Master’s in
Blockchain and Digital Currency
The World’s First Master’s Degree in Blockchain
Next Start Date: September, 2023
• Taught by Leading Faculty and Practitioners
• 1,350+ Students Enrolled Since 2014
• Over €300,000 in Scholarships Annually
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MSc in Blockchain and Digital Currency
We are at the beginning of a global wave of demand for blockchain academic and professional education and certification. The University of Nicosia was the first to recognize this need and responded by offering the first Master of Science degree in Blockchain and Digital Currency, available to students worldwide through an online format since 2014 and on campus since 2021. The programme is hosted by the Department of Digital Innovation.
The MSc in Blockchain and Digital Currency is designed to help financial services and business professionals, entrepreneurs, government officials and public administrators better understand the technical underpinnings of Cryptocurrencies and Blockchain technology, how it will likely interact with existing monetary and financial systems, and what opportunities exist for innovation in digital currency systems.
Top Reasons to Enroll
The MSc in Blockchain and Digital Currency program has been pivotal for me stepping into my new role! The program is a MUST in order to gain the skills required to navigate and lead in an emerging tokenized economy. The intersectionality between technology, law, programming value, and the application of blockchain was perhaps most stimulating for me. During my journey, I was impressed with the level of diversity in participants from all over the world, whether CEOs, physicians, lawyers, people across our society, we were all equal in our path towards achieving this coveted degree.
Bridging the Gap
The program seeks to fill an important gap that exists today between the supply of and demand for academic knowledge in the areas of Cryptocurrencies and Blockchain technology. More specifically, while the interest in blockchain has skyrocketed in the past few years, academic institutions have been slow to implement academic programs that cover the need for educating specialists in the area, addressing it in its entirety (technical and financial aspects alike).
An increasing number of finance, banking, computing, supply chain, SaaS, AI and IoT businesses are discovering the benefits of this technology. This new potential and the new risks it may involve have to be carefully evaluated by expert lenses, not just in one field, but through the interface of many expert tangents. In this increasingly competitive and interconnected environment, challenges abound and there are no easy solutions. The more spherical the education, the more responsible business decisions can be made, and the best vectors to maximize the advantages out of the use of this technology, can be achieved.
A UNIC Story – Bryant Joseph Gilot
Watch a video of the real story of one of our pioneering graduates from the MSc in Digital Currency.
Department of Digital Innovation
The Department of Digital Innovation at the University of Nicosia focuses on the investigation of exponential technologies like Artificial Intelligence(AI), Internet of Things(IoT) and Blockchain, and explores their impact at technological, business, and societal level.
The Department has high-calibre faculty with diverse educational background and significant expertise in key areas. It is well-known in blockchain education and research and it has high international reputation and recognition.
The Department is pioneer in forecasting and AI and conducts applied research with leading blockchain and forecasting organizations. It also collaborates with top industry experts and academics and conducts research with more than 50 academic institutions and 100 organizations from various sectors.
Some of Our World Renowned Faculty and Industry Experts
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Institute for the Future
University of Nicosia
Institute for the Future
University of Nicosia
Institute for the Future
University of Nicosia
Institute for the Future
University of Nicosia
University of Nicosia
University of Nicosia
University of Nicosia
University of Nicosia
Degree Overview
The MSc in Blockchain and Digital Currency is offered online to students worldwide and the language of instruction is English. The first course in the degree pathway, BLOC-511DL: Digital Currency, is available for free as an open enrollment MOOC course to anyone interested in learning more about the fundamental principles of digital currency. This course is co-taught by Andreas Antonopoulos, who is among the most known and well-respected figures in bitcoin and Blockchain.
| Qualification | Duration | Mode of Study | Language of Instruction | Minimum ECTS Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Science in Blockchain and Digital Currency | 3 semesters or 1 calendar year | Distance Learning / Online | English | 90 (9 modules) |
Degree Objectives
The Master’s degree is designed to prepare participants to become competent professionals in the field of digital currency and Blockchain technology. Graduates benefit from a broad background, combining courses in Finance, Management, Computer Science, and Information Systems to provide a holistic analysis of Cryptocurrencies and Blockchain systems, applications, and services.
Students get exposed to an enriching and stimulating curriculum that covers important areas of Blockchain technology like Blockchain and Digital Currency, Blockchain Systems and Architectures, Blockchain and Entrepreneurship Management, Emerging Topics in Blockchain and Digital Currency, Digital Currency Programming, Smart contract programming, Permissioned Blockchain Programming, Cryptographic Systems Security, Emerging Topics in Fintech, Token Economics, Law and Regulation in Blockchain, Emerging Topics in Law and Regulation, Principles of Money, Banking and Finance, Open and Decentralized Financial Systems and others.
