Master’s in Metaverse
The World’s First Master’s Degree in Metaverse
Next Start Date: 25 September, 2023
- Taught by Leading Faculty and World-renowned Industry Experts
- Learn the technical and business aspects of the Metaverse
- Includes world’s first MOOC “NFTs and the Metaverse” delivered exclusively on-chain and in the metaverse.
- Join the largest metaverse student community in the world (22,500+ students)
- Over €300,000 in Scholarships Annually
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MSc in Metaverse
The MSc in Metaverse is an interdisciplinary programme focused on preparing creators, developers, architects, social scientists, financial professionals, policy makers, and others for careers in metaverse design and management. The master’s program is designed to help students explore the relationship between Metaverse technologies and its applications (e.g. technical, business) to attain a new insight on how to design, develop, and gain value from the implementation of new Metaverse products and services.
The MSc in Metaverse is part of the University of Nicosia’s Open Metaverse Initiative (OMI), which aims at increasing and accelerating Metaverse adoption based on open public systems and standards. OMI builds on UNIC’s ten-year track record as the leading university in the field of blockchain and digital currency.
The Master’s curriculum includes UNIC’s flagship MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) “META-511DL: NFTs and the Metaverse”, which is the world’s first university course to be delivered exclusively on-chain and in the metaverse. The MOOC is taught by UNIC faculty and Punk 6529 – a deeply influential thinker on NFTs and the metaverse and one of the largest NFT collectors in the world – along with an incredible array of guests, including Balaji Srinivasan, Fred Wilson, Chris Dixon, and Beeple. The first iteration of the course, took place in specially designed virtual auditoriums inside OM – Punk 6529’s Open Metaverse and attracted more than 22,500 online students.
The master’s programme is hosted by the Department of Digital Innovation.
Top Reasons to Enroll
Bridging the Gap
The program seeks to fill an important gap that exists today between the supply of and demand for academic knowledge in Metaverse systems and technologies. Metaverse was introduced in 1992 and although the interest in it has skyrocketed in the past few years, Universities have been slow to implement academic programs that cover the need for educating specialists in the area, addressing it in its entirety (technical, financial, social, legal, business aspects alike).
The recent developments and the convergence of technologies like Extended Reality (XR), Blockchain, Digital Currencies, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) have amplified the need for Metaverse education.
In addition, an increasing number of businesses from various sectors are discovering the benefits of this technology and are moving into the Metaverse. This new potential and the new risks it may involve have to be carefully evaluated by expert lenses, not just in one field, but also 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 are, and the best vectors to maximize the advantages out of the use of this technology can be achieved.
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.
Degree Overview
The MSc in Metaverse is offered online to students worldwide and the language of instruction is English. The first course in the degree pathway, META-511DL: NFTs and the Metaverse, is available for free as an open enrollment MOOC course to anyone interested in learning more about the field and the practical ability to interact with emerging applications in NFTs and the Metaverse.
| Qualification | Duration | Mode of Study | Language of Instruction | Minimum ECTS Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Science in Metaverse | 3 semesters or 1 calendar year | Distance Learning / Online | English | 90 (9 modules) |
Degree Objectives
The MSc in Metaverse is designed to provide participants a specialized program of study to become competent professionals in the field of Metaverse. Graduates will benefit from a broad spectrum of advanced courses.
Students are exposed to an enriching and stimulating curriculum that includes compulsory courses on the NFTS and the Metaverse, Web 3.0 architecture and digital assets, Extended Reality, monetizing digital creativity, virtual world architectures, social, legal and ethical issues in the Metaverse. In addition, students can select elective courses that focuses on advanced topics such as virtual economies, token economics, data science for the Metaverse, emerging topics in Metaverse, virtual and augmented reality development, game programming, smart contract programming, blockchain systems and architectures, interactive design.
