The digital world is facing a crisis that has at the same time opened new windows of opportunity. To tackle the shortage of potential leaders joining the digital sector, the Schaffhausen Institute of Technology (SIT) has crafted a new course: Masters of Science (MSc) in Computer Science and Software Engineering – to better prepare graduates for leadership roles, specifically within the IT and Science disciplines. Launching in September 2020, the newly developed program is available for students with Bachelor’s in Computer Science or Software Engineering who have ambitions to be a part of the next generation of technical leaders.

A new master's in Computer Science and Software Engineering course from the Schaffhausen Institute of Technology (SIT) was officially announced on May 26, 2020 at a virtual conference. This is the first master’s program launched by SIT — a newly formed institute based in the technology hotspot of Schaffhausen, Switzerland. SIT was founded by entrepreneurs and global thought leaders, and is focused on bridging the gap between education and industry.

Chaired by Acronis CEO, Dr Serguei Beloussov, SIT and its syllabus have been specifically developed to tackle current challenges in the IT, physics, and business industries, including the shortage of future leaders joining the software sector.

With studies suggesting that a vast majority of computer science courses do not adequately prepare graduates for CTO or CSO-type leadership positions, the SIT MSc in Computer Science and Software Engineering course has been strategically developed with leadership in mind and connected to world-class research expertise.

“The SIT program will prepare graduates to manage software engineering projects within their own businesses, research organizations, or corporations. We blend science and practical needs to bring knowledge to anyone”, said Serguei Beloussov, founder and CEO of Acronis, founder of Schaffhausen Institute of Technologies (SIT). “Combining computer science, quantum technologies, and new materials, will give graduates a strong foundation to develop innovative solutions. Scientists and business leaders from the SIT’s Board of Directors will help connect students with leading technology experts and build relations with successful technology companies.”

SIT’s master’s program meets the traditional Bologna European system standards for higher education. Based on a two-year curriculum of full-time study (or a fast-track three-semester curriculum), the course follows the traditional academia year and is therefore ideal for students currently graduating with a bachelor’s in science or engineering. The course will also uniquely offer students more freedom to learn directly at the SIT campus, or through an agile flip-blended e-learning teaching style designed to meet the different needs of on-site and remote students.

The thesis required to complete the master’s degree can be written based on the student’s experience in their own start-up business, with access to the SIT-Techpark and investors, or at one of SIT’s business network partners, as well as in the SIT leading research laboratories. This level of engagement with businesses is extremely rare in highly technical Master’s degrees from other prestigious specialist universities.

More details on the new master's in Computer Science and Software Engineering course were announced at the SIT Virtual Nano Conference, which featured world-class speakers sharing their expertise in the fields of IT, science, and business. These included Nobel Prize Winner and Chairman of the Advisory Board in SIT Prof. Sir Kostya Novoselov, Acronis Executive Officer and the founder of Schaffhausen Institute of Technology Dr Serguei Beloussov, Professor of Software Engineering at the Schaffhausen Institute of Technology Prof. Mauro Pezzè, Professor of quantum physics at the Mathematical Institute, University of Oxford Prof. Artur Ekert, and Former Chief Polygraph Examiner and Interrogator Dr Barry L. McManus. Keynote sessions as well as panel discussions held on topics including quantum computing and cyber security.

More information on the new course can also be found on the SIT website.
For more information, contact the SIT admissions team directly at: on master-office@sit.org