Theoretical principles, state-of-the-art research, and case studies of digital currency systems and tools are mastered by students who may also select to advance their Blockchain programming skills and become highly skilled developers in blockchain and digital currencies or specialize in financial/management aspects and become highly literate consultants, entrepreneurs, or financial professionals. Upon completion, students can continue their studies to a doctoral degree or to other areas of study.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students should be able to:
- Define concepts of money and money supply and associate present international financial markets and money transfer systems to digital currency alternatives.
- Explore theoretical principles on currencies, banking, the role of central banks, and monetary policy to determine the likely implications of digital currencies upon them.
- Identify and analyze challenges, prospects, and risks of Cryptocurrencies and devise business proposals and/or develop Blockchain systems and services that address them.
- Apply and advance practice or research on Blockchain technology, cryptography, decentralized systems architectures, and information systems to design innovative systems and services that complement and extend the existing Cryptocurrencies ecosystem.
- Review, analyze, and compare different regulatory environments (banking, payments, commerce, legal, accounting, etc.), debate on likely implications introduced by Cryptocurrencies, and advise on alternative proposals.
- Analyze best practices related to digital currencies, specify business opportunities, and apply digital currency based innovative solutions to address problems in business, finance, or the society at large.
Teaching Methodology
The program is offered through distance learning so as to be accessible to all interested students, irrespective of their geographic location. Within the distance-learning paradigm, the program deploys various teaching methods: while the majority of the courses consist of lectures delivered by the faculty course lecturer(s), in some cases it may be deemed appropriate and beneficial to host guest lecturers with academic and business background related to topics covered in courses.
Moreover, practical exercises, individual and group projects, simulations, and case study analyses, will form an integral part of the teaching methodology employed in the program.
Admission Requirements
Applications for admission to the programme will be considered only from candidates that fulfil the minimum entrance criteria as described below:
1. Bachelor’s degree
A bachelor’s degree and transcripts from an accredited university.
2. Work Experience (if any)
Work Experience is a significant added qualification.
3. Proficiency in the English Language
Students satisfy the English requirements if their first degree was taught in English. Otherwise, they would need to present at least a TOEFL score of 550 paper-based or 213 computer-based, or GCSE “O” Level with “C” or IELTS with a score of 6.0 or score placement at the ENGL-100 level of the University of Nicosia Placement Test.
4. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
If you are unsure whether you meet the admissions requirements, please complete the registration form to start a discussion with an Admissions advisor.
5. Personal Statement
A one page long personal statement.
If you are unsure whether you meet the admissions requirements, please complete the registration form to start a discussion with an Enrollment advisor.
Assessment
Course assessment usually comprises of a comprehensive final exam and continuous assessment. Continuous assessment can include amongst others, mid-terms, projects, and class participation.
Letter grades are calculated based on the weight of the final exam and the continuous assessment and the actual numerical marks obtained in these two assessment components. Based on the course grades the student’s semester Grade Point Average (GPA) and Cumulative Point Average (CPA) are calculated.
Career Prospects
The program gives students the opportunity to acquire deeper knowledge and skills in the field of Blockchain and Digital Currencies. This is a relatively new area of practice and research that is expected to provide ample employment opportunities for program graduates in various and inter-disciplinary positions at the intersection between management, computer science, and finance.
The program is both theoretical and practical and has been designed to allow the students to choose those elective courses that will meet their future career goals. Regardless of the stream chosen by students, each instructor strives to create an inspiring atmosphere for the students and enhances the learning experience.
Graduates of the program should be able to:
- Hold managerial positions in FinTech, RegTech industries or related posts in finance, regulation, and government offices.
- Become senior technical developers or administrators in the ICT marketplace as it relates to Cryptocurrencies systems and Blockchain applications.
- Become entrepreneurs and establish their own enterprises in the field of Cryptocurrencies and Blockchain.
- Continue studying towards a doctoral degree.
Access to Further Studies
The program will provide the basis for acceptance to a doctoral degree in the emerging field of Cryptocurrencies and Blockchain, in areas that depend on each student’s background, chosen electives, and research interests: computer science (including cryptography, security, distributed and mobile IT systems), finance, management, innovation, and technology regulation.
Degree Outline
The program is structured into three semesters, with 30 ECTS per semester.
The first two semesters include three courses each, which are required for the completion of the program, whereas the third semester includes courses that students should choose among a wide list of elective courses. There is a thesis option (30 ECTS) for students wishing to substitute elective courses during the third semester.
