Online MSc in

Computer Science

Concentration in Blockchain Technologies

The Master degree in Computer Science advances the students’ knowledge in core areas of computer science beyond the undergraduate level and exposes them to current and emerging trends.

Next Start Date: September 2025

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Why Choose UNIC

For Your Master’s Degree in Computer Science: Blockchain Technologies

Academic
Quality

Taught by leading faculty and industry practitioners from around the world

Student
Community

Largest blockchain and metaverse student community in the world

Professional
Development

Networking opportunities in the Blockchain and Metaverse industries

SCHOLARSHIPS

€300,000 in merit-based and need-based scholarships

From Foundations to Frontiers

The program provides an introduction to research within the field while strengthening the candidate’s effective application of computer science methods. The proposed Master degree in Computer Science is designed to have the learning outcomes related to: knowledge and understanding, application of knowledge and understanding for the analysis, design and development of computer systems. The curriculum prepares the student for a wide variety of computer-oriented careers, such as research, development, management, and teaching. The degree constitutes an independent and terminal study in addition to providing the basis for acceptance to, and continued studies towards, a doctoral degree in computer science.

The program aims of the specialization in Blockchain Technologies focus on the fundamentals of digital currencies and the underlying blockchain technology. It also focuses on programmable smart contracts and the associated architectures such as Ethereum. It aims to prepare students on the possible impact of these technologies on various applications including those based on Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Internet of Things.

Degree Overview

Qualification Duration Mode of Study Language of Instruction Minimum ECTS Credits
Master of Science in Computer Science 3 semesters or 1 calendar year Distance Learning / Online English 90

What You Will Learn

Upon successfully completing the program, graduates will be able to:

1
Critically evaluate computer-based systems, processes and programs, and apply theory, practices and tools for their specification, design, implementation and maintenance.
2

Critically analyze and evaluate software solutions from the perspective of software architecture and design patterns.

3
Demonstrate initiative and originality in the specification, design and implementation of computer-based systems, processes, and programs, as well as in the implementation of software project management to meet desired functional and quality requirements.
4
Critically analyze and evaluate the security risks that may be involved in the operation of computing equipment within a given context.
5
Deploy effectively the tools used for the construction and documentation of software, and in particular in the process involved in using computers to solve practical problems.
6
Communicate clearly and analytically using techniques derived from scientific practice in group meetings, presentations, lectures, written reports, and research papers.
7
Exhibit such skills that are required to participate in research and development work or to independently work in other qualified areas as well as be able to continue studies towards a doctoral degree.
8
Systematically analyze decentralized digital currencies and the underlying blockchain technology.
9
Analyze and critically assess the architecture of the bitcoin system, including the data structure used for the bitcoin blockchain.
10
Use the Bitcoin Script language to develop different type of scripts using the provided API.
11
Systematically analyze the horizontal and vertical application areas of blockchains, beyond digital currencies.
12
Envision the disruptive potential of blockchains in combination with other technological developments (IoT, AI, etc.), in the field of money and commerce.
13
Provide a deep understanding of smart contracts and their role in the emergence of decentralized applications.
14

Critically assess and develop innovative DApps (Decentralized application development).

teaching methodology

The program is offered through distance learning so as to be accessible to all interested students, irrespective of their geographic location. Within the distance-learning paradigm, the program deploys various teaching methods: while the majority of the courses consist of lectures delivered by the faculty course lecturer(s), in some cases it may be deemed appropriate and beneficial to host guest lecturers with academic and business background related to topics covered in courses.

Moreover, practical exercises, individual and group projects, simulations, and case study analyses, will form an integral part of the teaching methodology employed in the program.

Career Prospects

Graduates may Become

  • Blockchain Engineers
  • Blockchain Advisors or Consultants
  • Blockchain Architects
  • Managers in the ICT industry or government offices
  • Senior Technical Developers or Administrators in the ICT marketplace
  • Entrepreneurs

Access to further studies

Graduates of the program can be accepted into Third Cycle degrees, Doctorate Degree, in the emerging field of Cryptocurrencies and Blockchain, in areas that depend on each student’s background, chosen electives, and research interests: computer science (including cryptography, security, distributed and mobile IT systems), finance, management, innovation, and technology regulation.

