Programme Regulations

University of the Aegean
Department of Product and Systems Design Engineering, School of Engineering

In cooperation with the Faculty of Digital Sciences and Technologies of Université Paris 8 Vincennes-Saint-Denis, France.

Master’s Degree in Digital Transformation: Design & Management (DTDM) — University of the Aegean
Master’s Degree in Digital Transformation: Creation & Innovation — Université Paris 8 Vincennes-Saint-Denis

Chapter A: General Principles

Article 1. General Principles

The Department of Product and Systems Design Engineering of the University of the Aegean, in cooperation with the Faculty of Digital Sciences and Technologies of Université Paris 8 (France), organises and operates, from the academic year 2027–2028, a Postgraduate Studies Programme (Double Master’s) entitled “Masters in Digital Transformation: Design & Management (DTDM)” for the University of the Aegean and “Master’s Degree in Digital Transformation: Creation & Innovation” for Université Paris 8 Vincennes-Saint-Denis, in accordance with the provisions of this decision and Law 4957/2022 (Government Gazette 141/21.07.2022, Series A), as in force.

The Postgraduate Studies Programme “Masters in Digital Transformation: Design & Management (DTDM)” awards ninety (90) ECTS credits over three (3) academic semesters. Successful completion leads to level seven (7) of the National and European Qualifications Frameworks, in accordance with Article 47 of Law 4763/2020. Under the cooperation agreement with Université Paris 8 Vincennes-Saint-Denis, students may continue their studies through a double-degree pathway comprising a total of four (4) academic semesters and one hundred and twenty (120) ECTS credits.

Each applicant choosing to enrol in the Postgraduate Studies Programme must acquaint themselves with these Regulations in good time and accept the rules governing the Programme’s operation.

These Regulations shall be published on the websites of the Programme and the Department of Product and Systems Design Engineering of the University of the Aegean.

Article 2. Subject and Purpose of the Programme

The Postgraduate Studies Programme entitled “Masters in Digital Transformation: Design & Management (DTDM)” forms part of the strategic planning of the University of the Aegean, is characterised by academic coherence and aims to further advance knowledge, develop research and the arts, meet the country’s educational, research, social, cultural and development needs, and provide graduates with advanced specialisation in theoretical and applied areas of specific disciplines, specialised thematic areas or branches of the subjects covered by the first-cycle study programmes of the cooperating Departments.

The subject of the Postgraduate Studies Programme is the effective response to the challenges of digital transformations, with a view to making social and socioeconomic progress a driving force for technological progress and responses to political challenges, that is, a strategy for digital transformation centred on society.

The contribution of Université Paris 8 Vincennes Saint-Denis focuses on the design and use of information and technology in the post-digital era for social innovation.

The University of the Aegean contributes to research and teaching in the field of Design, focusing on the Design of Interactive Systems and Advanced Digital Media.

Academic and professional contributions in political science, law and the social sciences (including anthropology) are provided by the cooperating Academic Institutions, external academic associates and experienced professionals.

Through the Programme’s interdisciplinary approach, participating students are trained to become familiar with, investigate and apply technical, economic and social changes. The educational means and methods include the operation of a permanent international observatory of these ongoing developments, the construction of innovative scenarios for the design and development of products, systems and services, and economic models for their organisation and use.

The postgraduate programme is particularly addressed to students wishing to work in innovative professional fields emerging from the acceleration brought about by intensifying digital transformation, and linked to socioprofessional and socioeconomic applications in fields such as Design, Management, Interactive Technologies, Creation and Innovation.

Article 3. Programme Governance

Administrative and academic oversight of the Postgraduate Studies Programme “Masters in Digital Transformation: Design & Management (DTDM)” shall be exercised in accordance with the applicable national institutional framework, the Special Cooperation Protocol Agreement with Université Paris 8 Vincennes-Saint-Denis and the Internal Regulations of the cooperating Institutions.

The following governing bodies are provided for the administration, coordination and proper operation of the Programme:

3.1. Curriculum Committee (CC)

The Curriculum Committee consists of teaching and research faculty members of the cooperating Departments and is constituted by decision of the Senate, following recommendations from the Assemblies of the cooperating Departments. Emeritus Professors of the cooperating Departments may also participate in the CC, provided that they teach on the Programme.