Program Structure
The overall allocation of ECTS in required and elective courses is as follows:
| Requirements | ECTS Credits |
|---|---|
| Required Courses (1st semester) | 30 |
| Required Courses (2nd semester) | 30 |
| Elective Courses (3rd semester) | 30 |
| or Thesis option | 30 |
| Total Requirements | 90 |
Program Pathway
The complete program pathway is as follows:
Section A: Required Courses
ECTS: Min: 60 Max: 60
| Course ID | Course Title | ECTS Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BLOC-511DL | Digital Currency | 10 |
| BLOC-512DL | Blockchain Systems and Architectures | 10 |
| BLOC-513DL | Law and Regulation in Blockchain | 10 |
| BLOC-514DL | Emerging Topics in Blockchain and Digital Currency | 10 |
| BLOC-515DL | Blockchain and Entrepreneurship Management | 10 |
| BLOC-516DL | Principles of Money, Banking and Finance | 10 |
Section B: Electives
ECTS: Min: 30 Max: 30
| Course ID | Course Title | ECTS Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BLOC-521DL | Digital Currency Programming | 10 |
| BLOC-522DL | Smart Contract Programming | 10 |
| BLOC-523DL | Permissioned Blockchains Programming | 10 |
| BLOC-524DL | Cryptographic Systems Security | 10 |
| BLOC-525DL | Emerging Topics in Law and Regulation | 10 |
| BLOC-526DL | Emerging Topics in FinTech | 10 |
| BLOC-527DL | Open and Decentralized Financial Systems | 10 |
| BLOC-528DL | Token Economics | 10 |
| BLOC-529DL | Decentralized Finance | 10 |
| BLOC-551DL | Master Thesis | 30 |
Semester Breakdown
Semester 1
| Course ID | Course Title | ECTS Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BLOC-511DL | Introduction to Blockchain and Digital Currency | 10 |
| BLOC-516DL | Principles of Money, Banking and Finance | 10 |
| BLOC-513DL | Law and Regulation in Blockchain | 10 |
Semester 2
| Course ID | Course Title | ECTS Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BLOC-515DL | Blockchain and Entrepreneurship Management | 10 |
| BLOC-512DL | Blockchain Systems and Architectures | 10 |
| BLOC-514DL | Emerging Topics in Blockchain and Digital Currency | 10 |
Semester 3
| Course ID | Course Title | ECTS Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BLOC-551DL | Master Thesis | 30 |
To successfully complete the program, students must complete 90 ECTS and all program requirements.
NOTES
- In the 3rd semester, the required electives are 30 ECTS: either three elective courses or Thesis
- The above semester breakdown is an indicative one. A few of the courses are electives and can be substituted by others. Students may contact their academic advisor and consult their academic pathway found on this website under “Schools & Programmes”.
Faculty and Staff
The University of Nicosia has one of the largest teams in the world in academia focused on blockchain and digital currency issues. Over 35 people have been involved in the program in some capacity over the last 24 months.
Industry Experts
Faculty
Adjunct Faculty
Tuition and Scholarships
Tuition fees are €1,620 per course, except for the course BLOC-511DL, which is provided free in the form of a MOOC (massive, open, online course).
Tuition Fees
The total cost of the master’s programme is €12,960
The first course in the degree programme pathway, BLOC-511DL: Digital Currency, is offered as a MOOC, free of charge, to students worldwide.
There is a non-refundable €55 application fee for the master’s programme.
Payment Options
We accept tuition and fee payments via the following methods:
- Online payments on the University website via the Student Application tool.
- Online at JCCSmart.
- Flywire International Payments.
- By Using Bitcoin (Students paying in Bitcoin will receive a 5% discount on the “net fees” (i.e. after scholarship) payable).
- By Bank Transfer.
- By Means of a Bank Draft issued to University of Nicosia.
- By Cash, Cheque or Visa at the Finance Department Offices.
Please visit the Payment Methods page on the main UNIC website for detailed payment instructions
Further Discounts
Students paying the full program fees upfront will receive an additional 7.5% discount on the “net fees” (i.e. after all other discounts and scholarship) payable.
Scholarships
The University of Nicosia believes strongly in expanding accessibility to and affordability of higher education. For this academic year, the MSc in Blockchain and Digital Currency program has over €300,000 euros of financial aid available to students attending the MSc program, through a combination of merit scholarships, need-based scholarships and work-study programs.
Since the MSc program has a rolling admissions policy, scholarships are reviewed and awarded monthly, in conjunction with admissions decisions.
The Scholarships
Binance Charity Scholarship
funded by BinanceType: Need based
Amount: 100%
Students with financial need are eligible to apply for this need-based scholarship award. In order to be considered for this scholarship, in addition to the scholarship application, students need to provide evidence of financial need.
