MSc in Simulation and Data Science

Simulation and Data Science is a unique course in Cyprus that combines Simulation with the new field of Data Science. As computers speed up and instruments and sensors become more advanced, the amount of data collected is increasing exponentially, needing large-scale computing to analyze it. All disciplines, such as environmental, biological, chemical, physical sciences, financial economics, and the humanities are generating massive amounts of data, and only by using computational and data science we can address the current and future data challenges.

The Master of Science in Simulation and Data Science is a program that will provide a unique interdisciplinary approach to solve critically important problems, using applied mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, statistics, and computing. Through modeling, simulation, data mining, and study of specific phenomena via computer analysis, students will learn to apply computation and data analytics to gain new insights.

The objective of the program is to prepare students for a career as computational and data scientists in the private or public sector in fields such as physical sciences, life sciences, environmental science, health, medicine, and digital humanities. Students may also pursue doctoral studies in a variety of computational and data science-related fields.

Combining theoretical with practically focused training in mathematical and statistical modeling, machine learning, feature engineering, programming, data management, and visualization, the Master of Science in Simulation and Data Science program aims to provide a well-rounded education for students who wish to advance in the data science field.

Degree Awarded

Students who graduate from the program will be awarded an MSc degree. This is a one year / 90 ECTS program. The program is accredited by The Cyprus Agency of Quality Assurance and Accreditation in Higher Education.

The language of instruction and communication of The Cyprus Institute is English.

Career Prospects

Program alumni will be prepared for a career as computational and data scientists in the private or public sector in fields such as environmental science, health, medicine, digital humanities, market modeling.

Qualified students may continue on to a Ph.D., which offers generous financial support options.

Program Structure and Requirements

MSc Degree

Term 1 (Fall Semester)

• 3 Mandatory Courses

Term 2 (Spring Semester)

• 1 Mandatory Course
• 2 Elective Courses

Term 3 (Summer Period)

• Research Project including submission of Master's Thesis and Viva*

*The Research Project can start earlier following a discussion and approval of the Supervisor.

Program Courses

Mandatory Courses

• SDS 401 Mathematical Modeling and Algorithms
• SDS 402 Introduction to High-Performance Computing
• SDS 403 Fundamentals of Data Science and Statistics
• SDS 404 Machine Learning and its Applications

Elective Courses

• SDS 416 Visualization and Advanced Data Structures
• SDS 417 Advanced Computer Architectures
• SDS 418 Deep Learning Approaches
• SDS 419 Modeling and Simulation for Scientific Applications

Students who continue on to a Ph.D. at The Cyprus Institute may have certain courses, and possibly research requirements waived, resulting in a shorter Ph.D. program.

The Cyprus Institute Graduate School reserves the right to make any changes to the program.

Admission Requirements

The admissions requirements to apply to the Simulation and Data Science Master's degree program are:

1. A Bachelor’s degree from a recognized accredited academic institution, with a strong background in Mathematics, Computer Science, Natural Science or Engineering.

2. Proof of English language proficiency

If your first language is not English, you must provide recent evidence that your spoken and written command of the English language is adequate for the program to which you are applying.

Application Procedure

We are now accepting applications for the Fall 2020 admission. Students must apply using our online application system. Prospective applicants should read the section below, which outlines exactly which documents will be required before filling out the online application. Students should also note the various application deadlines.

Documents to be Uploaded With the Online Application

1. Curriculum Vitae

2. Academic Degrees and Official Transcripts

Students will have to upload their undergraduate degree (scan of actual degree diploma) and a copy of their official transcript. Students should also upload a copy of the degree and transcripts of any additional degrees earned.
Students who have not yet graduated at the time of application, but will have graduated before the start of the program for which they are applying, may submit their transcript to date. If they are accepted into the program, then they will be required to provide to The Cyprus Institute Graduate School their official final transcript and copy of their degree as soon as they are issued. Degrees must be from accredited institutions/programs.

Transcripts must be in English: either issued in English by the Higher Education Institution or if the Higher Education Institution cannot issue a transcript in English then you must provide a duly certified official translation in English.

3. English Language Certificates

If your first language is not English, you must provide recent evidence that your spoken and written command of the English language is adequate for the program to which you are applying. Proof of English language proficiency may be demonstrated by submitting one of the following certificates (or equivalent as deemed by the Admissions Committee).

• IELTS Academic version: at least 6.5 (taken within the past 2 years)
• TOEFL Internet-based Test: at least 79 (taken within the past 2 years)
• GCSE/IGCSE: Grade C or above (preferably with speaking)

IELTS or TOEFL is preferred.

The English Language proficiency test requirement may be waived if you have/will graduate from a higher education institution in which English is the medium of instruction and communication or if you have a minimum of eighteen months of work experience in a country that CyI considers to be “majority English speaking” no more than two years prior to the proposed date of registration.

4. Other Certificates

Applicants may upload up to 4 additional certificates that they feel are relevant in the Other Certificates section of the application (e.g. score reports of standardized tests such as the GRE, awards, prizes, certificates)

5. Statement of Intent

Your statement of intent should be 500-1000 words. The statement should convince the faculty on the selection committee that you have solid achievements that demonstrate the potential for success in graduate study.

6. References

Applicants will be asked to provide the names of at least two references (professors, supervisors, employers, or others able to comment on your academic performance and suitability for graduate studies). Recommendations should specifically address your ability to succeed in your proposed academic program and discuss any experience that may have prepared you to succeed in the program. Your recommenders will be required to fill out an online recommendation form which will be automatically requested by entering their contact details on the application form. You will need to enter their full name, title, institution and email address.

Application Deadline

We are now accepting applications for the Fall 2020 admission. The application deadlines for Fall 2020 can be found in the table below:

Fall Term

• International applicants should apply early to avoid disappointment due to immigration deadlines.
• Applicants are informed approximately six weeks after the respective application deadlines.
• The dates listed in the sections above are indicative and may change.

_{image courtesy of The Cyprus Institute}