Master’s in
Computer Science
Concentration in Blockchain Technologies
Next Start Date: 25 September 2023
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The Master degree in Computer Science advances the students’ knowledge in core areas of computer science beyond the undergraduate level and exposes them to current and emerging trends.
The program provides an introduction to research within the field while strengthening the candidate’s effective application of computer science methods. The proposed Master degree in Computer Science is designed to have the learning outcomes related to: knowledge and understanding, application of knowledge and understanding for the analysis, design and development of computer systems. The curriculum prepares the student for a wide variety of computer-oriented careers, such as research, development, management, and teaching. The degree constitutes an independent and terminal study in addition to providing the basis for acceptance to, and continued studies towards, a doctoral degree in computer science.
The program aims of the specialization in Blockchain Technologies focus on the fundamentals of digital currencies and the underlying blockchain technology. It also focuses on programmable smart contracts and the associated architectures such as Ethereum. It aims to prepare students on the possible impact of these technologies on various applications including those based on Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Internet of Things.
Top Reasons to Enroll
Career Prospects
Graduates of the MSc programme should be able to:
- hold managerial positions in the ICT industry or government offices;
- become senior technical developers or administrators in the ICT marketplace;
- become entrepreneurs and establish their own enterprises;
- continue studying towards a doctoral degree.
The specialization in Blockchain Technologies, will enable graduates to:
- work as senior Blockchain engineers developing new decentralized solutions
- work as Blockchain Architects designing new blockchain systems
- hold positions like Blockchain Advisors or Consultants
“Studying Computer Science at UNIC is a great experience. The staff is knowledgeable and always willing to share their expertise and provide support. The majority of classes have an impressively low student-to-teacher ratio, which makes it easier to get to know your fellow classmates, and also gives professors the opportunity to familiarise themselves with their students and deliver material at the right pace.”
“Before starting my university experience, I aimed to find a programme that would give me all the necessary tools to stand out when I finish my degree. Studying Computer Science at UNIC has helped in creating a very strong basis to build my future. The coursework and the deep knowledge and experience of the lecturers on their topics gave me added motivation, and has helped to jump-start my career path to becoming a software developer.”
Blockchain Technologies Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, the students should be able to:
- Critically evaluate computer-based systems, processes and programs, and apply theory, practices and tools for their specification, design, implementation and maintenance;
- Critically analyze and evaluate software solutions from the perspective of software architecture and design patterns;
- demonstrate initiative and originality in the specification, design and implementation of computer-based systems, processes, and programs, as well as in the implementation of software project management to meet desired functional and quality requirements;
- Critically analyze and evaluate the security risks that may be involved in the operation of computing equipment within a given context;
- Deploy effectively the tools used for the construction and documentation of software, and in particular in the process involved in using computers to solve practical problems;
- Communicate clearly and analytically using techniques derived from scientific practice in group meetings, presentations, lectures, written reports, and research papers;
- Exhibit such skills that are required to participate in research and development work or to independently work in other qualified areas as well as be able to continue studies towards a doctoral degree
Upon successful completion of Blockchain Technologies concentration, the students should be able to:
- Systematically analyze decentralized digital currencies and the underlying blockchain technology;
- Analyze and critically assess the architecture of the bitcoin system, including the data structure used for the bitcoin blockchain;
- Use the Bitcoin Script language to develop different type of scripts using the provided API;
- Systematically analyze the horizontal and vertical application areas of blockchains, beyond digital currencies;
- Envision the disruptive potential of blockchains in combination with other technological developments (IoT, AI, etc.), in the field of money and commerce;
- Provide a deep understanding of smart contracts and their role in the emergence of decentralized applications;
- Critically assess and develop innovative DApps (Decentralized application development).
Admission Requirements
- Online Completed Application form + 55 euro application fee
- Curriculum Vitae indicating your education, academic and professional experience, any publications, awards, etc.