The CC of the Postgraduate Studies Programme “Masters in Digital Transformation: Design & Management (DTDM)” has a two (2)-year term of office, comprises six members and consists of:

• The Coordinators of the two cooperating Postgraduate Studies Programmes,
• Two (2) teaching and research faculty members from the Department of Product and Systems Design Engineering of the University of the Aegean.
• Two (2) teaching and research faculty members from the Department of Digital Humanities, Faculty of Digital Sciences and Technologies, University Paris 8.

The CC is responsible for the organisation, administration and management of the Programme.

3.2. Steering Committee (SC)

The SC is constituted by decision of the Curriculum Committee for a two-year term. Membership of the SC must include one of the Coordinators of the two cooperating Postgraduate Studies Programmes and four (4) members of the Curriculum Committee.

The SC consists of:

• One of the Coordinators of the two cooperating Postgraduate Studies Programmes,
• Two (2) members from the Department of Product and Systems Design Engineering of the University of the Aegean.
• Two (2) members from the Department of Digital Humanities, Faculty of Digital Sciences and Technologies, University Paris 8.

The SC is responsible for monitoring and coordinating the operation of the Programme.

3.3. Programme Director

The Curriculum Committee appoints one (1) of its members as Director of the Joint Postgraduate Studies Programme for a two-year term, renewable without limitation. The Director chairs the SC and the Curriculum Committee, prepares the agenda and convenes its meetings.

The Director shall be drawn from one of the two cooperating Universities.

3.4. Programme Coordinator

Under the Special Cooperation Protocol Agreement, each Institution appoints a Coordinator of its respective Postgraduate Studies Programme, who is responsible for the Programme’s academic and administrative coordination and for cooperation with the other Institution.

3.5. Governing Bodies at the Level of the Cooperating Institutions

At each cooperating University, administration of the respective Postgraduate Studies Programme is exercised by the competent bodies provided for in national legislation and the Internal Regulations of the Institution concerned.

For the University of the Aegean, the competent bodies are the University Senate and the Assembly of the Department of Product and Systems Design Engineering.

All decisions of the governing bodies must comply with the applicable national legislation, quality assurance requirements, the Internal Regulations of the cooperating Institutions and the Special Cooperation Protocol Agreement.

Article 4. Number of Admissions and Categories of Graduates

The maximum annual intake is fifteen (15) postgraduate students per Institution.

The Programme admits holders of first-cycle degrees from domestic Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and Technological Educational Institutes (TEIs), or recognised institutions abroad.

Article 5. Selection Procedures

5.1. Call for Applications

Each year, following a decision of the CC, a call for applications shall be published through an appropriate medium, including the websites of the Department concerned and the Institution, at least one (1) month before the application deadline.

The call shall specify the admission requirements, categories of eligible graduates, number of places, admission procedure, selection criteria, application deadlines, required supporting documents, etc.

If admission requires a written examination, the procedure, number and syllabus of the subjects to be examined, examination dates and marking method must be specified. If admission requires an oral interview, this must be stated in the call.

5.2. Submission of Applications

Applicants’ applications must be accompanied by the supporting documents specified in the call. The application and electronic copies of the supporting documents shall be submitted electronically through a system to be

specified in the call.

Required supporting documents include, indicatively:

1. Application form
2. Curriculum vitae
3. Photocopy of degree/diploma or Certificate of Completion of Studies
4. Photocopy of the undergraduate academic transcript, stating the degree/diploma grade
5. Publications in peer-reviewed journals, if any
6. Evidence of professional or research activity, if any
7. Photocopy of both sides of the identity card (ID) or another official identification document (e.g. passport)
8. Two letters of recommendation
9. Certificate of English language proficiency at level C1.

5.3. Selection Criteria

Applicants shall be selected on the basis of the following criteria:

• Degree/diploma grade: 10%
• Academic transcript for undergraduate courses relevant to the subject of the Programme (average grade): 10%
• Performance in the undergraduate dissertation, where provided for in the first cycle of studies: 10%
• Certified knowledge of English at level C1 or above (YES/NO)
• Knowledge of a second or additional foreign language (other than Greek and French): 10%
• Research or professional activity relevant to the subject of the Programme: 10%
• Publications and writing activity: 10%
• Letters of recommendation: 10%
• Oral interview: 30%
• Performance in the Programme’s entrance examinations (YES/NO, Pass/Fail)

The CC may, by decision, determine the details of the application of these criteria or establish additional criteria to be taken into account in the selection of postgraduate students and announced in the call for applications.

