Program Overview
(MSc, 1.5 Years or 3 Semesters)
Duration
1.5 Years or 3 Semesters
Qualification Awarded
Master of Science in Blockchain and Digital Currency
Level of Qualification
Master Degree (2nd Cycle)
Language of Instruction
English
Mode of Study
Full-time or Part-time
Minimum ECTs Credits
90
Profile of the Programme
The Master’s degree is designed to prepare participants to become competent professionals in the field of digital currency and Blockchain technology. Graduates benefit from a broad background, combining courses in Finance, Management, Computer Science, and Information Systems to provide a holistic analysis of Cryptocurrencies and Blockchain systems, applications, and services.
Students get exposed to an enriching and stimulating curriculum that covers important areas of Blockchain technology like Blockchain and Digital Currency, Blockchain Systems and Architectures, Blockchain and Entrepreneurship Management, Emerging Topics in Blockchain and Digital Currency, Digital Currency Programming, Smart contract programming, Permissioned Blockchain Programming, Cryptographic Systems Security, Emerging Topics in Fintech, Token Economics, Law and Regulation in Blockchain, Emerging Topics in Law and Regulation, Principles of Money, Banking and Finance, Open and Decentralized Financial Systems and others.
Theoretical principles, state-of-the-art research, and case studies of digital currency systems and tools are mastered by students who may also select to advance their Blockchain programming skills and become highly skilled developers in blockchain and digital currencies or specialize in financial/management aspects and become highly literate consultants, entrepreneurs, or financial professionals. Upon completion, students can continue their studies to a doctoral degree or to other areas of study.
Career Prospects
The program gives students the opportunity to acquire deeper knowledge and skills in the field of Blockchain and Digital Currencies. This is a relatively new area of practice and research that is expected to provide ample employment opportunities for program graduates in various and inter-disciplinary positions at the intersection between management, computer science, and finance.
The program is both theoretical and practical and has been designed to allow the students to choose those elective courses that will meet their future career goals. Regardless of the stream chosen by students, each instructor strives to create an inspiring atmosphere for the students and enhances the learning experience.
Access to Further Studies
Graduates of the programme can be accepted into Third Cycle degrees (Doctoral Degree)
Admission
The minimum general requirement for admission to the post-graduate degree programme is a Bachelor Degree from a recognised university.
English Language Proficiency
Students satisfy the English requirements if their first degree was taught in English. Otherwise, they would need to present a minimum TOEFL score 550 and above, or Computer-based TOEFL score of 213 and above, or Internet-based TOEFL (iBT) score 79-80 and above, or GCSE (or GCE) English Language “O” Level of “C” or above or IELTS of 6.5 and above or Cambridge Exams (First Certificate with Grade B and above, as well as Proficiency with Grade C and above or a score placement at the ENGL-100 level of the University English Placement Test. The University offers English courses at various levels to help students reach the required standard for admission to a graduate program.
Assessment
Course assessment usually comprises of a comprehensive final exam and continuous assessment. Continuous assessment can include amongst others, mid-terms, projects and class participation.
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.
Graduation
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.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, the students should be able to:
- Define concepts of money and money supply and associate present international financial markets and money transfer systems to digital currency alternatives.
- Explore theoretical principles on currencies, banking, the role of central banks, and monetary policy to determine the likely implications of digital currencies upon them.
- Identify and analyse challenges, prospects, and risks of Cryptocurrencies and devise business proposals and/or develop Blockchain systems and services that address them.
- Apply and advance practice or research on Blockchain technology, cryptography, decentralized systems architectures, and information systems to design innovative systems and services that complement and extend the existing Cryptocurrencies ecosystem.
- Review, analyse, and compare different regulatory environments (banking, payments, commerce, legal, accounting, etc.), debate on likely implications introduced by Cryptocurrencies, and advise on alternative proposals.
- Analyze best practices related to digital currencies, specify business opportunities, and apply digital currency based innovative solutions to address problems in business, finance, or the society at large.
Academic Path
Section A: Required Courses
ECTS: Min.60 Max.60
- BLOC-511: Digital Currency (10 ECTS)
- BLOC-512: Blockchain Systems and Architectures (10 ECTS)
- BLOC-513: Law and Regulation in Blockchain (10 ECTS)
- BLOC-514: Emerging Topics in Blockchain and Digital Currency (10 ECTS)
- BLOC-515: Blockchain and Entrepreneurship Management (10 ECTS)
- BLOC-516: Principles of Money, Banking and Finance (10 ECTS)
Section B: Electives
ECTS: Min. 30 Max. 30 Notes: Choose three (3) courses or a Master Thesis.
