High Performance Computing and Machine Learning  is a unique course in Cyprus (former Simulation and Data Science MSc) that combines computational modelling, large-scale simulations, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies, as well as their applications across disciplines. Digitalisation and advanced instruments and sensors are producing unprecedented large amounts of data that need large-scale computing to analyse them. At the same time, the availability of exascale computers is creating new opportunities for studying complex systems using large-scale simulations.

All disciplines, such as environmental, biological, chemical, physical sciences, finance and economics, engineering and the humanities need to use computational and data science-based approaches to address the current and future data challenges. Simulation and machine learning are also widely used methodologies for SMEs and industry at large. The programme also aims to introduce students to novel computer architectures, such as quantum computers, that can be developed as the computing systems of the future.

The Master of Science (MSc) / Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in “High Performance Computing and Machine Learning” is a programme that provides a unique interdisciplinary approach to solving critically important problems, using computational modelling, applied mathematics, simulation approaches and machine learning and computing methodologies with applications in a very broad of fields such as the physical sciences, engineering, and biology. Through modelling, simulation, machine learning, and the study of specific phenomena via computer analysis, students will learn to apply computation and data science to gain new insights.

The objective of the program is to prepare students for a career as computational and data scientists in academia as well as in the private and public sectors. Students may also pursue doctoral studies in a variety of computational and data science related fields.

Combining theoretical with practically focused training using state-of-the-art supercomputers, the MSc/MPhil in High Performance Computing and Machine Learning program aims to provide a well-rounded education for students who wish to advance careers in the digital age.

Degree Awarded

MSc in High Performance Computing and Machine Learning

The MSc is a 90 ECTS, 12-month program. During the first two semesters (Fall and Spring), students earn 50 ECTS through courses and 10 ECTS through one mandatory internship. The part-time study option allows students to extend their study duration to a maximum of 24 months for the MSc programs.

First (Fall) Semester: Students attend four mandatory courses (30 ECTS), which provide them with the necessary computer programming and software engineering background to solve complex problems by numerical methods and high performance computing (HPC). At the same time, the mandatory courses introduce students to data science, big data analysis and statistics, as well as to both theoretical and practical concepts in machine learning, data mining and pattern recognition.

Second (Spring) Semester: Students attend elective courses (20 ECTS) and implement one mandatory internship (10 ECTS) of a duration of up to 3 weeks, either internally in one of the institute’s labs or externally in the industry (private/public sector), giving them the opportunity to design their study program in consultation with their mentor.

Summer term: Students earn an additional 15 ECTS while working on their Master’s research project.

Final four-week Fall term: Students complete their program while working on their Master’s research project, which is submitted in the form of a written Master’s thesis and is defended earning 15 ECTS.

MPhil in High Performance Computing and Machine Learning

The MPhil is a 120 ECTS, 18-month program. During the first two semesters (Fall and Spring), students earn 50 ECTS through courses and 10 ECTS through one mandatory internship (which continues in the summer term). The part-time study option allows students to extend their study duration to a maximum 36 months for the MPhil programs.

First (Fall) Semester: Students attend four mandatory courses (30 ECTS), which provide them with the necessary computer programming and software engineering background to solve complex problems by numerical methods and high performance computing (HPC). At the same time, the mandatory courses introduce students to data science, big data analysis and statistics, as well as to both theoretical and practical concepts in machine learning, data mining and pattern recognition.

Second (Spring) Semester: Students attend elective courses (20 ECTS) and implement one mandatory internship (10 ECTS), of a duration of up to 3 months (continuing in the summer term), either internally in one of the institute’s labs or externally in the industry (private/public sector), giving them the opportunity to design their study program in consultation with their mentor.

Summer term: Students earn an additional 15 ECTS while working on their mandatory internship

Third (Fall) Semester: Students earn an additional 5 ECTS from the completion of the internship and 25 ECTS while working on their Master’s research project.

Final eight-week Spring term: Students complete their program while working on their Master’s research project, which is submitted in the form of a written Master’s dissertation and is defended earning 15 ECTS. 

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Internship 

A mandatory internship is required for both degree options of the program, aiming at a more extensive research, technological and industrial exposure of the students towards a well-rounded training.

The intended learning outcomes for the internship include:

• Demonstrate the application of knowledge and skill sets acquired from the workplace
• Solve real-life challenges in the workplace by analyzing work environment and conditions
• Articulate career options by considering opportunities in company, public sector, industry, professional and educational advancement
• Communicate and collaborate effectively and appropriately with different professionals in the work environment both verbally and in writing
• Exhibit critical-thinking and problem-solving skills by analyzing underlying issue/s to challenges
• Recommend ideas to improve work effectiveness and efficiency by analyzing challenges and considering viable options;
• Demonstrate appreciation and respect for diverse groups of professionals by engaging harmoniously with different company stakeholders
• Exhibit professional ethics by displaying positive disposition.

The internship in the MSc (1 year) degree option will have a duration of typically six weeks and will award 10 ECTS, while the internship in the MPhil (1.5 years) degree option will have a duration of up to eighteen weeks and will award 30 ECTS.

The internship can be either internal in one of the institute’s labs/groups or external in the industry (private/public sector). Internal internships offer students the opportunity to interact with more than one research group at The Cyprus Institute and experience research work in more than one lab. In cases where the internship will be carried out in the lab or with the research group directly connected with the student’s research project, this will allow students more time to work and focus on their research project.

The external internships contribute to the enhancement of the links between the program and the industry and through these provide opportunities for the employment of the students in these organizations. External internships help students acquire knowledge of the industry’s operations and develop the spirit of innovative and critical thinking. The internships are developed as leverage on already established partnerships of the institute.

The Graduate School will also consider suggestions for internship hosts from applicants. In such cases, we will contact the suggested host and confirm that they meet our requirements and are willing to agree to the conditions of the internship. Companies should be active in the relevant field.

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Career Prospects

The objective of the program is to prepare students for a career as computational and data scientists in academia, and in the private and public sectors. Students may also pursue doctoral studies in a variety of computational and data science related fields. Combining theoretical with practically focused training using state-of-the-art supercomputers, the Master of Science (MSc) / Master of Philosophy (MPhil)  in High Performance Computing and Machine Learning program aims to provide a well-rounded education for students who wish to advance careers in the digital age.

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Program Structure and Requirements

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Program Courses

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Academic Calendar

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