MSc in Blockchain and Digital Currency2024-08-20T14:14:43+03:00
Online MSc in
The World’s First Master’s Degree in Blockchain & Crypto
We are at the beginning of a global wave of demand for blockchain academic and professional education and certification. The University of Nicosia was the first to recognize this need and responded by offering the first Master of Science degree in Blockchain and Digital Currency, available to students worldwide through an online format since 2014 and on campus since 2021. The programme is hosted by the Department of Digital Innovation.
Next Start Date: September 2024
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Why Choose UNIC
For Your Master’s Degree in Blockchain and Digital Currency
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
By participating in this program, students are positioning themselves to be part of an exclusive set of professionals in business/finance and IT that have a broad understanding of the financial, regulation, cryptography, game theory, and technology innovation markets that are enabled by blockchains.
Bridging the gap
The program seeks to fill an important gap that exists today between the supply of and demand for academic knowledge in the areas of Cryptocurrencies and Blockchain technology. More specifically, while the interest in blockchain has skyrocketed in the past few years, academic institutions have been slow to implement academic programs that cover the need for educating specialists in the area, addressing it in its entirety (technical and financial aspects alike).
An increasing number of finance, banking, computing, supply chain, SaaS, AI and IoT businesses are discovering the benefits of this technology. This new potential and the new risks it may involve have to be carefully evaluated by expert lenses, not just in one field, but through the interface of many expert tangents. In this increasingly competitive and interconnected environment, challenges abound and there are no easy solutions. The more spherical the education, the more responsible business decisions can be made, and the best vectors to maximize the advantages out of the use of this technology, can be achieved.
Includes MOOC on Digital Currency
Taught by world leading experts Andreas Antonopoulos, Antonis Polemitis & George Giaglis and attended by over 110,000 students, the ‘Free MOOC: Digital Currency’ is the world’s first MOOC on Digital Currencies.
This MOOC covers both a technical overview of decentralized digital currencies like Bitcoin, as well as their broader economic, legal and financial context. Through this free online course, students get first-hand knowledge of what they are, why they exist, why they are so important for improving financial services, and more.
Watch a video of the truly inspiring story of one of our first MOOC students, Tey El-Rjula, and his journey from refugee to blockchain entrepreneur.
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Degree Overview
The MSc in Blockchain and Digital Currency is offered online to students worldwide and the language of instruction is English. The first course in the degree pathway, BLOC-511DL: Digital Currency, is available for free as an open enrollment MOOC course to anyone interested in learning more about the fundamental principles of digital currency. This course is co-taught by Andreas Antonopoulos, who is among the most known and well-respected figures in bitcoin and Blockchain.
| Qualification | Duration | Mode of Study | Language of Instruction | Minimum ECTS Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Science in Blockchain and Digital Currency | 3 semesters or 1 calendar year | Distance Learning / Online | English | 90 |
What You Will Learn
Upon successfully completing the program, graduates will demonstrate the following learning outcomes based on Bloom’s Taxonomy:
1
Define concepts of money and money supply and associate present international financial markets and money transfer systems to digital currency alternatives.
2
Explore theoretical principles on currencies, banking, the role of central banks, and monetary policy to determine the likely implications of digital currencies upon them.
3
Identify and analyze challenges, prospects, and risks of Cryptocurrencies and devise business proposals and/or develop Blockchain systems and services that address them.
4
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.
5
Review, analyze, and compare different regulatory environments (banking, payments, commerce, legal, accounting, etc.), debate on likely implications introduced by Cryptocurrencies, and advise on alternative proposals.
6
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.
Teaching Methodology
The programme 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 programme 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 programme.
Career Prospects
The programme 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 programme 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.
Graduates may become
- Managers in FinTech, RegTech industries or related posts in finance, regulation, and government offices
- Senior Technical Developers or Administrators in the ICT marketplace
- Entrepreneurs
Access to further studies
The programme will provide the basis for acceptance to a doctoral 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
Academic Admission
Applications for admission to the programme will be considered only from candidates that fulfil the minimum entrance criteria as described below:
1. Bachelor’s degree
A bachelor’s degree and transcripts from an accredited university.
2. Work Experience (if any)
Work Experience is a significant added qualification.
3. 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.
4. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
5. Personal Statement
A one page long personal statement.
If you are unsure whether you meet the admissions requirements, please complete the registration form to start a discussion with an Enrollment advisor.
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 Requirements
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 Scholarships
TUITION FEES
The total cost of the master’s programme is €14,560
The first course in the degree programme pathway, BLOC-511DL: Digital Currency, is offered as a MOOC, free of charge, to students worldwide.
There is a non-refundable €60 application fee for the master’s programme.
PAYMENT OPTIONS
We accept tuition and fee payments via the following methods:
- 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
FURTHER DISCOUNTS
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.
SCHOLARSHIPS
The University of Nicosia believes strongly in expanding accessibility to and affordability of higher education. For this academic year, the MSc in Blockchain and Digital Currency 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 decisions.
SCHOLARSHIP TERMS
- 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.
Apply Now
Scholarships
The University of Nicosia believes strongly in expanding accessibility to and affordability of higher education. For this academic year, the MSc in Blockchain and Digital Currency 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 decisions.
