MSc in Computer Science - University of Pisa

The Department of Computer Science at the University of Pisa is offering 2 years Master of Science (MSc) program in Computer Science. The Master Degree in Computer Science aims at educating specialists with solid foundations in computer science and high qualification in information technologies.

The Master’s degree is entirely held in English and is structured into both frontal lessons and laboratory sessions.

The program uses advanced laboratories in architecture, programming, communication in centralized, and parallel and distributed complex configurations, which are organized in such a way as to allow each student to access and use equipment and instruments independently, as well as establish a continuous and productive teacher-student relationship.

Graduates will develop strong computer science and communication knowledge referring to: 

• distributed systems and enabling platforms, service architectures, high-performance systems, pervasive & mobile computing; 
• access networks on various scales, transmission and optical technologies, models and programming, and application development tools, analysis, design, and system and application evaluations.

Starting from the academic year 2017/18 the program is organized into four curricula, to train professionals with high specialization in key areas of computer science.

The curricula are:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Big Data Technologies
• ICT Solutions Architect
• Software: Programming, Principles, and Technologies

MSc in Computer Science / Artificial Intelligence

A master degree in Artificial Intelligence opens career opportunities in companies that are building the next generation of intelligence and language understanding for their products; for example: 

• intelligent personal assistants, 
• opinion mining systems, 
• customer support system, 
• biomedical applications, 
• computer games, 
• smart adaptive devices, 
• robots, 
• smart planning systems. 

The curriculum provides the skills for working in key positions, in knowledge-intensive companies or research centers. The department has a strong connection with many leading companies like Google, Yahoo!, Microsoft, LinkedIn that are investing large resources in AI.

This master course also provides a solid background for a Ph.D. program in Computer Science or an equivalent degree.

Admission Requirements

• The master’s degree programs offered by the Computer Science Department require a solid background, high motivation, and a hard-working attitude.
• In addition to a first-level Bachelor’s degree, applicants must have a good knowledge of English (intermediate level, B2 Level in the European Framework for foreign languages).
• Attendance at courses is not mandatory. Part-time students, however, experience lower success rates in exams and a longer time to graduate. It’s greatly recommended that students regularly attend lectures and complete the courses each semester.
• Concept abstraction, problem-solving, formal modeling, mathematical reasoning, and main concepts on computer programming are essential characteristics that candidates should possess. 
• Applicants must possess a Bachelor’s degree with at least 72 ECTS (Italian equivalent CFU) credits in the computer science courses (INF/01 or ING/INF-05 sectors) or mathematics or physics courses (MAT or FIS) of which at least 36 in the computer science courses (INF / 01 or INF / ING-05) and at least 18 credits in mathematics or physics courses (MAT and FIS sectors), or an equivalent non-EU first-level University degree satisfying analogous requirements.

Course Structure

By blending standard classes with recitations and lab sessions, the MSc program in Artificial Intelligence program ensures that each student masters the theoretical foundations and acquires hands-on experience in each subject. 

Besides a core of methodological units, the program includes more specialty-oriented electives so that, overall, students can round up their skills on leading-edge applications and techniques, including the possibility of implementing them as final projects of the courses.

First Year

1st Semester (30 CFU)

• Artificial intelligence fundamentals (6 CFU)
• Computational mathematics for learning and data analysis (9 CFU)
• Machine learning (9 CFU)
• Elective course (6 CFU)

2nd Semester (33 CFU)

• Human language technologies (9 CFU)
• Parallel and distributed systems: paradigms and models (9 CFU)
• Intelligent Systems for pattern recognition (9 CFU)
• Elective Course (6 CFU)

Second Year 

3rd Semester (27 CFU)

• Smart applications (9 CFU)
• Elective Course (9 CFU)
• Free Choice (9 CFU)

4th Semester (30 CFU)

• Thesis (24 CFU)
• Elective Course (6 CFU)

Tuition Fees

The maximum annual fee foreseen for enrollment at the University of Pisa, in addition to the regional tax of $158 and the stamp duty of $18, amounts to $2,715.

Scholarships

For applications submitted before February 28th, the University of Pisa offers 18 scholarships to the top eighteen international students among all degrees. Each scholarship will consist of:

• First-year: $6,788 net and exemption from University fees
• Second-year for Master Degree: $9,051 net and a reduction of 50% of the University fees if the student has obtained at least 36 ECTS with an average grade of at least 25/30.