Data Science

Specialty: Data Science

Awarded qualification: 2511 System Analyst

Level of qualification: Master (M.Sc.)

Length of program: 2 years (4 semesters)

Number of credits: 120 ECTS credits

Field(s) of study (ISCED-F): 0613: Software and applications development and analysis (Professional field 4.6 Informatics and Computer Science)

Mode of study: Full-time.

Specific admission requirements:

Completed Bachelor or Master degree program.
Entrance exam: Interview (for candidates with degrees in Computer Science, Informatics, Business Informatics, Computer Systems and Technologies, or Software Engineering) or an Informatics test (for graduates of other professional fields).
Language requirement: The program is delivered entirely in English; therefore, applicants must provide proof of English language proficiency.

Qualification requirements and regulations, including graduation requirements: In order to obtain the qualification, students must be allocated 120 credits (105 credits from coursework and 15 credits from the Master's Thesis).

Graduation requirements: Successful fulfillment of all requirements stipulated in the curriculum and the development and public defense of a Master's Thesis.

Profile of the program: The Master's degree programme “Data Science” is delivered as a joint educational programme between Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar” (VFU) and Burgas Free University (BFU). The programme combines the academic potential and expertise of both higher education institutions in the fields of data science, artificial intelligence, and information technologies. VFU serves as the coordinating university. The training is conducted as follows:

Semesters I, II, and IV: Conducted at Varna Free University.
Semester III: Conducted at Burgas Free University (BFU).

The program is aligned with current trends in data analytics, cloud technologies, cybersecurity, and process automation, following the European Skills, Competences, Qualifications and Occupations Classification (ESCO).

Program learning outcomes: As a result of the training, students acquire:

Professional Knowledge and Understanding: Advanced understanding of the mathematical foundations of machine learning, principles of building distributed and cloud systems, and international standards for managing analytical teams.
Practical and Research Skills: Skills for designing and planning data-driven research, independently solving typical AI tasks, and implementing business digital transformation processes.
Personal and Transferable Competences: Development of innovative thinking and the ability to work in multicultural, international, and interdisciplinary teams.

Program structure diagram with credits:

№	Course Title	Semester	Number of credits
1	Data Structures and Algorithms	I	9
2	Teams Leadership	I	3
3	Mathematical Methods in Data Science	I	9
4	Data Mining	I	9
	Total for Semester I		30
5	Data Engineering	II	6
6	Infrastructure for Intelligent Systems	II	9
7	Computer Vision	II	6
8	Deep Learning and Generative Models	II	6
9	Data Science Master Class	II	3
	Total for Semester II		30
10	Cloud Computing	III	6
11	Reinforcement Learning	III	6
12	Stochastic Methods in Artificial Intelligence	III	9
13	Natural Language Processing	III	9
	Total for Semester III		30
14	Elective 1: Intro to Quantum Computing OR AI Strategy & Product Management	IV	6
15	Elective 2: Algorithms for Quantum Computing OR Corporate Ethics, Data Security & Regulation	IV	6
16	Sports	IV	3
17	Master Thesis Development and Defense	IV	15
	Total for Semester IV		30
	Total for the entire course of study		120

Examination regulations and grading scale: The regulations are specific to each course, including projects, research papers, and tests.

Work-based learning: Students participate in initiatives with Bulgarian and foreign companies, master classes, and have opportunities to acquire professional certifications.

Occupational profiles of graduates: Graduates are prepared for careers as Data Scientists, Data Analysts, Machine Learning Specialists, and experts in intelligent information systems in both the public and private sectors.

Access to further studies: Graduates can enter PhD programs.

Head of the Program: Assoc. Prof. Stoyan Mishev, PhD e-mail: stoyan.mishev@vfu.bg

Contacts with Department of Computer Science: Secretary: Galina Peneva Tel.: +359-52 359572; e-mail: cse@vfu.bg, galina.peneva@vfu.bg

To apply for the master program contact the university admission center: admission@vfu.bg