Master Degree (Laurea Magistrale) in Computer Science

Learning outcomes

The master degree in computer science at the university of Catania aims at training students to get to know both the basic theoretical principles of computer science and to acquire practical skills and knowledge in areas such as systems and networks, computer security and data science.
Students will acquire a deep understanding of some of the most modern and advanced topics in computer science. This will give the graduate student the ability to design, develop and manage complex and innovative systems related to the production, the processing and transmission of information contents. 
After having acquired these competences students can choose to enter the job market to work for companies or to undertake a research doctorate. The study program is divided into two years including the final thesis. The program also includes a 150-hour stage to be done in a company. 
There are two different curricula from which students can choose one. The first curriculum "Networks, Systems and Security" offers top notch courses in many key and emerging areas like Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies, Internet of Things, Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing, Quantum Computer Programming and Cryptographic Engineering. The Data Science curriculum, on the other hand, offers classes like Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Natural Language Processing and Robotics. Both curricula follow a very concrete, hands-on approach: students are consistently required to engage in programming projects.

Job Opportunities

Given the central role of informatics in nowadays societies, the graduates in Computer Science can enter the workforce by devising, developing, managing, and maintaining complex information systems

Following the ISTAT (Italian National Institute of Statistics) professional opportunities list, in what follow we highlight some of the professions that can be undertaken by a graduate in Computer Science :

• Informatics Technicians
• Informatics and telematics
• Researchers, graduated technicians and similar
• Entrepreneurs and administrators of privately-owned companies servicing enterprises, banking sector and similar
• Entrepreneurs, managers and professionals in charge of small enterprises in servicing enterprises, banking sector and similar.

Notice however, that given the highly dynamic nature of the job market for computer science, the above should be taken only as a rough indication of some of the many opportunities available.
According to the AlmaLaurea web site, the employment rate (according to the ISAT definition) is 88% and reaches 100% if one enlarges the sample to graduates 3 years and 5 years after graduation.