5.4. Preparation of the Evaluation Ranking

On the basis of the established criteria, the SC shall prepare the applicants’ Evaluation Ranking and submit it to the CC for approval.

Specifically:

a) The SC shall first compile a complete list of all applicants.

b) It shall reject applicants who do not meet the minimum formal eligibility criteria.

c) It shall invite applicants who meet the minimum formal eligibility criteria to an interview. The interview shall be conducted by the members of the relevant Selection Committee (where an interview is required).

d) It shall conduct any internal examinations (where applicable).

e) It shall rank applicants by score.

f) It shall prepare the final selection ranking.

The final list of successful applicants shall be approved and ratified by the CC and published on the Department’s website.

If two or more applicants have the same total score, their final ranking shall be determined by their diploma or degree grade. If a tie persists, their final ranking shall take account of the average grade in courses related to the Programme or other individual selection criteria specified by the CC.

5.5. Registration of Selected Applicants on the Programme

Selected applicants shall register on the Programme within the deadline announced by the Secretariat.

If one or more students do not register, applicants on the reserve list shall be invited to register on the Programme in their order in the approved evaluation ranking.

Chapter B: Award of the Postgraduate Diploma

Article 6. Postgraduate Diploma

6.1. Duration of Studies

The Programme begins in the winter semester of each academic year.

The duration of studies on the Programme leading to the award of the University of the Aegean’s Postgraduate Diploma “Master’s Degree in Digital Transformation: Design & Management (DTDM)” is three (3) academic semesters, corresponding to ninety (90) ECTS credits.

Students following a double-degree pathway shall continue their studies for one additional academic semester, giving a total duration of four (4) academic semesters and one hundred and twenty (120) ECTS credits.

6.2. Part-time Study

Part-time study is not provided for.

6.3. Suspension of Studies

Suspension of studies is not provided for.

6.4. Removal from the Student Register

The SC may decide to remove postgraduate students from the register if they:

• have exceeded the maximum permitted number of absences;
• have failed the examination in one or more courses and have not successfully completed the Programme;
• have exceeded the maximum duration of studies on the Programme, as specified in these Regulations, unless there are substantiated serious and exceptional reasons, which shall be examined by the SC on a case-by-case basis;
• have committed an infringement of copyright law (Law 2121/1993) in the preparation of their assignments;
• have not paid the prescribed tuition fees;
• have themselves submitted a request for removal from the register to the Department Secretariat (in which case the request is approved automatically).

Article 7. Curriculum

7.1. Course Programme

The Programme begins in the winter semester of each academic year.

The award of the University of the Aegean’s Postgraduate Diploma requires successful examination in all courses of the prescribed curriculum and the accumulation of ninety (90) ECTS credits.

Students following a double-degree pathway must additionally complete the academic requirements of the fourth semester and accumulate a total of one hundred and twenty (120) ECTS credits.

The detailed curriculum is structured as follows (table of courses by semester):

On smaller screens, scroll horizontally inside the table to view all columns.

UA: University of the Aegean. UP8: Université Paris 8. C: compulsory. E: elective. The pathway-specific choices marked * and ** are explained in the paragraphs below.

In the third semester, students seeking the award of the University of the Aegean’s Postgraduate Diploma, as well as those following a double-degree pathway, shall attend DT304 Design Studio 1 and DT305 Design Studio 2. Students following only the Université Paris 8 study pathway shall instead attend DT306 Mandatory Elective 1 and DT307 Mandatory Elective 2.

The fourth semester is required for the award of the Université Paris 8 degree and for double-degree pathways. It comprises DT401 Creation and Innovation Workshop for Thesis and Internship and, at the student’s choice, either DT402 Master’s Thesis or DT403 Internship, 2–6 months.

The number, type and content of the courses in the curriculum, and their distribution across semesters, may be adjusted by decision of the CC, within the limits of the founding decision, in order to ensure the proper operation of the Programme.

Selected students are responsible for their travel, subsistence and accommodation costs, and their daily expenses, including those relating to social insurance, in accordance with the regulations in force in the host country. Where Erasmus mobility grants are available, they may apply for them.

