Educational Objectives

The program aims to provide students with a solid methodological foundation and advanced design skills necessary to address and solve complex problems in traditional areas of computer science, such as software engineering, the web, computer networks, architectures, and systems. Particular attention is also given to essential fields such as telecommunications networks and systems, robotics, industrial automation, and embedded systems.

The educational path is oriented toward the in-depth development of analytical and problem-solving skills specific to the sector, with a particular focus on the structured design of hardware and software systems. The program also prepares students for further studies, such as a PhD program (e.g., the PhD in Information Engineering offered by the same Department), a second level master’s degree, or other third-cycle university programs. The course lasts two years and awards 120 ECTS credits.

Admission to the program requires a bachelor’s degree, a university diploma, or a qualification obtained abroad and recognized as suitable under current regulations. Specific curricular requirements must also be met, including a minimum number of credits in the core scientific-disciplinary areas of Class L-8 (Information Engineering), as well as an adequate knowledge of the English language (at least ALTE Level 2 – CEFR B1). A suitable personal preparation is also required, verified through an admission test organized at least four times per year. The program sets additional criteria which, if met by the student, allow exemption from the admission test.

Curricula

The program is structured into six curricula, each providing specialized skills in a key area of information engineering:

• Artificial Intelligence and Intelligent Robotics focuses on the development of methodological, technological, and design skills in modern paradigms of artificial intelligence and machine learning, with applications in intelligent systems with cognitive and perceptive capabilities. Emphasis is placed on computer vision, speech recognition, and linguistic interaction, with applications in social and industrial robotics, advanced control systems, and autonomous vehicles.
• Automation and Control Systems explores methodologies and technologies for automating the functioning of complex systems, machines, and industrial plants. It provides skills in the modeling and design of industrial and mobile robots, the development of digital control systems, and the use of advanced control strategies, including data-driven approaches.
• Cybersecurity provides tools to design secure information systems, addressing both theoretical and practical aspects of computer security. The curriculum covers topics such as secure-by-design architectures, cyber threats and countermeasures, security in cloud and blockchain environments, penetration testing techniques, and the use of artificial intelligence for cyber defense and attack.
• Enterprise Software Architectures focuses on the design and implementation of enterprise software, i.e., scalable, reliable, and distributed applications. It covers agile development paradigms, DevOps, continuous integration/delivery, cloud infrastructure management, and business process modeling, with particular attention to the handling of large volumes of data in complex environments.
• IoT and Embedded Systems focuses on the design of embedded systems and Internet of Things applications in various industrial domains. The curriculum develops skills in hardware/software integration, interfacing with sensors and actuators, low-level programming, and the development of highly reliable real-time systems for critical applications such as automotive, railway, and aeronautics.
• Multimedia Systems and Applications addresses the design of software and network infrastructures for the distribution of multimedia content with quality of service. It includes the study of audio, video, and image encoding standards, network architectures for advanced services (such as VoIP and streaming), and the development of web-based multi-device applications, also following the principles of service-oriented architecture.

Regardless of the chosen curriculum, students can personalize their educational path through a wide range of elective courses, both specific and cross-disciplinary. Most courses include laboratory activities aimed at strengthening analytical and design skills. Thesis work can be carried out in collaboration with companies or institutions, including international ones. Emphasis is placed on soft skills, such as teamwork and effective communication of project results.

An Excellence Pathway is offered to enhance the education of enrolled students who are deserving and interested in in-depth and cultural integration activities. The Excellence Pathway consists of additional training activities to those of the regular program, scheduled annually by the Teaching Council; some of these activities are carried out in collaboration with major national and international companies and may lead to the acquisition of professional certifications. Participation in these activities is financially supported by the hosting Department.

Internationalization and Accreditation

A Double Degree program is available, allowing selected students to obtain both the Italian Laurea Magistrale in Computer Engineering and the French diploma of Ingénieur diplômé de l’École Nationale Supérieure d’Ingénieurs de Caen, with a specialization in Génie Physique et Systèmes Embarqués. The program lasts 36 months for a total of 150 ECTS credits, includes study periods both in Italy and in France at the École d’Ingénieurs in Caen, and guarantees recognition of the qualification in both countries, including eligibility for professional practice in France and certification of acquired language skills.

In 2013, and reaffirmed in 2020, the Master’s Degree Program received the prestigious EUR-ACE (EURopean ACcredited Engineer) quality accreditation. This recognition highlights the program’s commitment to improving the educational process and continuously updating its content to meet labor market demands.

At a Glance