR0780
      6.0
      4.0
      1.5
      1.5
      1.0
      A
      SK
      Environmental Management and Environmental Impact Assessment
      EVR0820
      6.0
      4.0
      1.5
      1.5
      1.0
      H
      SK
      Production and Process Development
      EVR0940
      6.0
      4.0
      1.5
      1.5
      1.0
      H
      SK
      Digital Manufacturing
      MET0340
      6.0
      4.0
      1.0
      2.0
      1.0
      E
      SK
      Entrepreneurship
      RAH1240
      6.0
      4.0
      1.0
      0.0
      3.0
      A
      SK
      Problem and Project Based Learning
      UTT0120
      6.0
      4.0
      0.0
      4.0
      0.0
      A
      SK
      Total: 36.0 ECTS credits
      Elective courses:
      Course title
      Course code
      ECTS credits
      Hours per week
      Lectures
      Practices
      Exercises
      E/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.
      Teaching semester
      Recycling of Electrical Equipment and Electronic Waste
      EVM0340
      6.0
      4.0
      3.0
      1.0
      0.0
      E
      SK
      AI Tools in Digital Solutions
      EVR0550
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      1.0
      1.0
      H
      SK
      Digital Innovation and Service Design
      EVR0570
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      1.0
      1.0
      A
      SK
      Applied Cybersecurity
      EVR0710
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      2.0
      0.0
      E
      SK
      Digital Marketing and Advertising Content Creation
      EVR0720
      3.0
      2.0
      1.0
      0.5
      0.5
      A
      SK
      Sustainable Workplace and Green Office
      EVR0830
      3.0
      2.0
      1.0
      0.5
      0.5
      H
      SK
      Sustainable Marketing and Consumer Behaviour
      EVR0840
      6.0
      4.0
      1.5
      1.5
      1.0
      H
      SK
      Sustainable and Circular Business Models
      EVR0850
      6.0
      4.0
      1.5
      1.5
      1.0
      H
      SK
      Industrial Carbon Footprint and Decarbonisation
      EVR0900
      6.0
      4.0
      1.5
      1.5
      1.0
      A
      SK
      Circular Product and Service Development
      EVR0920
      6.0
      4.0
      1.5
      1.5
      1.0
      A
      SK
      Total: at least 24.0 ECTS credits
    • +
         MODULE: Free Choice Studies 6.0 ECTS credits (Free choice courses)
      Aims
      The aim of the module is to enable students to shape their individual learning pathway and develop professional or general competences according to their interests,
      development needs and career goals.       Show more...
      Learning outcomes
      Upon completion of the module, the student:
      - develops professional or general competences according to individual development needs;

      - relates the acquired knowledge and skills to their field of study and professional development;
      - plans further learning and professional development purposefully.       Show more...
    • +
         MODULE: Final Thesis 9.0 ECTS credits (Graduation thesis)
      Aims
      The aim of the module is to demonstrate the student’s readiness
      to independently apply the knowledge and skills acquired during the programme to solving a practical problem or challenge related to manufacturing, circular economy, resource management, or enterprise development. The final thesis may take the form of a company development project, applied research, or a practical solution developed in cooperation with a company or organisation.       Show more...
      Learning outcomes
      After completion of the module, the student:
      - formulates an applied professional problem or challenge and plans an approach to solving it;

      - selects and applies appropriate research, analytical and development methods;
      - critically analyses professional information and data and draws justified conclusions;
      - develops and evaluates an applicable solution in terms of its technical, economic, environmental and organisational impact;
      - presents and defends the results professionally, with well-founded arguments and in accordance with ethical principles.       Show more...
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         STANDARD STUDY PLAN: Autumn daytime study
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           1st Semester
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           2nd Semester
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           3rd Semester
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           4th Semester
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           5th Semester
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           6th Semester