Both Universities guarantee mobility students access to all university services on the same terms as their own students.

7.2. Language of Instruction

The language of instruction of the Programme and of the master’s thesis is English.

7.3. Programme Academic Calendar

At the beginning of each semester and before classes commence, the Programme’s annual Academic Calendar, prepared by the Programme Director and approved by the CC, shall be published on the Department’s or Programme’s website. It shall include the start and end dates of teaching periods, examination periods, holidays, etc. The postgraduate programme’s Academic Calendar shall, as far as possible, be aligned with the Academic Calendar of the Institution’s undergraduate programmes. At the beginning of each period, a timetable shall be announced, including the days and hours of teaching, dates of other events or obligations, etc.

7.4. Registration Dates and Course Declarations

At the beginning of each academic semester, before classes commence, the dates for student registration and the procedure for declaring the courses to be selected each semester shall be determined and published on the Programme’s/Department’s website.

7.5. Teaching Days

To accommodate postgraduate students who are also in employment, classes may be held on any day of the week.

7.6. Rescheduling of Classes

If a class cannot take place, it shall be rescheduled in good time. The date and time of the replacement class shall be published on the Programme’s website.

7.7. Organisation of the Educational Process

In accordance with the Special Cooperation Protocol Agreement, teaching shall be delivered primarily online and also in person, depending on the programme. Students from both Institutions shall attend classes and participate together in shared teaching and learning activities, and separately in learning activities offered individually by each Institution.

Where the educational process uses asynchronous distance learning methods, these may not exceed twenty-five per cent (25%) of the Programme’s credits (Article 88(1), Law 4957/2022). The percentage shall be determined by decision of the CC following a recommendation from the SC.

Students may be assessed in each educational activity through written or oral examinations conducted in person or using distance learning methods, and through alternative methods such as the submission of assignments, practical tests, etc.

The technological equipment required of each student for participation in the Programme and assessment is a personal computer with internet connectivity. This requirement may be adjusted in response to technological developments.

Compulsory periods of hybrid seminars (e.g. workshops, summer schools, conferences) shall be organised during the Programme to ensure academic exchange and cooperation through physical attendance.

The specific terms and conditions for organising the educational process through distance learning methods, in accordance with Article 4 of Joint Ministerial Decision 18137/Z1/2023 (Government Gazette 1079/B/28.02.2023), are governed by the University of the Aegean’s Regulations for Postgraduate and Doctoral Studies (Annexes III and V to the Institution’s Internal Regulations, Government Gazette 6876/B/19.12.2025).

7.8. Attendance Requirements

Postgraduate students are required to attend all Programme activities. A postgraduate student is deemed to have attended a course, and therefore to be entitled to sit its examinations, only if they have attended at least 75% of its teaching hours. In all cases, the course instructors are responsible for verifying participation and attendance.

Article 8. Programme Teaching Staff and Allocation of Course Teaching

Each course shall be taught by one or more instructors. For each course, the CC shall appoint one instructor as course leader/coordinator.

Teaching duties for courses offered by the University of the Aegean shall be allocated in accordance with Article 83 of Law 4957/2022.

8.1. Duties of Teaching Staff

The duties of teaching staff include, among other things, preparing the course description, a summary of its content and lecture titles with relevant bibliography, specifying the method of assessment, supervising master’s theses and communicating with postgraduate students.

Article 9. Assessment of Course Performance

Course assessment may take the form of, for example, a written or oral examination, an assignment, a combination of these, or an assignment in lieu of an examination.

The instructor assigned to teach a course has sole responsibility for determining the method and procedure for assessing students in that course.

Assessment and grading in each course shall be entirely independent of other courses and based on an objective appraisal of the student’s performance in that course (assignments, examinations, etc.). Assessment criteria shall be clearly defined, communicated at the beginning of the academic semester by the instructor acting as course leader/coordinator, and also set out in the course description (outline) published on the Programme’s website.

The final grade for each course shall reflect the student’s overall performance in specific components (e.g. assignments, examinations), in accordance with the instructions provided by the instructor at the beginning of the semester. The minimum passing grade is five (5.00) and the maximum is ten (10.00).

Article 10. Examination Periods

There are two examination periods, in February and June. These shall, as far as possible, be aligned with the examination periods of undergraduate programmes, as specified in the Institution’s Academic Calendar.