Theoretical principles, state-of-the-art research, and Metaverse related case studies, tools and frameworks are mastered by students who may also select to advance their programming skills and become highly skilled developers or specialize in financial/management aspects and become highly literate consultants, entrepreneurs, or financial professionals. The degree constitutes an independent and terminal study in addition to providing the basis for acceptance to, and continued studies towards, a doctoral degree or to other areas of study.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the program graduates are expected to:
- Acquire knowledge and expertise in Metaverse systems.
- Conduct research leading to new knowledge in Metaverse.
- Propose original applications of analysis and research knowledge in the field of Metaverse.
- Unfold leadership skills, through teamwork, relative in Metaverse with the purpose of enriching current practices or introducing new processes that can be used to design, implement, gain value and manage Metaverse applications.
- Develop the capacity to creatively deal with complex problems either individually or as part of a group through research or practical projects.
- Critically evaluate Metaverse systems and solutions, and apply theory, practices and tools for their specification, design, implementation, maintenance, and management.
- 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.
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. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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 Metaverse Systems. 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.
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 may become:
- Metaverse Project Manager
- Metaverse Business Development Manager
- Metaverse token and NFT expert
- Metaverse Data Scientist/Analyst
- Metaverse Entrepreneur
- Metaverse Researcher/Analyst.
- Metaverse Developer/Programmer
- Metaverse Architect
- Metaverse Designer/Artist
Access to Further Studies
The MSc in Metaverse is a research-based program that also equips students with the theoretical knowledge combined with the ability to apply this practically. Upon completion of the program, students can undertake further studies (PhD) in the field.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| META-511DL | NFTs and the Metaverse | 10 |
| META-512DL | Metaverse Technologies and Applications | 10 |
| META-513DL | Open Web Architecture and Digital Assets | 10 |
| META-514DL | Extended Reality | 10 |
| META-515DL | Virtual World Architectures | 10 |
| META-516DL | Social, Legal and Ethical Issues in the Metaverse | 10 |
Section B: Electives
ECTS: Min: 30 Max: 30
| Course ID | Course Title | ECTS Credits |
|---|---|---|
| META-521DL | Metaverse Entrepreneurship | 10 |
| META-522DL | Smart Contract Programming for Metaverse Applications | 10 |
| META-523DL | Emerging topics in the Metaverse | 10 |
| META-524DL | Virtual Economies in the Metaverse | 10 |
| META-525DL | Data Science for the Metaverse | 10 |
| META-526DL | Virtual and Augmented Reality Development | 10 |
| META-527DL | User Experience and Interactive Design | 10 |
| META-528DL | Metaverse Token Economics | 10 |
| META-529DL | Metaverse Game Development | 10 |
| META-551DL | Master Thesis | 30 |
| META-552DL | Placement/Internship | 30 |
Semester Breakdown
Semester 1
| Course ID | Course Title | ECTS Credits |
|---|---|---|
| META-511DL | NFTs and the Metaverse | 10 |
| META-512DL | Metaverse Technologies and Applications | 10 |
| META-513DL | Open Web Architecture and Digital Assets | 10 |
Semester 2
| Course ID | Course Title | ECTS Credits |
|---|---|---|
| META-514DL | Extended Reality | 10 |
| META-515DL | Virtual World Architectures | 10 |
| META-516DL | Social, Legal and Ethical Issues in the Metaverse | 10 |
Semester 3
| Course ID | Course Title | ECTS Credits |
|---|---|---|
| META-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 (a)three elective courses, (b)Thesis or (c)Placement/Internship.
- 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.
Faculty
Adjunct Faculty
Tuition and Scholarships
Tuition Fees
The total cost of the master’s programme is €14,960
The first course in the degree programme pathway, META-511DL: NFTs and the Metaverse is offered as a MOOC, free of charge, to students worldwide.
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, MSc in Metaverse 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
Metaverse 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 in Metaverse 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 in Metaverse 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)
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 in Metaverse 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 in Metaverse 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.