Master's Degree in Computer Science
Milan, Italy
Master degree
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English, Italian
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Oct 2027
TUITION FEES
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Fast-track counseling
By contacting the school, you'll get access to free priority counselling for any study and application questions.
Key Summary
About: The Master's in Computer Science at The University of Milan offers advanced theoretical and practical training. You'll learn algorithms, programming languages, software engineering, distributed systems, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and big data analytics. The flexible curriculum lets you specialize while preserving breadth. Courses taught in English include lab work, and the final thesis carries 39 ECTS and may be in Italian or English.
Career Outcomes: Graduates design and manage complex computing systems for research, healthcare, finance, media and public administration. Typical roles include software developer, data scientist, system analyst, cybersecurity expert and roles in startups, SaaS firms and IT.
Your IT Journey from Understanding to Innovation
Our Master’s degree in Computer Science aims to provide advanced training in both the theoretical and practical aspects of computer science, focusing less on the technical minutiae and more on the broad principles and methods behind established and emerging technologies.
The goal is to produce highly skilled professionals with strong analytical and operational abilities, as well as a critical and open perspective on the adoption and use of computing technologies. This is a constantly changing field, and keeping up to date with the latest news can be challenging, but also extremely rewarding. As a future graduate of this programme, you will be able not only to understand, but also to contribute to the innovations that will shape the IT landscape in the future.
What You’ll Learn
You will gain advanced knowledge and skills in key areas of computer science, including but not limited to:
- Algorithms and programming languages
- Big data management and analytics
- Software engineering and web architectures
- Distributed systems, cloud computing and the Internet of Things (IoT)
- Artificial Intelligence and machine learning
Why Choose Our Master’s Degree in Computer Science
- A customisable curriculum with a wide range of courses taught in English
- An emphasis on emerging technologies
- A unique mix of theoretical, methodological and experimental teaching paired with laboratory activities
Programme structure
Our Master’s degree in Computer Science gives students the flexibility to customise their study plan by choosing from a wide range of courses.
All courses carry 6 ECTS each and are organised into four macro-thematic areas (referred to as pillars):
- Artificial intelligence, data analytics and big data
- Computing systems in industry, business and medicine
- Interaction and multimedia
- Algorithms, software and theory
Students are encouraged to specialise in a particular area by selecting the majority of their courses from a single pillar. At the same time, to avoid over-specialisation, students are advised to include at least three courses drawn from the remaining three pillars.
39 ECTS are devoted to the final thesis project, which can be carried out in either Italian or English.
For further details, visit the University website ot check our Interactive Course Map online.
Year: 1
Open sessions
There are no specific sessions for these activities (e.g. open online courses).
Compulsory
- English Proficiency B2 (3 ECTS)
Year: 2
Conclusive activities
There are no specific sessions for these activities (e.g. open online courses).
Compulsory
Final Exam
The University of Milan ranks among the leading institutions worldwide. In the QS World University Rankings 2027, it is ranked 270th globally, confirming its steady progress on the international stage, having gained six positions compared to the previous year despite the increase in the number of universities evaluated.
The University’s excellence is particularly evident in subject rankings. According to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, the University of Milan is placed among the top 50 in Veterinary Medicine and it’s in the top 100 universities worldwide in five disciplines:
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Medicine
- Philosophy
- Pharmacy & Pharmacology
- Sociology
The University also ranks among the top 150 worldwide in several subjects, including:
- Agriculture & Forestry
- Classics & Ancient History
- Law
- Politics & International Studies
- Social Policy & Administration
- Modern Languages
- Dentistry
- Nursing
Moreover, it is placed within the top 200 globally in a broad range of disciplines:
- Archaeology
- Chemistry
- Communication & Media Studies
- Data Science & Artificial Intelligence
- Geography
- Mathematics
- Natural Sciences
- Physics & Astronomy
- Statistics & Operational Research
The University of Milan also stands out for its strong commitment to sustainability, ranking 4th in Italy and 174th globally in the QS Sustainability Ranking—an impressive rise of 45 positions. This achievement highlights the University’s growing impact in addressing key social and environmental challenges, reinforcing its role as a forward-looking and responsible institution.
This advancement reflects a comprehensive strengthening of the University’s sustainability policies. Particularly noteworthy are the results in the Social Impact dimension, which highlight increasingly effective initiatives in inclusion, knowledge exchange, and social responsibility, as well as in Governance, with high standards of transparency, ethics, and institutional accountability.
Overall, these results confirm the University of Milan as a multidisciplinary public institution capable of combining academic excellence, social impact, and a strong commitment to sustainable development.
The master degree graduates have advanced theoretical knowledge and skills in the following learning areas:
- Algorithms, languages, logical and formal methods
- Software development and design
- Information systems and data management
- Architectures and networks
- Intelligent systems
- Data analysis and optimization
- Signal and image processing
- Multimedia and social communication
Knowledge and skills in the field of:
- Basic IT methods and principles
- Software design and development, particularly in relation to the most advanced development and design techniques and programming languages
- Information systems and data management
- Management of a company and of the processes involved in its functioning, information management in its various forms and representations, management of distributed services
- Digital architectures and methodologies for the processing of digital signals, radio networks for mobile terminals and sensors and architectures for distributed systems
- Advanced data analysis, the treatment of uncertain information, the planning and optimization of systems and processes
- Automatic reasoning and decision theory
- Algorithmic techniques for coding, compression, manipulation and analysis of images and signals
- Principles and methods for the study and design of IT systems for interaction and for digital communication
Graduates will be able to apply the acquired knowledge and skills to:
- Analysis, design, implementation and evaluation of complex IT systems operating in different application areas
- Use cognitive tools developed during the course to analyze and evaluate from a professional point of view the correctness and compliance of design choices as well as the effects of decisions on the functioning of IT systems
The student will be able to apply the acquired knowledge to:
- Solve new problems
- Design and develop any type of software for any environment
- Solve problems related to data management
- Address the development of wireless networks and digital architectures
- Extract knowledge from data collections or observations, to create predictive models based on observations, and to create systems for planning, optimization and control of processes
- Develop software for graphic manipulation and for the acquisition, representation and intelligent analysis of signals, images and videos
- Study and design of computer systems for digital interaction and communication
Graduates will have to acquire a full capacity to make aware and independent judgments on the decisions and design choices of the companies, organizations, and bodies.