The deadline for instructors to submit course examination results shall be that specified in the Institution’s Academic Calendar.

If a student fails a course, they may resit the examination in that course during the September resit examination period.

If the student also fails the resit examination, they shall be removed from the Programme by decision of the CC.

Article 11. Master’s Thesis and Master’s Thesis Supervisors

In the fourth semester, students following a study pathway that includes the award of the Université Paris 8 degree shall undertake a master’s thesis or, alternatively, an internship, in accordance with the Curriculum and the Special Cooperation Protocol Agreement.

A postgraduate student is entitled to propose a topic once they have successfully completed all courses of the three semesters of their study pathway. At the beginning of the fourth semester, they shall submit an application to the Programme Secretariat stating the proposed thesis title and proposed supervisor, with an abstract of the proposed thesis attached. The Programme Secretariat shall forward the application to the Steering Committee.

11.1. Thesis Supervision

Following an application by the student stating the proposed thesis title and proposed supervisor, with an abstract of the proposed thesis attached, the CC shall appoint the supervisor and constitute a three-member examining committee for approval of the thesis, one member of which shall be the supervisor (Article 82(2), Law 4957/2022).

Teaching staff falling within points (a) to (f) of Article 83(1) of Law 4957/2022 are entitled to supervise theses, provided they hold a doctoral degree. By decision of the Programme’s competent body, thesis supervision may also be assigned to members of the Department’s Teaching and Research Staff (DEP), Special Educational Staff (EEP) and Laboratory Teaching Staff (EDIP) who have not undertaken teaching duties on the Programme (Article 83(3), Law 4957/2022).

The other two members of the three-member Examining Committee may belong to any category of teaching staff eligible to undertake independent teaching duties on the Programme under Article 83 of Law 4957/2022. Members of the three-member Examining Committee must have an academic specialisation identical or related to the subject of the Programme.

In exceptional cases where a supervisor is objectively unable to perform their supervisory duties for a prolonged period, or where another serious reason exists, the CC may, by a reasoned decision, replace the supervisor or a member of the three-member Examining Committee, either following a request by the postgraduate student and the opinion of the proposed supervisor or member, or following a proposal by the supervisor or a member of the three-member Examining Committee.

At the end of the thesis allocation period, the CC shall ratify the allocation of topics to supervisors.

The subject of the master’s thesis must be research-oriented and original. The requirements for writing the master’s thesis shall be specified in a decision of the CC and published on the Programme’s website.

The supervisor is responsible for planning each student’s master’s thesis. The supervisor and postgraduate student are also responsible for ensuring that all postgraduate theses comply with the Institution’s principles of academic integrity and research ethics.

11.2. Language of the Thesis

The master’s thesis shall be written in English.

11.3. Examination of the Master’s Thesis

After completing the writing of the master’s thesis, and with the supervisor’s consent, students shall provide the members of the Examining Committee with a copy in electronic or printed form. The master’s thesis must be submitted to the Committee members at least fifteen (15) days before the beginning of the examination period.

Before the defence, postgraduate students must also submit to the Programme Secretariat a formal declaration stating the following: “I am the author of this Master's Thesis and any assistance I received in its preparation is fully acknowledged and referenced in the work. I have also cited any sources from which I have used data or ideas, whether cited directly or paraphrased. I also certify that this work was prepared by me personally, specifically for this Master's Thesis.”

Approval of the thesis requires its defence before the Examining Committee. The following procedure shall apply:

The three-member Examining Committee shall meet to examine the thesis. It shall be lawfully convened only when all three members are present (Article 14(1), fifth sentence, Law 2690/1999). On the day of the meeting, the three Committee members shall exchange views, put questions to the candidate, then determine the final grade, complete and sign the relevant assessment form and subsequently submit it to the Secretariat. The examination date shall be set by the three-member Committee. Approval of the master’s thesis requires both: a) the agreement of two-thirds (2/3) of the Committee members; and b) an average grade from the three Committee members equal to or greater than five (5). The master’s thesis shall be graded from zero (0.00) to ten (10.00).

Following any corrections proposed by the Committee, and before the student’s graduation declaration, the approved master’s thesis shall be deposited electronically with the University of the Aegean Library through the Library’s online Portal and published on the website of the School concerned. An electronic copy shall be submitted to the Programme Secretariat.