UNIC Proof of Merit Scholars
Merit Based | 10% Scholarship
Students with strong undergraduate academic Records. Minimum level for consideration is an undergraduate GPA above 3.5 (US scale), “First” (UK scale) or local equivalent.
Number Available
Up to 3 per month (up to 36 annually).
Application Process
Submit MSc Blockchain and Digital Currency Scholarship Application and undergraduate transcript.
Genesis Block Scholars
Merit Based | 25% Scholarship
Students with exceptional track records in cryptocurrency. In order to be considered for this award, documentation of contribution and notable achievements in cryptocurrency must be provided.
Number Available
5 annually, awarded on a rolling basis.
Application Process
Submit MSc Blockchain and Digital Currency Scholarship Application, including proof of academic or professional work in Blockchain Technology and a cover letter explaining your involvement.
Blockchain Scholars
Need Based | 20%-75% Scholarship
Students with financial need are eligible to apply for this need-based award. In order to be considered for this scholarship, in addition to the scholarship application, students need to provide evidence of financial need.
Number Available
Up to 3 per month (up to 36 annually).
Application Process
Submit MSc Blockchain and Digital Currency Scholarship Application, including an income statement / proof of financial need.
Work-Study Peer-to-Peer Scholarship
Work-Study | 30% Scholarship
Students with interest in and capability to work on outreach or research assistant activities during their studies.
Number Available
Up to 2 per month (up to 24 annually).
Application Process
Submit MSc Blockchain and Digital Currency Scholarship Application, including a brief proposal explaining what services you can provide to the University’s Research Institute. (Research Assistants are expected to work 15 hours per month on either outreach or research).
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 programme is structured into three semesters, with 30 ECTS per semester.
The first two semesters include three courses each, which are required for the completion of the programme, whereas the third semester includes courses that students should choose among a wide list of elective courses. There is a thesis option (30 ECTS) for students wishing to substitute elective courses during the third semester.
ECTS Credit Requirements
Required Courses (1st semester) – 30
Required Courses (2nd semester) – 30
Elective Courses (3rd semester) – 30
or Thesis option – 30
Total Requirements – 90
To successfully complete the programme, students must complete 90 ECTS and all programme requirements.
Program Pathway
Section A: Required Courses ECTS: Min: 60 Max: 60
| Course ID | Course Title | ECTS Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BLOC-511DL | Digital Currencies | 10 |
| BLOC-512DL | Blockchain Systems and Architectures | 10 |
| BLOC-513DL | Law and Regulation in Blockchain | 10 |
| BLOC-514DL | Emerging Topics in Blockchain and Digital Currency | 10 |
| BLOC-515DL | Blockchain and Entrepreneurship Management | 10 |
| BLOC-516DL | Principles of Money, Banking and Finance | 10 |
Section B: Electives ECTS: Min: 30 Max: 30
| Course ID | Course Title | ECTS Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BLOC-521DL | Digital Currency Programming | 10 |
| BLOC-522DL | Smart Contract Programming | 10 |
| BLOC-523DL | Permissioned Blockchains Programming | 10 |
| BLOC-524DL | Cryptographic Systems Security | 10 |
| BLOC-525DL | Emerging Topics in Law and Regulation | 10 |
| BLOC-526DL | Emerging Topics in FinTech | 10 |
| BLOC-527DL | Open and Decentralized Financial Systems | 10 |
| BLOC-528DL | Token Economics | 10 |
| BLOC-529DL | Decentralized Finance | 10 |
| BLOC-551DL | Master Thesis | 30 |
SEMESTER BREAKDOWN
Semester 1
| Course ID | Course Title | ECTS Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BLOC-511DL | Digital Currencies | 10 |
| BLOC-516DL | Principles of Money, Banking and Finance | 10 |
| BLOC-513DL | Law and Regulation in Blockchain | 10 |
SEMESTER 2
| Course ID | Course Title | ECTS Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BLOC-515DL | Blockchain and Entrepreneurship Management | 10 |
| BLOC-512DL | Blockchain Systems and Architectures | 10 |
| BLOC-514DL | Emerging Topics in Blockchain and Digital Currency | 10 |
SEMESTER 3
| Course ID | Course Title | ECTS Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BLOC-551DL | Master Thesis | 30 |
NOTES
In the 3rd semester, the required electives are 30 ECTS: either (a) three elective courses, (b) Thesis or (c) Placement/Internship.
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.
View Course Schedule 2024-2025 (PDF)
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Meet Your Instructors
The University of Nicosia has one of the largest teams in the world in academia focused on blockchain and digital currency issues.
Faculty
Prof. Spyros Makridakis
Director
Institute for the Future
University of Nicosia
Prof. George Giaglis
General Director
Institute for the Future
University of Nicosia
Prof. Maria Michailidis
Professor
University of Nicosia
Prof. Soulla Louca
Director
Institute for the Future
University of Nicosia
Prof. Marinos Themistocleous
Director
Institute for the Future
University of Nicosia
Dr. Elias Iosif
Assistant Professor
University of Nicosia
Dr. Klitos Christodoulou
Assistant Professor
University of Nicosia
Dr. Haris Savvides
Lecturer
University of Nicosia
Dr. Ifigenia Georgiou
Assistant Professor
University of Nicosia
Dr. Konstantinos Karasavvas
Lecturer
University of Nicosia
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