MSc in Web and Smart Systems

General Objectives

In the past decade, the developments experienced by the advancements of the Internet and the World Wide Web have been monumental for the Information Technology domain, as well as the society in general. Additionally, in recent years we have experienced an explosion of computational capabilities, not only from traditional computing machines (i.e. computers) but also from a wide variety of other devices such as mobile smart phones, tablets and several other autonomous smart devices. Furthermore, the developments in cloud computing and the integration of the whole spectrum of smart devices with the internet (Internet of Things) leads to the enchantment of existing information technology applications and to the creation of new areas of applications.

All these developments call for the existence of scientists and engineers that are adequately trained in the relevant technologies and have a deep knowledge of their interrelationships and the challenges that lie ahead.

The above realization constitutes the core motivation and forms the rationale behind the design and the development of the proposed program.

As its name implies, the program offers two specializations: (a) the Web Systems specialization, and (b) the Smart Systems specialization.

Aim of the Program

The aim of the proposed program is to develop graduates that exhibit in-depth knowledge and advanced skills of the technologies relevant to web applications and smart systems. By the end of this program, graduates will master the knowledge required to design and implement efficient and effective solutions utilizing existing and emerging web and/ or smart systems.

An equally important aim is that, through the program, the University will be able to strengthen its research activity in this fast evolving field and become a leading research institution in the area.

Specific Objectives

The main objectives of the program are to provide its graduates with in-depth knowledge and skills that will enable them to:

1. Master the methodologies, tools and technologies related to the development of web and smart systems, such as networking, web engineering, ubiquitous computing as well as distributed and cloud computing.
2. Demonstrate specialized knowledge and expertise in web systems with emphasis on human computer interaction and interactive system design, data mining, big data and analytics. (Web Systems Specialization only).
3. Demonstrate specialized knowledge and expertise in smart systems with emphasis on communications and security for smart systems, embedded systems, sensors and actuator technology for smart system applications. (Smart Systems Specialization only).
4. Work effectively as an individual, or within a team, in multi-disciplinary settings together with the capacity to undertake lifelong learning
5. Continue to study in a manner that may be largely self-directed and autonomous
6. Engage in research and communicate their findings and conclusions to specialists, and non-specialists clearly and unambiguously.

A large percentage of graduates of the MSc in Mobile and Web Systems program are expected to pursue careers in web application development and integration of applications with mobile devices, which is a rapidly growing section in organizations involved with software development. They are also likely to be employed in telecommunications companies, where a shift into the support of application-level services is present (see for example the establishment of CYTACOM by CYTA).

Graduates can also be employed in computer network related jobs and are also capable of obtaining employment in ICT departments of medium and large organizations and software houses.

The MSc in Web and Smart Systems is supported by the Mobile Device Laboratory (MDL).

Key Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, the students should be able to:

1. Gain sufficient theoretical knowledge and analytical skills to design and develop web and mobile applications using a structured approach.
2. Demonstrate an understanding on cutting edge web technologies and apply them for the development of advanced and complex web applications.
3. Extend critical awareness of the issues and challenges associated with ubiquitous computing, enhance the understanding on mobile systems and creatively design and develop mobile applications using various smartphone application development platforms.
4. Demonstrate an understanding on the theoretical dimension of human factors in the acceptance of computer interfaces and identify the impact of usable interfaces in the performance of mobile and web systems.
5. Evaluate and select the appropriate data mining methodology, where data mining is required or beneficial, for investigating practical web and mobile application challenges and critically analyse and evaluate the results.
6. Evaluate and select a systematic software reuse methodology in order to increase software productivity and improve software quality of an organization so as to successfully plan, manage, change and evolve any software project, for the development of applications on diverse platforms; desktop, mobile & web.
7. Identify sources of data, collect, and store data using appropriate big data related platforms, as well as process, analyse and summarize data to achieve breakthrough outcomes for organisations using data analytics methods.

Frederick University academic year consists of the fall and spring semesters. The calendar is arranged so that students may start classes either during the last week of September or the first week of February. Candidates may submit an application for admission in any of the semesters. Due to the fact that formalities for the issue of an entry visa take at least 6 weeks, candidates are urged to file an application at least 8 weeks prior to the expected date of enrolment. Students are expected to be on campus prior to the beginning of the intended semester/session. In response to arising need, courses could be provided within the summer period.

Admission Requirements

Eligible candidates will be selected and admitted to the program based on academic merit, although prior professional experience is also accounted for. Candidates are evaluated and accepted by an Evaluation Committee, formed by the Program Coordinator and two members of the program’s teaching staff.

English is the official instruction language of the program. Candidates’ minimum qualifications for admittance to the program are:

1. Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited University degree in the fields of Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Technology, or another related field.
2. Fluency in English. Candidates must hold knowledge of English language certificate such as GCE, TOEFL (70+), IELTS (6+) or other relevant certification. This requirement can be waived for graduates of English speaking universities.