Admission Requirements, Assessment and Regulations

  1. Online Completed Application form + 55 euro application fee
  2. Curriculum Vitae indicating your education, academic and professional experience, any publications, awards, etc.
  3. Attested copy of your Degree – A Bachelor’s degree (BA/BSc) in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or any other related field from a recognized university (relevance will be assessed accordingly) with a CPA of at least 2.0. Applicants with a non-computer science degree (but related, e.g. MIS) may be admitted into the program but they may have to take up to 5 preparatory foundation courses, depending on the applicant’s background
  4. Attested copy of your Transcripts
  5. Letters of Recommendation: Two recommendation letters from academic or professional advisors.
  6. Personal Statement: A letter highlighting the applicant’s individual competencies and strengths and providing his/her reflections regarding the expectations and value of the program as well as to his/her personal advancement and career development.
  7. Proficiency in the English Language: Students satisfy the English requirements if their first degree was taught in English. Otherwise, they would need to present at least a TOEFL score of 550 paper-based or 213 computer-based, or GCSE “O” Level with “C” or IELTS with a score of 6.0 or score placement at the ENGL-100 level of the University of Nicosia Placement Test.

Course assessment usually comprises of a comprehensive final exam and continuous assessment. Continuous assessment can include amongst others, weekly interactive activities, projects, positive online forum participation etc.

Letter grades are calculated based on the weight of the final exam and the continuous assessment and the actual numerical marks obtained in these two assessment components. Based on the course grades the student’s semester grade point average (GPA) and cumulative point average (CPA) are calculated.

The student must complete 90 ECTS and all programme requirements.

A minimum cumulative grade point average (CPA) of 2.0 is required. Thus, although a ‘D-‘ is a PASS grade, in order to achieve a CPA of 2.0 an average grade of ‘C’ is required.

Tuition and Fees

Online payments on the University website via the Student Application tool.

  • Online at JCCSmart.
  • Flywire International Payments.
  • By Using Bitcoin (Students paying in Bitcoin will receive a 5% discount on the “net fees” (i.e. after scholarship) payable).
  • By Bank Transfer.
  • By Means of a Bank Draft issued to University of Nicosia.
  • By Cash, Cheque or Visa at the Finance Department Offices.

Please visit the Payment Methods page on the main UNIC website for detailed payment instructions

Students paying the full program fees upfront will receive an additional 7.5% discount on the “net fees” (i.e. after all other discounts and scholarship) payable.

The University of Nicosia believes strongly in expanding accessibility to and affordability of higher education. For this academic year, MSc in Metaverse program has over €300,000 euros of financial aid available to students attending the MSc program, through a combination of merit scholarships, need-based scholarships and work-study programs.

Since the MSc program has a rolling admissions policy, scholarships are reviewed and awarded monthly, in conjunction with admissions.

  • Only students who have completed their MSc application and have been accepted to the MSc are eligible to submit a scholarship application.
  • Each student can earn a maximum of one (1) merit or need-based scholarship, though need and merit scholarships can be combined.
  • Work-study programs can be combined with either need or merit scholarships upon special approval.
  • Scholarships are applied on a pro-rata basis to each course in the MSc.
  • The University of Nicosia reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to award or not award any scholarship to any student and/or to change the number of scholarships awarded, their eligibility requirements or any other aspect of the financial aid program.

Scholarships

The University of Nicosia believes strongly in expanding accessibility to and affordability of higher education. For this academic year, MSc in Metaverse program has over €300,000 euros of financial aid available to students attending the MSc program, through a combination of merit scholarships, need-based scholarships and work-study programs.

Since the MSc program has a rolling admissions policy, scholarships are reviewed and awarded monthly, in conjunction with admissions.

Graduate Achievement Scholarships
Merit Based | up to 25% Scholarship
Students with exceptional undergraduate academic Records. Minimum level for consideration is an undergraduate GPA above 3.7 (US scale) or local equivalent.

Application Process
Submit Master in Computer Science Scholarship Application, including supporting documents and a personal letter to support your application for scholarship.

Graduate Advancement Scholarships

Need Based | 25%-40% Scholarship
Students with financial need who can benefit from the program.

Number Available
5 annually, awarded on a rolling basis.