- BLOC-521: Digital Currency Programming (10 ECTS)
- BLOC-522: Smart Contract Programming (10 ECTS)
- BLOC-523: Permissioned Blockchains Programming (10 ECTS)
- BLOC-524: Cryptographic Systems Security (10 ECTS)
- BLOC-525: Emerging Topics in Law and Regulation (10 ECTS)
- BLOC-526: Emerging Topics in FinTech (10 ECTS)
- BLOC-527: Open and Decentralized Financial Systems (10 ECTS)
- BLOC-528: Token Economics (10 ECTS)
- BLOC-551: Master Thesis (30 ECTS)
Section C: Unallocated Courses
ECTS: Min. 0 Max. 0
Semester Breakdown
Semester 1
- BLOC-511: Digital Currency (10 ECTS)
- BLOC-516: Principles of Money, Banking and Finance (10 ECTS)
- BLOC-513: Law and Regulation in Blockchain (10 ECTS)
Semester 2
- BLOC-515: Blockchain and Entrepreneurship Management (10 ECTS)
- BLOC-512: Blockchain Systems and Architectures (10 ECTS)
- BLOC-514: Emerging Topics in Blockchain and Digital Currency (10 ECTS)
Semester 3 (Thesis)
- BLOC-551: Master Thesis (30 ECTS)
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 this website under “Schools & Programmes”.
Faculty
- Dr Klitos Christodoulou
- Dr Ifigenia Georgiou
- Professor George Giaglis
- Dr Elias Iosif
- Professor Soulla Louca
- Professor Spyridon Makridakis
- Professor Maria Michailidis
- Dr Charalambos Savvides
- Professor Marinos Themistocleous
Adjunct Faculty
- Dr Konstantinos Karasavvas
Program Outline
Program: Blockchain and Digital Currency (MSc)
Degree Overview:
- This Master’s degree prepares students for the field of digital currency and Blockchain technology.
- Graduates have a broad understanding of finance, management, computer science, and information systems. They apply this to analyze cryptocurrencies and blockchain systems, applications, and services.
- The program offers a curriculum covering important areas of blockchain technology like:
- Blockchain and Digital Currency
- Blockchain Systems and Architectures
- Blockchain and Entrepreneurship Management
- Emerging Topics in Blockchain and Digital Currency
- Digital Currency Programming
- Smart contract programming
- Permissioned Blockchain Programming
- Cryptographic Systems Security
- Emerging Topics in Fintech
- Token Economics
- Law and Regulation in Blockchain
- Emerging Topics in Law and Regulation
- Principles of Money, Banking and Finance
- Open and Decentralized Financial Systems
- Students may focus on programming and backend development or financial and management aspects, becoming blockchain developers, consultants, entrepreneurs, financial professionals, etc.
- Graduates can continue to doctoral programs. ### Outline:
Section A: Required Courses (60 ECTS)::
- BLOC-511 Digital Currencies (10 ECTS)
- BLOC-512 Blockchain Systems and Architectures (10 ECTS)
- BLOC-513 Law and Regulation in Blockchain (10 ECTS)
- BLOC-514 Emerging Topics in Blockchain and Digital Currency (10 ECTS)
- BLOC-515 Blockchain and Entrepreneurship Management (10 ECTS)
- BLOC-516 Principles of Money, Banking and Finance (10 ECTS)
Section B: Electives (30 ECTS):
- BLOC-521 Digital Currency Programming (10 ECTS)
- BLOC-522 Smart Contract Programming (10 ECTS)
- BLOC-523 Permissioned Blockchains Programming (10 ECTS)
- BLOC-524 Cryptographic Systems Security (10 ECTS)
- BLOC-525 Emerging Topics in Law and Regulation (10 ECTS)
- BLOC-526 Emerging Topics in FinTech (10 ECTS)
- BLOC-527 Open and Decentralized Financial Systems (10 ECTS)
- BLOC-528 Token Economics (10 ECTS)
- BLOC-551 Master Thesis (30 ECTS)
Section C: Unallocated Courses (0 ECTS):
- No specific courses mentioned. ### Assessment:
- Course assessment includes final exams and continuous assessments (mid-terms, projects, class participation).