*This scholarship is dedicated for prospective students from Cyprus and Greece only.
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5, to be awarded for Spring 2023 intake
Application Process
Submit the MSc Blockchain and Digital Currency Scholarship Application, including an income statement/proof of financial need.
Coinbase Scholars
funded by CoinbaseType: Merit based for minorities* and/or female applicants.
Amount: 100%
Students with academic merit are eligible to apply for this scholarship. In order to be considered for this scholarship, students need to demonstrate strong interest in crypto currency.
*Coinbase defines minority professionals as Black (including African and Caribbean descent), Hispanic/Latino, Indigenous Americans and Pacific Islanders and female as inclusive of transgender applicants.
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15, to be awarded for Fall/September 2022 intake
Application Process
Submit MSc Blockchain and Digital Currency Scholarship Application, including: CV or other proof of academic merit and a cover letter explaining your interest in crypto, it’s potential to create more economic freedom in the world, and what this scholarship would mean to you personally.
Ripple Scholars
funded by RippleType: Merit Based
Amount: 100%
Students with exceptional track records in technical work in Blockchain. In order to be considered for this award, you must provide a developer portfolio (e.g., Gitlab, Github portfolio or similar). Contributions to other users' projects will also be considered.
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1 annually
Application Process
Submit the MSc Blockchain and Digital Currency Scholarship Application, including your developer portfolio and a cover letter confirming your technical skills (most preferably C++, Python, Javascript). Briefly explaining your interest in and motivation for applying for the Ripple Scholarship. If awarded the scholarship candidates are required to undertake a technical MSc Project (DFIN-592) that relates to Ripple Research.
Blockchain Scholars
Type: Need BasedAmount: 20% to 75%
Students with financial need are eligible to apply for this need-based scholarship award. In order to be considered for this scholarship, in addition to the scholarship application, students need to provide evidence of financial need.
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Up to 3 per month (up to 36 annually)
Application Process
Submit MSc Blockchain and Digital Currency Scholarship Application, including an income statement / proof of financial need.
Work-Study Peer-to-Peer Scholarship
Type: Work-StudyAmount: 30%
Students with the interest in and a capability to work on outreach or research assistant activities during their studies.
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Up to 2 per month (up to 24 annually)
Application Process
Submit MSc Blockchain and Digital Currency Scholarship Application, including a brief proposal explaining what services you can provide to the University’s Research Institute. (Research Assistants are expected to work 15 hours per month on either outreach or research)
IOST Women in Blockchain Scholars
Funded by Internet of Services Foundation (IOST)Type: Merit-based for female applicants (inclusive of transgender applicants)
Amount: 100%
Students with academic merit are eligible to apply for this scholarship. In order to be considered for this scholarship, students need to provide notable achievements and demonstrate a strong interest in this space.
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2, to be awarded for Spring 2022 intake
Application Process
Submit MSc Blockchain and Digital Currency Scholarship Application, including: CV or other proof of academic merit and a personal statement explaining (a)your views on empowering women in this space, (b) how will you be making an impact and help enable more women to join this space and (c) what this scholarship would mean to you personally.
UNIC Proof-of-Merit Scholars
Type: Merit BasedAmount: 10%
Students with strong undergraduate academic records. Minimum level for consideration is an undergraduate GPA above 3.5 (US scale), “First” (UK scale) or local equivalent.
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Up to 3 per month (up to 36 annually)
Application Process
Submit MSc Blockchain and Digital Currency Scholarship Application and undergraduate transcript
Genesis Block Scholars
Type: Merit BasedAmount: 25%
Students with exceptional track records in crypto-currency. In order to be considered for this award, documentation of contribution and notable achievements in cryptocurrency must be provided.
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5 annually, awarded on a rolling basis
Application Process
Submit MSc Blockchain and Digital Currency Scholarship Application, including proof of academic or professional work in Blockchain Technology and a cover letter explaining your involvement.
*Further to the above:
- All Scholarship applications must be accompanied by a brief cover letter explaining their eligibility.
Scholarship Terms
- Only students who have completed their MSc application and have been accepted to the MSc are eligible to submit a scholarship application.
- Each student can earn a maximum of one (1) merit or need-based scholarship, though need and merit scholarships can be combined.
- Work-study programs can be combined with either need or merit scholarships upon special approval.
- Scholarships are applied on a pro-rata basis to each course in the MSc.
- The University of Nicosia reserves the right, at its sole discretion to award or not award any scholarship to any student and/or to change the number of scholarships awarded, their eligibility requirements or any other aspect of the financial aid program.