Students admitted into the DS and IST programs are expected to have a solid background in mathematics (multivariate calculus, linear algebra) and computing (proficiency in at least one commonly used programming language, knowledge of basic algorithms, data structures, and computer architecture). Also, for the IST program, a background in physics or engineering is highly recommended.

All MSc students are guaranteed a stipend of 40,000₽ in addition to health coverage for the duration of their studies, provided that academic standards are met.

During the 1st year, students deepen their theoretical background, while in the 2nd year they mainly work on their research projects. The curriculum includes a number of introductory fundamental courses relevant to both tracks (optimization, numerical linear algebra, machine learning), as well as a variety of application-oriented courses on topics such as computer vision, data mining, language processing, robotics, multiscale modeling, quantum computing, etc.

Graduates of the program are trained to perform original research in their chosen area and apply the results of the research in an industrial context. Students have numerous opportunities for academic mobility and collaborative research with the faculty at Skoltech, as well as at the partner universities and industrial research labs in Russia and abroad.

MSc Data Science (DS) and MSc Information Science and Technology (IST) are full-time programs each comprising 120 ECTS credits*:

60 ECTS credits of coursework:

• 36 ECTS credits for Science, Technology and Engineering courses (core courses and recommended electives from MSc Data Science and MSc Information Science and Technology**);
• 12 ECTS credits for Entrepreneurship and Innovation courses;
• 12 ECTS credits for summer Industrial Immersion;

36 ECTS credits of early research, thesis preparation, and thesis defense:

• 6 ECTS credits of early research;
• 24 ECTS credits for thesis preparation;
• 6 ECTS credits for thesis defense;

24 ECTS credits of Options:

• Elective courses from the course catalog;
• Research project/Innovation project.

* – 1 ECTS credit = 27 hours x 60 minutes
** – Refer to the course catalog for the list of courses offered.