The master Degree in Computer Science

Profile Program

The master Degree in Computer Science aims at educating specialists with solid foundations in computer science and high qualification in information technologies. It provides a high level of scientific preparation and specialization in the design of innovative software systems and evolving information and communication technologies.
The scientific and methodological approach of the master will allow graduated students to manage the complexity of modern information systems and to contribute to the progress of computer science both in its basic foundations and in its different applicative areas.
This integration between technology and scientific foundations is a distinctive feature of the Degree in Computer Science.
The program of studies is organized into for currculum:
1) Artificial Intelligence
2) Data and Knowledge: science and technology
3) ICT solution architect
4) Software: programming, principles and technologies
Each curriculum has characterizing and elective courses and, at the end of the studies, grants a supplement diploma that states the specialization reached by the student in one of the four curriculum.

Key Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Program in Computer Science will be able to demonstrate:
- ability to easily acquire new technologies in the rapidly evolving ICT area and critical awareness of their behavior.
- deep knowledge of programming systems and formal tools for the specification of those systems.
- deep ability to build new algorithmic solutions for specific problems.
- deep knowledge of networked systems.
- deep knowledge of data management systems.
- knowledge of mathematical methodologies required to model and analyze ICT systems
- specialized knowledge of one specific area of ​​ICT within one of the four curriculum
- ability to communicate in English in addition to Italian.

Occupational Profile / s of Graduates

The main professional skills of the student graduated in Computer Science are the design, development and management of information systems. In particular, the degree in Computer Science prepares students for different professions:
- management of computer systems and production of software systems both in public administrations and in public / private companies.
- researcher in public / private institutes in every field of Computer Science.

Graduation opens to further possibilities for professional training, such as PhD courses and schools of specialization.

Access to further study

The Master degree in COMPUTER SCIENCE allows to graduate students to compete for the access to a Third Cycle program / doctoral school.

Assessment methods, examination regulations, and grading

Assessment is normally by means of an oral or written examination; in some cases there are intermediate exams during the course; other elements (participation in discussion, written or oral reports, commentary of texts etc.) are foreseen in specific course units and are described in the Course Unit Profiles.
The grading system for the course units consists of 30 possible points, plus 'lode' (cum laude) in case of excellence. Marks are given by the lecturer based on the performance as ascertained in a public examination by a board of at least two teachers. The main exam sessions are held in June / July; September; and January; students may resit exams **. Actual grading curves differ in different degree programs. The University of Pisa provides an ECTS Grading Table, which shows the actual distribution, of the examination and final grades among students for each degree program, in order to facilitate the comparison with other grading systems.