Master in Data Science
The Master in Data Science (MDS) at the Università della Svizzera italiana (USI) offers students the opportunity to acquire an in-depth understanding and a solid set of skills in data science, including statistical modelling, machine learning, and high-performance computing. It provides an innovative combination of methodological and applied competencies that prepare students to operate at the forefront of modern data-driven research and industry.
The MDS fosters a synergistic advancement of all components of data and computational sciences. Students will learn to design and implement novel data-driven models, algorithms, and software systems, and to harness emerging computing architectures for large-scale data analysis and simulation. It trains students to combine mathematical insight, algorithmic innovation, and computing power to extract knowledge from complex systems and to address challenges in science, technology, and society.
A dedicated track in High-Performance Computing allows students to specialize in scalable algorithms, numerical simulation, and advanced computing methods for large-scale data and model integration.
Awarded degree: after the successful completion of the programme, students will be awarded a Master of Science in Data Science.
Until the academic year 2025/26, the programme has been offered as the Master in Computational Science. Students enrolled up to the academic year 2025/26 can refer to the study plan here.
Strategic Partnership
A consortium of European partners led by the University of Luxembourg has been selected by the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking to design and implement the first pan-European High-Performance Computing (HPC) pilot Master’s programme. Università della Svizzera italiana is a member of the consortium that offers courses to provide students with outstanding career perspectives in the rapidly expanding field of HPC, High-Performance Data Analytics (HPDA), or Artificial Intelligence.
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Are the degrees issued by USI recognised internationally?
Università della Svizzera italiana (USI) is a recognised or accredited Swiss university. Academic qualifications obtained at USI Faculties are therefore also recognised abroad, on the basis of international conventions.
- The mutual recognition of academic qualifications, i.e. the diplomas awarded by universities and universities of applied sciences, that enables students to continue with their studies is governed by the Lisbon Convention of 11 April 1997 and other international conventions with Germany, Italy, Austria and France.
With regard to relations with ITALY, in particular:
Accordo tra il Governo della Repubblica Italiana ed il Consiglio Federale Svizzero sul reciproco riconoscimento delle equivalenze nel settore universitario. (Agreement between the Government the Italian Republic and the Swiss Federal Council on the mutual recognition of academic qualifications)
The agreement establishes the principle of equal treatment of Italian and Swiss students. Mutual recognition applies to university degrees and diplomas, exam performance and the equivalence of study periods, taking into account the ECTS credits system. Degrees awarded by a university that authorises the holder to continue his/her studies or to undertake the next course of studies at a university in one of the two Contracting States, without additional examinations, shall confer the same right in the other Contracting State.
In addition, the holder of a degree awarded by a university in one of the two Contracting States shall be entitled to make use of that degree in the other State in the form provided for by the legislation of the State in which it was awarded.
Professional rights shall not be directly linked to the right to make use of a university degree. - The recognition of the professional qualifications of Swiss and EU/EFTA nationals wishing to pursue a regulated profession is governed by the Agreement on the free movement of persons and the EFTA Convention.
With regard to accessing professional practice in Italy for those who have obtained their university degree at USI, paragraph 1 letter d) of Presidential Decree 189/2009 applies, according to which it is required to submit the documents indicated in the Presidential Decree to the professional association, which, in turn, transmits them to the MIUR (Ministero dell'Università e della Ricerca) which recognizes the validity of the foreign qualification for access to professional practice.
Useful links:
Procedures for the recognition of foreign qualifications in Italy (http://www.cimea.it/en)
Procedures for the certification of the authenticity of USI diplomas (In Italian only) (https://www4.ti.ch/decs/dcsu/ucsu)
Information on the recognition of foreign qualifications and competent recognition authorities in Switzerland (https://www.sbfi.admin.ch/sbfi/en/home/education/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/recognition-procedure-on-establishment/agencies-responsible-for-the-recognition-of-foreign-qualificatio.html)
Recognised or accredited Swiss universities (www.swissuniversities.ch) - The mutual recognition of academic qualifications, i.e. the diplomas awarded by universities and universities of applied sciences, that enables students to continue with their studies is governed by the Lisbon Convention of 11 April 1997 and other international conventions with Germany, Italy, Austria and France.