If the thesis is assessed negatively, it may be resubmitted after two months, provided the postgraduate student revises it in accordance with the Committee’s comments. If the second submission is also assessed negatively, the postgraduate student shall not be eligible for the award of the Postgraduate Diploma.

Article 12. Internship

Postgraduate students may undertake an internship in accordance with their Curriculum and the applicable legislation.

The internship shall be coordinated by the Programme’s Internship Coordinator, appointed by decision of the SC.

The internship shall take place either in Greece or abroad, in professional bodies, creative industries, technology companies, research institutions or academic institutions.

The internship shall be undertaken in the fourth semester by students following a study pathway that includes the award of the Université Paris 8 degree, and shall correspond to twenty-four (24) ECTS credits. It shall last from two (2) to six (6) months and be accompanied by a documented innovation project, in accordance with the Special Cooperation Protocol Agreement.

The internship shall be graded on the same scale used to assess postgraduate students in the Programme’s courses (0–10).

The Programme Director shall approve students’ applications to participate in Erasmus+ programmes in which the Institution may participate.

Article 13. Final Grade

The grade of the Postgraduate Diploma shall be determined by the grades of the courses and other graded educational activities corresponding to the relevant study pathway, weighted according to the ECTS credits assigned to each.

For the University of the Aegean’s Postgraduate Diploma “Master’s Degree in Digital Transformation: Design & Management (DTDM)”, corresponding to ninety (90) ECTS credits:

Postgraduate Diploma grade = Σ(grade of each course or graded educational activity × ECTS credits) / 90.

For the study pathway of one hundred and twenty (120) ECTS credits leading to the award of the Université Paris 8 degree or both degrees under the double-degree pathway:

Degree grade = Σ(grade of each course or graded educational activity × ECTS credits) / 120, provided that this method of calculation is stipulated in the regulations of the Institution awarding the degree.

Article 14. Programme Evaluation

At the end of each semester, postgraduate students shall evaluate each course and each instructor. In accordance with the Institution’s internal quality assurance system, students shall evaluate each course as a whole upon its completion, in terms of content, teaching method, recommended textbooks, etc.

The Institution has established the following procedure for regular internal and external evaluation: upon completion of each course, students evaluate the course as a whole in terms of content, teaching method and recommended textbooks through the quality assurance information system of the University of the Aegean’s Quality Assurance Unit. Under this procedure, students receive an email listing the courses for which they have registered in the current semester. Each course is linked to a course evaluation questionnaire. Student questionnaires are collected and managed in a modern, user-friendly and secure electronic environment that ensures the necessary anonymity.

The Directors and all teaching staff of the University of the Aegean’s Postgraduate Studies Programmes have access to the information system, through which they receive ongoing information on the results of the electronic evaluation of their courses.

At regular intervals (e.g. every two or three years), and under the responsibility of the Programme Director, data shall be collected to enable comparison of the Programme’s curriculum and course content with those of corresponding postgraduate programmes offered by institutions in Greece and abroad known for their pioneering work.

The Programme shall also be evaluated as part of the periodic evaluation/accreditation of the academic unit by the Hellenic Authority for Higher Education. This shall include an overall assessment of the work undertaken by each postgraduate programme of the Department, the extent to which the objectives set at its establishment have been achieved, its sustainability, graduates’ integration into the labour market, its contribution to research, its internal evaluation by postgraduate students, the justification for continuing its operation, and other aspects of the quality of the work produced and its contribution to the national strategy for higher education (Article 87(1), Law 4957/2022).

Article 15. Resources and Financial Management

15.1. Resources

The Programme’s resources may derive from: a) tuition fees; b) donations, sponsorships and financial support of any kind; c) bequests; d) resources from research projects or programmes; e) the Higher Education Institution’s (HEI’s) own resources; and f) the State budget or the Public Investment Programme.

15.2. Financial Management

The Programme’s resources attributable to the University of the Aegean shall be managed by the University of the Aegean’s Special Account for Research Funds (ELKE), in accordance with the applicable legislation and the Institution’s regulations, and allocated as follows:

a) An amount corresponding to thirty per cent (30%) of total revenue from tuition fees shall be retained by ELKE. This amount includes the deduction payable to ELKE for the financial management of postgraduate programmes. By a decision taken by the Governing Council by the end of March each year, the balance remaining after deduction of the amount retained by ELKE shall either be transferred to the regular budget or allocated to the creation of projects/programmes through ELKE, giving priority to meeting the needs of postgraduate programmes operating without tuition fees and covering the HEI’s research, educational and operational needs. Programme revenue falling within points (b) to (d) of paragraph 1 shall be subject to the deduction payable to ELKE that applies to revenue from the corresponding sources of funding.

b) The remainder of the Programme’s total revenue shall be allocated to covering its operating expenses.

