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Profile of Programme

The Departments of Computer Science and Electrical and Computer Engineering, of the University of Cyprus, are excited to team up to offer a joint Master’s program in Artificial Intelligence! The MSc Artificial Intelligence programme that was initiated by the Department of Computer Science in 2022, has recently transitioned into a bi-departmental program, and starting in September 2023, will be jointly offered by the two departments.

The programme is delivered in English as certified by the Cyprus Agency of Quality Assurance and Accreditation in Higher Education. While Artificial Intelligence has been around for a great deal of time now, its benefits especially in the last few years, are gradually improving our everyday life. Video analytics, image understanding, natural language processing, are just a few AI algorithms take place in our everyday activities, and are already revolutionizing the way we act, work, travel, and interact with each other. Innovations in the Artificial Intelligence space have led to several benefits across multiple industries.

The jointly offered master’s programme, provides real-world applications and experience and is designed to prepare graduates for success in this fast-growing field. The programme is taught by world-class faculty with expertise in artificial intelligence and machine learning, as well as experienced AI practitioners, and covers technical aspects that are critical to the AI field. There is a significant focus on practical applications of AI in business and industry, and the coursework focuses on a range of introductory and advanced AI-specific topics. While earning their degree, students will learn about practical, real-world AI applications in addition to theoretical concepts, containing a strong interdisciplinary element as required by modern human-centric, explainable, and responsible artificial intelligence. Its compulsory courses include courses on artificial intelligence and ethics, as well as on artificial intelligence and entrepreneurship. Providing career counselling to students is a high priority, with the aim of helping all graduates to successfully pursue an AI-related career, possibly set up their own start-ups.

Each department has a limited number of positions available for admissions in the 2023 Fall semester, and applications can be submitted electronically using the online application system http://www.ucy.ac.cy/postgraduate_appl_en by May 30th, until 12 noon. A number of scholarships covering half the tuition fees are available.

The aim of the new MSc Artificial Intelligence programme, that which will be delivered in English, is to be a modern programme, containing a strong interdisciplinary element as required by human-centric, explainable, and responsible artificial intelligence. Its compulsory courses include courses on artificial intelligence and ethics, as well as on artificial intelligence and entrepreneurship. Providing career counselling to students is a high priority, with the aim of helping all graduates to successfully pursue an AI-related career, possibly set up their own start-ups.

The development of this new master’s programme is co-funded by the European Union (Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) — Telecommunications Sector). Europe’s initiative to fund new master’s programmes in Artificial Intelligence demonstrates the importance Europe attaches to recent developments in this area, in providing solutions to global problems related to every aspect of human life, contributing to growth and competitiveness. Europe urgently needs more professionals in Artificial Intelligence, entrepreneurs, and researchers, capable of paving the way for new innovations for the good of society and pushing the borders of the field towards new challenges. This new generation of AI graduates must be fully familiar with the latest technological developments in terms of the breadth and depth of technical knowledge in Artificial Intelligence, be connected to industry and be fully aware of the ethical issues involved.

The programme’s collaboration network includes four European Universities (University of Cyprus, University of Bologna, Technische Universität Dresden, and University of Ruse Angel Kanchev), the CYENS Centre of Excellence and four high-tech SMEs (Nodes & Links Labs, 3AeHealth LTD, INJENIA SRL, MLPS AD). Fostering strong links with industry provides significant added value to the educational experience.

Key Learning Outcomes

The programme’s intended learning outcomes are the following: Grasp the fundamental principles and techniques that underline software systems that exhibit “intelligent” behavior, be aware of the latest developments in AI and appreciate the wide breath of study that AI requires.

Acquire a holistic view of machine learning enabling them to understand the principles that drive most scientific and industrial AI innovations. Understand how to provide computers with the ability to intelligently process human language, extracting meaning, information, and structure from text, speech, web pages, and social networks.

Master key concepts and challenges of relevance to AI and data-driven entrepreneurship.

Be able to apply methods and tools of AI research, and be aware of professional practices, and associated technological culture, bearing in mind EC’s regulatory framework. Understand the basics of implementing systems that are not only highly performing, but also adhere to our ethical socio-legal cultural values and to understand how research into AI ethics feeds into policy and how policy requirements affect the development of AI systems.

Acquire deep knowledge and familiarity with current and future research challenges in several specialized topics covered in the elective courses.

