University West’s Master’s Programme Awarded for Industry-Focused Automation

“We are proud and grateful to receive this award,” says Mikael Ericsson, Head of Department and lecturer at University West. “It is a fantastic confirmation of our work in developing automation education in close cooperation with Swedish industry.”

The programme is offered both as a one-year and a two-year Master’s programme. It has been developed in close dialogue with industry partners to provide students with industry-relevant skills and prepare them to contribute from day one in working life. Students work hands-on with industrial robots, collaborative robots (cobots), and autonomous robots. Approximately 120 students enrol in the programme each year.

“This award shows that our model of industry-focused education and research is exactly right for the times,” Ericsson adds.

The award was presented during the ITF Automation Days in Sollentuna and is sponsored by Endress+Hauser Group, Alnab Armatur AB, and Emerson. The university was nominated by PiiA – Process Industrial IT and Automation, one of 17 strategic innovation programmes funded by Vinnova, the Swedish Energy Agency, and Formas.

The Automation Lab – a Hub for Students, Professionals, and Research

In total, around 300 students and professionals pass through University West’s automation lab each year. It is one of Sweden’s newest and most flexible laboratories for modern automation. In addition to master’s students, the lab is also used by students from the newly launched three-year bachelor’s programme in automation engineering, as well as professionals participating in commissioned education programmes. At the same time, industry-focused research in flexible automation is conducted, with a particular focus on strengthening Swedish industry through sustainable, resilient, and AI-driven solutions.