Article 16. Tuition Fees, Scholarships and Awards

16.1. Tuition Fees

Postgraduate students are required to pay tuition fees.

In accordance with the Special Cooperation Protocol Agreement, each University shall apply its own tuition fees and financial regulations, which shall be officially announced annually before the admission and/or registration periods.

Students who have been selected and are administratively registered at the University of the Aegean shall pay tuition fees of €2,500.00 per academic year. Total tuition fees amount to €5,000.00, irrespective of whether the student chooses to continue into the fourth semester under the double-degree pathway.

Students who have been selected and are administratively registered at Université Paris 8 Vincennes-Saint-Denis shall pay tuition fees exclusively to Université Paris 8, in accordance with that Institution’s applicable financial regulations.

Students shall not be required to pay tuition or registration fees to the partner Institution.

Tuition fees shall be paid to the Special Account for Research Funds (ELKE), which is responsible for their management.

Postgraduate students must settle all their financial obligations on time.

Failure to meet financial obligations may result in temporary suspension of studies or removal of the student from the Programme, by decision of the SC.

Registered students of the Programme may be exempted from tuition fees in accordance with the legislation in force at the time.

16.2. Scholarships and Awards

The Programme may offer a number of scholarships to full-time students on the basis of academic and other criteria, by decision of the SC. The decision shall specify the value and number of scholarships, the criteria and supporting documents required, the award procedure, and the rights and obligations of scholarship holders.

The Programme may also grant awards to students with exceptional performance, in accordance with criteria and a procedure determined by decision of the SC.

Article 17. Programme Website

The Programme shall maintain a website in English and in any other language determined by the CC. The official Programme website shall be updated continuously and provide all information about the Programme. It shall be the official source of information for postgraduate students. The Programme’s Academic Calendar shall also be published on the website.

Article 18. Graduation Declaration and Award of the Postgraduate Diploma

18.1. Graduation Declaration

The text of the oath/graduation declaration for the University of the Aegean shall be determined by decision of the Senate of the University of the Aegean.

18.2. Postgraduate Diploma

Under the Postgraduate Studies Programme “Master’s Degree in Digital Transformation: Design & Management (DTDM)” of the Department of Product and Systems Design Engineering of the University of the Aegean, in cooperation with Université Paris 8 Vincennes-Saint-Denis, the University of the Aegean shall award the Postgraduate Diploma “Master’s Degree in Digital Transformation: Design & Management”.

Students who successfully complete the requirements of the double-degree pathway may additionally receive from Université Paris 8 Vincennes-Saint-Denis the separate degree “Master’s Degree in Digital Transformation: Creation & Innovation”, in accordance with the academic and administrative requirements of Université Paris 8 and the Special Cooperation Protocol Agreement.

Each Institution shall independently award and issue its respective degree in accordance with its applicable institutional and regulatory framework.

The Postgraduate Diploma is an official public document.

The form of the University of the Aegean’s Postgraduate Diploma is specified in the Institution’s Internal Regulations (Government Gazette 6876/B/19.12.2025). The Postgraduate Diploma and/or Diploma Supplement may refer to the cooperation with Université Paris 8 Vincennes-Saint-Denis and the double-degree framework, in accordance with the applicable institutional and regulatory framework.

Before the award, graduates of the Postgraduate Studies Programme may be issued with a certificate confirming that they have successfully completed the Programme.

Graduates shall receive a copy of the diploma accompanied by the Diploma Supplement and academic transcript. The original degree/diploma shall be retained in the graduate’s file.

For the University of the Aegean, the Postgraduate Diploma and academic transcript shall be issued in English and Greek, in accordance with the student’s application.

Graduates are entitled to receive the Postgraduate Diploma on parchment upon payment of the fee determined by the competent bodies.