Additionally, the following criteria will also be accounted for:

1. Professional experience.
2. Candidate’s involvement in courses and activities related to web engineering, web and mobile systems, software development.

Recognition of Prior Learning

In the framework of the integration of the European Higher Education Area (Bologna Process), the University uses the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) to weight subjects of its courses. Thereby students that wish or are eligible to transfer credits when enrolling to the MSc, are allowed to transfer a maximum of 30 ECTS.

The program recognises formal prior learning activities of students. Specifically, a student that has undertaken formal education at postgraduate level in relevant fields may have up to 30 ECTS credits recognised (amounting to one third of the program and 50% of the taught part).

At present, no non-formal or informal prior learning recognition is applicable for the program. It is noted that the University is evaluating a relevant regulation for non-formal and informal learning and the Department will re-evaluate its current position once the said regulation is in place.

A. Nationals of EU countries
Candidates who are nationals of EU countries can enter Cyprus as visitors. On arrival at Frederick University they must submit to the Admission Office the following:

• A fully completed application form.
• An application fee of Euro 25 (non-refundable).
• Attested (certified true) copies of their academic qualifications.
• Evidence of proficiency in English, (if available).
• A photocopy of their passport. The passport should be valid for at least one year from the date of their arrival to Cyprus.
• A recent certificate of good conduct issued by the police of the candidate’s country of origin or residence, if necessary translated in Greek or English. The good conduct certificate should be original and issued less than 6 months prior to the beginning of the semester for which the student is applying. The names and titles of the persons issuing and certifying the document should be clearly stated therein.

Furthermore, they must pay the registration fee, the semester tuition fees, and register for subjects. Next they must apply to the Migration Department for a temporary residence permit. The application to the Migration Department must be supported by evidence that they have paid their tuition fees for the semester, have enough funds for their initial living expenses and have obtained local health insurance coverage.

B. Applicants from non EU countries
International Students from non EU countries need to have a valid student visa in order to be allowed to enter Cyprus. The issue of an entry visa takes about 6 weeks from the date of the submission of the application. It is therefore recommended that candidates submit their application at least 8 weeks before the beginning of the semester. Cyprus Migration Department requirements in respect of the issue of a student visa, which from time to time may be modified, are available to candidates in a separate document.

Once the Conditional Acceptance Letter is issued by the University, the prospective student is directed
by an Admissions Officer to send to the University several documents by email and then by courier.
The documents are as follows:
1. Original attested passport copy must be valid for 2 years
2. Original attested copy of High School Leaving Certificate and mark sheets
3. Original attested Police Clearance Certificate must be valid for 6 months
4. Original attested bank letter showing that the student’s sponsor has the financial ability to
support tuition fees and leaving expenses must be valid for 6 months
5. Original attested bank statement which clearly shows the minimum amount of €7,000 in the
sponsor’s account must be valid for 1 month
6. Original attested chest X-ray report for Tuberculosis must be valid for 4 months
7. Original attested blood test results for HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis B and C must be valid for 4
months
8. Attested document of parental consent for the student’s proposed stay in Cyprus and its
official translation in Greek or English– only for applicants below the age of 18 years
(minors).
9. Attested reports of medical tests showing that they are not suffering from Hepatitis B,
Hepatitis C, HIV, Syphilis and a chest X-ray report.
10. A recent certificate of good conduct issued by the police of the candidate’s country of
origin or residence, if necessary translated in Greek or English. The good conduct
certificate should be original and issued less than 6 months prior to the beginning of the
semester for which the student is applying. The names and titles of the persons issuing
and certifying the document should be clearly stated therein.
11. Attested letter from a bank in the country of origin or residence stating that the student or
his/her parent (s) – full names to be mentioned – have the financial capability to cover the
cost of living and studying in Cyprus, and the student’s repatriation cost, as well as recent
bank statement showing a balance of at least €7000 (seven thousand Euro).

It is estimated that, on average, a student spends about 600 Euro per month for private accommodation, utilities, food and transportation. Of course, a budget is a very personal thing, depending on one’s preferences.

Full time students from non EU countries are entitled to seek employment of 20 hours per week during the study period, provided that the employment hours will not coincide with their study hours at the University, or 38 hours per week during their holidays. The right to employment starts after the completion of six months study and residence in Cyprus. 

Scholarships aim is to support young people with capabilities to distinguish and to contribute to the development and social progress.

The university offers full and partial scholarships to incoming students based on the academic merit of the high school performance. The University also has in place a scholarship scheme for continuing students which reduces tuition fees based on the GPA achieved by the student. The percentage of reduction is related to the GPA achieved.

Additionally, Frederick University has a broad range of scholarships to athletes.