- Attested copy of your Degree – A Bachelor’s degree (BA/BSc) in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or any other related field from a recognized university (relevance will be assessed accordingly) with a CPA of at least 2.0. Applicants with a non-computer science degree (but related, e.g. MIS) may be admitted into the program but they may have to take up to 5 preparatory foundation courses, depending on the applicant’s background
- Attested copy of your Transcripts
- Letters of Recommendation: Two recommendation letters from academic or professional advisors.
- Personal Statement: A letter highlighting the applicant’s individual competencies and strengths and providing his/her reflections regarding the expectations and value of the program as well as to his/her personal advancement and career development.
- 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.
Access to Further Studies
Graduates of the programme can be accepted into Third Cycle degrees, Doctorate 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.
Program Pathway
The student must complete 90 ECTS and all programme requirements.
A minimum cumulative grade point average (CPA) of 2.0 is required. Thus, although a ‘D-‘ is a PASS grade, in order to achieve a CPA of 2.0 an average grade of ‘C’ is required.
The complete program pathway is as follows:
Course ID | Course Title | ECTS Credits |
---|---|---|
COMP-500DL | Research Seminars and Methodology | 6 |
COMP-513DL | Cyber-Physical Systems and the Internet of Things | 10 |
COMP-514DL | Cryptography and Network Security | 10 |
COMP-515DL | Distributed Systems | 10 |
Course ID | Course Title | ECTS Credits |
---|---|---|
COMP-537DL | Digital Currencies | 10 |
COMP-538DL | Blockchain Applications | 10 |
COMP-539DL | Smart Contracts | 10 |
COMP-594DL | Project in Blockchain Technologies | 4 |
Course ID | Course Title | ECTS Credits |
---|---|---|
COMP-511DL | Database Systems | 10 |
COMP-512DL | Software Engineering | 10 |
COMP-521DL | Cloud Computing | 10 |
COMP-522DL | Machine Learning and Data Mining | 10 |
COMP-523DL | Game Programming | 10 |
COMP-524DL | Visual Software Development | 10 |
COMP-597DL | Project | 4 |
COMP-598DL | Special Topics in Computer Science | 10 |
Course ID | Course Title | ECTS Credits |
---|---|---|
COMP-599DL | Thesis | 20 |
Scholarships
The University of Nicosia believes strongly in expanding accessibility to and affordability of higher education. Over the last decade, the University of Nicosia has awarded over €100 million euros of financial aid to students 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.
Graduate Achievement Scholarships
Type: Merit BasedAmount: up to 25%
- Eligible to apply are those with exceptional undergraduate academic records.
- The minimum level for consideration is an undergraduate GPA above 3.7 or equivalent.
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Application Process
Submit Master in Computer Science Scholarship Application, including supporting documents and a personal letter to support your application for scholarship.
Graduate Advancement Scholarships
Type: Needs BasedAmount: 25% to 40%
- Eligible to apply are those with financial need who can benefit from this programme.
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Application Process
Submit Master in Computer Science Scholarship Application, including an income statement/ evidence of financial need and a personal letter to support your application for scholarship.
Future Leader Scholarships
Type: Experience BasedAmount: up to 20%
- Eligible to apply are students who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, industry/professional contribution or community service.
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Application Process
Submit Master in Computer Science Scholarship Application, including supporting documents and a personal letter to support your application for scholarship.
UNIC Alumni Scholarship
Amount: 10%- Eligible to apply are those who graduated from the University of Nicosia with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree (Alumni).
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Application Process
Submit Master in Computer Science Scholarship Application, including your UNIC Student ID number.
Scholarship Terms
- Scholarship applications are reviewed monthly. Applications must be submitted by the last day of the month to be eligible for that month’s review.
- Only students who have completed their programme application and have been officially accepted are eligible to submit a scholarship application.
- Students are eligible to apply for more than one type of Scholarship/Financial Aid but they will be awarded the scholarship constituting the highest amount.
- Scholarships are applied on a pro-rata basis to each course in the programme.
- 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.