Be aware of the career opportunities in the various countries.

Exhibit versatility and innovative thinking in addressing and managing open questions in a variety of contexts, as an essential asset for careers in AI.

Develop transferable skills such as: oral and written scientific communication, near fluent use of scientific English, use of information/communication technology, organization and planning of group work.

Key Information

Department: Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

Faculty: Faculty of Engineering

Programme Name: Artificial Intelligence

Direction: Artificial Intelligence

Level of Qualification: 2nd Cycle (Master's Degree) [3 Semesters]

Mode of Study: Full time

Language of Instruction: English

Coordinator: Theocharis Theocharides, theocharides.theocharis@ucy.ac.cy, Tel. 22-892259
Elpida Keravnou-Papailiou, elpida@ucy.ac.cy, Tel. 22-892700

Curriculum Structure

Course Type	ECTS
Compulsory
Compulsory	42
Restricted Elective	32
TOTAL ECTS	74

Courses per Semester

Conditions of Study

Specific Admission Requirements

The number of study places for the September 2023 entry is twenty (20) for each department. The programme is offered in English only and lasts 1.5 years (90-102 ECTS credits), namely three academic semesters and an optional summer period during which students have the opportunity to participate in the AI Camp teaming with students from the other collaborating universities and/or to pursue an internship. The minimum qualifications required to apply are:

University degree in pure/applied sciences (computer science, mathematics, etc.) or engineering (computer and electrical engineering, biomedical engineering) or cognitive science, with a minimum degree of 6.5/10. If the qualification is not available at the time of the application, it must be presented before the beginning of the programme in September.
Basic knowledge of artificial intelligence and computer programming acquired through previous studies or work experience.
Proof of very good knowledge of English (examination results and/or certificates). The accepted certificates supporting the very good knowledge of English can be found on the page: https://www.ucy.ac.cy/graduateschool/el/admissions/admission-requirements). This is not necessary for applicants who have obtained degrees in an English-language university programme.

Applications will be evaluated by the Programme Steering Committee in cooperation with the Committees for Postgraduate Studies of the two departments, and the recommendations will be submitted to the Departmental Councils of the two departments, which are responsible for the final approval of the students admitted. Candidates shall be ranked according to the following scale: (1): not acceptable, (2): conditionally accepted, (3): accepted.

The applications should include the following:

A Curriculum Vitae
Certified copies of University degrees or confirmation of graduation (Admitted candidates will need to submit the certified degrees along with the acceptance of the offer to the University of Cyprus before their registration).
Copy of English language certificate: (a) for admission of international students, (b) for admission to an English-language postgraduate programme, (c) for admission to a postgraduate programme where knowledge of English is a prerequisite.
Copies of Transcripts for all programmes of study graduate and undergraduate.
A brief statement of personal goals and research interests (up to 2 pages).
The names and emails of at least two (2) referees (University Professors) familiar with the candidate and his/her academic performance. Candidates should request letters of recommendation to be sent directly to the University. The Department may request additional confidential information from referees. The reference letters are electronically submitted through the online application system.

(Some departments require three (3) reference letters to be submitted with the application, so before submitting your application, please visit the web page of the department to verify the number of reference letters required).

Admitted candidates will be required to submit copies of degree certificates officially certified by the Issuing Authority.

It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that their application has successfully been submitted. Upon successful submission, the candidate will receive an automated confirmation e-mail.

Electronic application submission: http://www.ucy.ac.cy/postgraduate_appl_en

Rules of Study

Please advise Postgraduate Study Rules

Graduation Requirements

Successful completion of the requirements of the Program

Examination Regulations

Assessment and Grading

The grading system is numerical, from 0 to 10 with increments of ½. The minimum passing grade is 5. The final grade of a graduate student is calculated as the grade point average of all courses passed by the student.

In a postgraduate programme of study, courses can be graded as Success/Failure. These courses do not count towards the student’s GPA, and may not exceed 25% of the programme’s ECTS, with the exception of the dissertation units. All courses are presented in the Postgraduate Studies Prospectus.

The diploma dissertation, thesis, research and writing stages are graded with Success / Failure. The final grade of the dissertation is registered in the last semester of its elaboration. Master level dissertations are calculated qualitatively as Excellent, Very Good, Good, and Failure