To receive either the Postgraduate Diploma or a certificate of completion of studies, postgraduate students must have successfully fulfilled all academic requirements of the Programme and settled all financial obligations, as well as any obligations towards the Institution’s Student Welfare Service and Library.

18.3. Diploma Supplement

In accordance with Articles 14 and 15 of Law 3374/2005 and Ministerial Decision F5/89656/B3/13-8-2007 (Government Gazette 1466/13-8-2007, Series B), postgraduate programmes must be organised on the basis of the credit transfer and accumulation system.

Accordingly, Postgraduate Diplomas awarded by the University of the Aegean must be accompanied by the prescribed Diploma Supplement. This is an explanatory document providing information on the nature, level, general educational context, content and status of the studies successfully completed, and does not replace the official qualification or academic transcript issued by the Institutions. It shall be issued automatically, free of charge, in Greek and English.

The Diploma Supplement may refer to the cooperation with Université Paris 8 Vincennes-Saint-Denis and, where applicable, completion of a double-degree pathway, in accordance with the Special Cooperation Protocol Agreement and the applicable institutional framework.

18.4. Award of the Postgraduate Diploma

At the University of the Aegean, the graduation declaration and award of Postgraduate Diplomas shall take place in person at a special ceremony before the Rector, the Dean and the Head of Department, or their representatives. The names of graduates shall be approved by the CC, which shall verify successful completion of studies for the award of the Postgraduate Diploma.

In exceptional cases where physical attendance is impossible for serious reasons (e.g. health or personal reasons, etc.), graduates may, upon an application submitted to the Department Secretariat no later than one day before the ceremony, participate remotely in an oath/graduation declaration ceremony held on the day of the in-person ceremony or on a subsequent day, by decision of the Dean in consultation with the Head of Department (Institution’s Internal Regulations, Government Gazette 6876/B/19.12.2025).

Article 19. Revocation of the Degree

A Postgraduate Diploma that has been awarded may be revoked or annulled if it is established that the requirements for its award under the legal and institutional framework were not met at the time it was obtained. Revocation or annulment shall be effected by decision of the Curriculum Committee, which shall be communicated to the Rector of the Institution.

Chapter C: Other Rules and Special Provisions for Postgraduate Studies

Article 20. Other Rules

In accordance with the Special Cooperation Protocol Agreement, the two Universities:

• agree to take all necessary measures to implement the cooperation framework and the respective Postgraduate Studies Programmes, subject to applicable regulatory and accreditation requirements;
• appoint their own representatives and Coordinators to monitor and implement the cooperation;
• undertake to use all appropriate means to secure the necessary resources for teaching, academic cooperation and mobility between the two cooperating Universities, including resources available through Erasmus and other internationalisation programmes.

20.1. Infrastructure and Equipment

To meet the Programme’s teaching and research needs, postgraduate students shall have access to the infrastructure and equipment of the respective Department and the University as a whole, in accordance with the applicable legislation and the Institutions’ regulations (Library, laboratories, etc.).

20.2. Programme Administrative Support

Secretarial services for the Programme, and any technological and financial support, shall be provided either by the Department’s existing permanent staff or through recruitment charged to the Programme’s budget.

The Programme Secretariat is responsible for providing secretarial support for the Programme, preparing the applicant admission procedure, maintaining the Programme’s financial records, providing secretarial support to the SC, recording grades, etc.

20.3. Excellence Awards

The University of the Aegean has established Excellence Awards for postgraduate students, which are announced periodically and cover all academic fields represented at the Institution. Their purpose is to encourage research at postgraduate level that leads either to presentations at recognised international conferences or to publications in reputable academic journals, and makes a significant contribution to highlighting the Institution’s research character.

20.4. Rights and Obligations

Postgraduate students have the rights and corresponding obligations arising from the applicable legislation, the provisions of the Institution’s Regulations for Postgraduate and Doctoral Studies (Annex V to the Institution’s Internal Regulations, Government Gazette 6876/B/19.12.2025) and the decisions of the competent governing bodies.

20.5. Ethical Matters

Participants in postgraduate programmes must be familiar with, observe and apply the University of the Aegean’s Code of Ethics and Good Practice, as well as all other ethical rules.

Article 21. Special Provisions

Any matter arising in the future that is not covered by the relevant legislation or these Postgraduate Studies Regulations shall be addressed through decisions of the competent bodies and, where required, an amendment to the Regulations.