Expected learning outcomes
- Ability to reason critically and to discuss design and implementation choices
- Develop autonomous and independent reasoning
- Awareness of the existence of different alternative methodological approaches for the design and analysis of systems, and understanding of the relevance of this plurality
- Critically evaluate the relevance and merits of alternative projects
- Critically evaluate and interpret evidence
- Argue their positions and communicate the results of their own analyses and evaluations in a clear and effective way
Expected learning outcomes
- Written communication skills, ability to present and evaluate critically in writing ideas and technique and methodological topics
- Ability to formulate and express orally complex technical and methodological arguments
- Ability to elaborate in an accomplished and consistent manner an original research dissertation on a complex topic
The program aims to lead the students to the frontier of research in some of the reference disciplinary areas.
Expected learning outcomes
- Ability to organize one's ideas critically and systematically
- Identify, select and collect information through the appropriate use of the relevant sources
- Use libraries, databases, archives and paper and electronic repertories to access relevant scientific and documentary information
Regional Scholarships
Regional scholarships provide financial support (from a minimum of €1,296 to a maximum of €7,316), exemption from the second tuition fee installment and a free daily meal at the university canteen.
These scholarships are awarded through a competitive selection process to students who meet specific merit, income and enrolment requirements, and who are regularly enrolled in a University of Milan programme.
The call for applications is usually published in July. For more information, please visit: Regional scholarships | Università degli Studi di Milano Statale
MAECI Scholarships
Each year, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) offers scholarships to international students and Italian citizens living abroad (IRE).
These scholarships aim to foster international cooperation in cultural, scientific and technological fields, promote the Italian language and culture, and support Italy’s presence worldwide.
The call for applications and the list of eligible countries are available at: Study in Italy.
European Futures Scholarships
The University of Milan offers 30 scholarships worth €10,000 each to talented students from the European Union who have completed a bachelor’s degree by 31 July and wish to enrol in a master’s degree programme for the 2026/2027 academic year.
The scholarship package includes:
- full exemption from tuition fees
- 30 free places in shared twin rooms in university halls of residence
- participation in the UniMi Ambassadors programme, engaging outstanding students in international promotion activities (e.g., campus tours and webinars)
Applications are open from 5 May to 15 June 2026. The Call and the application link are available here: International scholarships | Università degli Studi di Milano Statale
Master’s graduates in Computer Science are fully equipped to design, develop and manage complex computing systems, leading technological innovation and process optimisation in a variety of settings, from academic research to banking, from logistics to insurance.
Where Your Degree Can Take You
Our Master’s degree in Computer Science can open doors to your dream job in IT. Potential employers are endless and include:
- Public and private research institutions, including universities
- High-tech start-ups developing innovative computing solutions
- Software and network development firms
- Software as a Service companies (SaaS) working across different sectors like finance, environmental protection, media and entertainment, etc.
- Organisations managing complex IT infrastructures in healthcare and public administration
- Media studios
- Digital communications, marketing, and data-driven companies.
Typical roles include software developer, data scientist, system analyst, cybersecurity expert and much more, so your choices are wide open. But rest assured about one thing: your skills will always be in demand.
Learn Across Disciplines
With over 180 degree programmes across 10 study areas, La Statale offers a truly multidisciplinary learning environment. Our students are encouraged to explore different perspectives, develop transversal skills and address the challenges of a rapidly changing world through an interdisciplinary approach.
Achieve Excellence
La Statale combines a long-standing tradition of academic excellence with internationally recognised research and teaching. According to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, the University ranks among the world’s Top 100 in five disciplines (Medicine, Anatomy, Pharmacy, Philosophy, Sociology) and Top 50 in Veterinary Medicine. Further evidence of its academic strength, the University of Milan boasts 13
Departments of Excellence recognised by the Italian Ministry of University and Research.
Get the Support You Need
From enrolment to graduation and beyond, students benefit from a comprehensive support system including scholarships, financial aid, academic guidance, career orientation, mentoring services, job fairs and opportunities tailored to working students.
Knowledge at Your Fingertips
A vast network of libraries, digital archives, databases and scientific resources gives students access to high-quality learning materials and cutting-edge research wherever they are.
Expand your horizons through international opportunities
As a member of the 4EU+ European University Alliance, the University of Milan offers students the opportunity to join a wider European academic community and access innovative international learning experiences.
Combined with a global network of more than 1,300 partnerships, including Erasmus+, exchange and double degree programmes, the University of Milan opens the door to study, research and mobility opportunities around the world.
Join an Inclusive and Sustainable Community
The University of Milan is a vibrant and welcoming community where culture, sport, inclusion and civic engagement enrich student life. The University actively promotes equality, scientific outreach and initiatives against discrimination and violence. Sustainability is also at the heart of the University of Milan's mission: the University ranks 4th in Italy and 174th worldwide in the QS Sustainability Rankings, reflecting its growing commitment to addressing environmental and social challenges and
creating a more sustainable future.