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 increases 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 can we address the current and future data challenges.

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

The program aims 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 various 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.

Accreditation and Recognition

Accreditation

All programs of study provided by The Cyprus Institute Graduate School are accredited by The Cyprus Agency of Quality Assurance and Accreditation in Higher Education (CYQAA) which is the competent authority responsible for ensuring the quality of higher education in Cyprus. CYQAA ensures quality assurance in higher education in Cyprus based on European Standards. It follows the standards and guidelines of the European Network for Quality Assurance (ENQA). Please refer to the table below for details.

Recognition

Bologna Second Cycle ---- The Master’s programs offered to adhere to the Bologna Process second cycle degrees.

Bologna Third Cycle ---- The Ph.D. degree programs adhere to the Bologna Process third cycle degrees.

ECTS ---- CyI uses the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS).

ERASMUS+ ---- CyI has been awarded an Erasmus Charter for Higher Education.

Horizon 2020 ---- CyI coordinates two Marie Skłodowska-Curie European Joint Doctorate (ITN-EJD) Programs. To date, CyI is the only Institution coordinating two out of the 40 ITN-EJD projects funded in Europe since 2014. This demonstrates that The Cyprus Institute is a European center of excellence in education and training.

Dual Degrees Joint Degrees ---- CyI has agreements with prestigious institutions from around the world for providing dual or joint degrees, such as the University of Illinois, University Paris-Saclay, University of Lund, University of RWTH Aachen, University of Wuppertal, University of Rome “Tor Vergata,” Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Humboldt University of Berlin (HUB) and others.

Program Structure and Requirements

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 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 change the program.

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

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