- Final grades are based on weight of these components and actual marks.
- GPA calculation considers semester grade point average and cumulative point average.
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 required, averaging ‘C’ grade. ### Teaching:
- An inspiring and enriching learning experience.
- Faculty strives for student engagement. ### Careers:
- Ample employment opportunities for graduates in inter-disciplinary positions at the intersection of management, computer science, and finance.
- Students choose electives based on future career goals. ### Other:
- Graduation requires 90 ECTS.
Additional Notes:
- This is a high-level overview. Refer to the program website for the most up-to-date information and specific semester breakdowns. I hope this extraction is exceptionally thorough. Please let me know if you have any other questions.
University of Nicosia: A Comprehensive Overview
Overview:
University of Nicosia (UNIC) is a private, non-profit university located in Nicosia, Cyprus. It is known for its innovative approach to education, particularly in the fields of technology and healthcare. UNIC offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, including distance learning options.
Services Offered:
UNIC provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:
Academic Counseling:
Students can access personalized guidance and support for their academic journey.Career and Employability Office:
This office assists students with career planning, job searching, and professional development.Counseling Services:
Students have access to mental health and well-being support.Technology Enhanced Learning Centre (TELC):
This center provides students with access to cutting-edge technology and resources for learning.Library:
The university library offers a vast collection of books, journals, and online resources.Accommodation:
UNIC offers various accommodation options for students, including on-campus and off-campus housing.International Student Support:
The university provides dedicated support services for international students, including visa assistance and cultural integration programs.Student Life and Campus Experience:
UNIC offers a vibrant and engaging campus experience for its students. Key aspects include:
Events and Activities:
The university hosts a variety of social events, cultural activities, and workshops throughout the year.Clubs and Societies:
Students can join various clubs and societies based on their interests, fostering a sense of community and engagement.Sports:
UNIC offers a range of sports facilities and programs, promoting a healthy lifestyle and competitive spirit.Multi-Faith Prayer Room:
The university provides a dedicated space for students of different faiths to practice their beliefs.Graduation:
UNIC holds a grand graduation ceremony to celebrate the achievements of its graduating students.Key Reasons to Study There:
Innovative and Relevant Programs:
UNIC offers programs that are designed to meet the demands of the modern job market, particularly in fields like technology, healthcare, and business.International Recognition:
UNIC is accredited by reputable international organizations, ensuring the quality and value of its degrees.Dynamic Urban Campus:
The university is located in the heart of Nicosia, offering students access to a vibrant city with rich history and culture.Strong Research Focus:
UNIC is committed to research and innovation, with a focus on disruptive technologies like blockchain and artificial intelligence.Distance Learning Options:
UNIC offers a wide range of online programs, providing flexibility and accessibility for students worldwide.Academic Programs:
UNIC offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines, including:
School of Business:
Offers programs in areas like finance, marketing, management, and entrepreneurship.School of Education:
Provides programs in education, psychology, and special education.School of Humanities and Social Sciences:
Offers programs in areas like history, literature, languages, and political science.School of Law:
Provides programs in law, international law, and human rights.School of Life and Health Sciences:
Offers programs in areas like biology, chemistry, pharmacy, and nursing.Medical School:
Offers a Doctor of Medicine (MD) program.School of Sciences and Engineering:
Offers programs in areas like computer science, engineering, and mathematics.School of Veterinary Medicine:
Offers a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program.Other:
Entry Requirements
The minimum entry requirements for the Master of Science in Blockchain and Digital Currency program are:
Academic Requirements:
- A Bachelor Degree from a recognized university in any field.
Language Requirements:
- For non-native English speakers:
- TOEFL score of 550 and above (paper-based), 213 and above (computer-based), or 79-80 and above (internet-based).
- IELTS score of 6.5 and above.
- Cambridge English Exams (First Certificate with Grade B and above, Proficiency with Grade C and above).
Other Requirements:
- Successful completion of the online application form.
- Payment of the application fee.
- Submission of all required documents, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. ## Language Proficiency Requirements For non-native English speakers, the program requires a minimum TOEFL score of 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based), or 79-80 (internet-based). Alternatively, an IELTS score of 6.5 or higher, or a Cambridge English Exams (First Certificate with Grade B and above, Proficiency with Grade C and above) is also accepted.
Note:
The University offers English courses at various levels to help students reach the required standard for admission.