Application Process
Submit Master in Computer Science Scholarship Application, including an income statement/ evidence of financial need and a personal letter to support your application for scholarship.

Future Leader Scholarships

Experience Based | up to 20% Scholarship
Students who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, industry/professional contribution, or community service.

Application Process
Submit Master in Computer Science Scholarship Application, including supporting documents and a personal letter to support your application for scholarship.

UNIC Alumni Scholarship

Work-Study | 10% Scholarship
Students who have graduated from the University of Nicosia with a Bachelor’s and/or a Master’s degree.

Application Process
Submit Master in Computer Science Scholarship Application, including your UNIC Student ID number.

Scholarship Application

  • All scholarship applications must also be accompanied by a brief cover letter explaining their eligibility.
  • Only students who have completed their MSc application and have been accepted to the MSc are eligible to submit a scholarship application.
  • Each student can earn a maximum of one (1) merit or need-based scholarship, though need and merit scholarships can be combined.
  • Work-study programs can be combined with either need or merit scholarships upon special approval.
  • Scholarships are applied on a pro-rata basis to each course in the MSc.
  • The University of Nicosia reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to award or not award any scholarship to any student and/or to change the number of scholarships awarded, their eligibility requirements or any other aspect of the financial aid program.

Degree outline

The student must complete 90 ECTS and all programme requirements.

A minimum cumulative grade point average (CPA) of 2.0 is required. Thus, although a ‘D-‘ is a PASS grade, in order to achieve a CPA of 2.0 an average grade of ‘C’ is required.

Program Pathway

Course ID Course Title ECTS Credits
COMP-500DL Research Seminars and Methodology 6
COMP-513DL Cyber-Physical Systems and the Internet of Things 10
COMP-514DL Cryptography and Network Security 10
COMP-515DL Distributed Systems 10

Course ID Course Title ECTS Credits
COMP-537DL Digital Currencies 10
COMP-538DL Blockchain Applications 10
COMP-539DL Smart Contracts 10
COMP-594DL Project in Blockchain Technologies 4

Course ID Course Title ECTS Credits
COMP-511DL Database Systems 10
COMP-512DL Software Engineering 10
COMP-521DL Cloud Computing 10
COMP-522DL Machine Learning and Data Mining 10
COMP-523DL Game Programming 10
COMP-524DL Visual Software Development 10
COMP-597DL Project 4
COMP-598DL Special Topics in Computer Science 10

Course ID Course Title ECTS Credits
COMP-599DL Thesis 20

SEMESTER BREAKDOWN

Course ID Course Title ECTS Credits
COMP-513DL Cyber-Physical Systems and the Internet of Things 10
COMP-514DL Cryptography and Network Security 10
COMP-515DL Distributed Systems 10

Course ID Course Title ECTS Credits
COMP-500DL Research Seminars and Methodology 6
COMP-537DL Digital Currencies 10
COMP-538DL Blockchain Applications 10
COMP-539DL Smart Contracts 10

Course ID Course Title ECTS Credits
COMP-594DL Project in Blockchain Technologies 4
COMP-511DL Database Systems 10
COMP-522DL Machine Learning and Data Mining 10

NOTES

The above semester breakdown is an indicative one. A few of the courses are electives and can be substituted by others. Students may contact their academic advisor and consult their academic pathway found on the UNIC website under “Schools & Programmes”.

Meet Your Instructors

Faculty

Prof. Philippos Pouyioutas
Prof. Philippos Pouyioutas
Prof. Harald Gjermundrod
Prof. Harald Gjermundrod
Prof. Constandinos Mavromoustakis
Prof. Constandinos Mavromoustakis
Prof. Athena Stassopoulou
Prof. Athena Stassopoulou
Prof. Marinos Themistokleous
Prof. Marinos Themistokleous
Prof. Ioannis Katakis
Prof. Ioannis Katakis
Dr Ioanna Dionysiou
Dr Ioanna Dionysiou
Dr Dmitry Apraksin
Dr Dmitry Apraksin
Dr Demetris Trihinas
Dr Demetris Trihinas
Dr Andreas Savva
Dr Andreas Savva

Adjunct Faculty

Dr Nicholas Loulloudes
Dr Nicholas Loulloudes
Dr Christopher Zolotas
Dr Christopher Zolotas