Computational Research Foundations

Objective: To develop the ability to identify significant computing and technology problems, critically engage with existing scientific literature and establish a clear direction for independent master’s-level research.

Research Components:

• Research Problem Identification
• Critical Literature Review
• Development of Research Questions
• Scientific and Technical Inquiry in Computer Science

Advanced Research Design & Methodology

Objective: To develop the ability to design rigorous computer science research using appropriate methodological approaches aligned with the research problem, objectives and intended outcomes.

Research Components:

• Advanced Research Design and Methodologies
• Quantitative, Qualitative and Computational Research Approaches
• Research Ethics, Data Governance and Academic Integrity
• Data Collection, Experimentation and Analysis Planning

Research Proposal Development

Objective: To develop a coherent and academically rigorous research proposal establishing the rationale, technical context, theoretical foundation, methodology and intended contribution of the proposed research.

Research Components:

• Research Proposal Development
• Conceptual and Technical Framework
• Methodological and Experimental Planning
• Proposal Review and Approval

Developing Research Capability

Objective: To strengthen the learner’s ability to conduct independent postgraduate research, critically evaluate technical evidence and apply appropriate scientific and analytical methods throughout the research process.

Research Components:

• Developing Research Capability
• Critical Analysis and Scientific Argument
• Research Data Interpretation
• Academic Writing and Scholarly Communication

Supervised Computer Science Research

Objective: To enable learners to investigate an approved computing or technology problem independently while receiving structured academic supervision and research guidance.

Research Components:

• Independent Computer Science Research
• Academic Supervision
• Research Progress Reviews
• Data Collection, Experimentation, Analysis and Evaluation

Master’s Dissertation

Objective: To demonstrate advanced research capability through the completion of a substantial independent research project addressing a relevant problem within computer science, digital technology or computing practice.

Research Components:

• Master’s Dissertation Writing
• Research Findings and Critical Evaluation
• Technical, Professional and Research Implications
• Final Review, Submission and Defence

Upon successful completion of all academic and graduation requirements, learners receive two master’s-level qualifications:

• Master of Computer Sciences — EuroAmerican Institute (EAI), Malta
• Master of Computer Science — EIMT, Switzerland

Together, they form the SwissEU™ dual-qualification pathway, combining a nationally recognised European master’s qualification with a Swiss master’s qualification within one integrated research journey.

The Master of Computer Sciences – By Research does not require learners to follow a predetermined specialisation.

Instead, each learner develops an approved research direction based on the proposed research problem, professional background, technical interests and intended contribution.

Research areas may include:

1. Artificial Intelligence

2. Machine Learning

3. Data Science and Advanced Analytics

4. Generative AI and Large Language Models

5. Cybersecurity and Information Security

6. Cloud Computing and Distributed Systems

7. Software Engineering

8. Intelligent Information Systems

9. Internet of Things and Edge Computing

10. Computer Vision

11. Natural Language Processing

12. Digital Transformation and Enterprise Technology

13. Information Technology Management

14. Data Engineering and Big Data

15. Business Intelligence and Decision Systems

16. Human–Computer Interaction

17. Blockchain and Emerging Technologies

18. Responsible AI, Technology Ethics and Governance

Other computer science and technology-related research areas may be considered subject to academic relevance, supervisory capacity and approval.

The research area defines the focus of the learner’s investigation and dissertation. It does not constitute a separate specialisation award unless explicitly stated within the applicable qualification regulations.

The programme begins with a technological problem, professional challenge, research question or area of computing interest that is relevant to the learner’s academic or professional context.

Instead of requiring every learner to follow the same technical pathway, each candidate develops an individual research direction subject to academic approval.

Identify

Define a meaningful computing, data or technology problem worthy of systematic investigation.

Investigate

Critically explore existing knowledge, technologies, models, systems and research evidence.

Research

Design and conduct an appropriate independent study, experiment, computational investigation or technology-based research project under academic supervision.

Contribute

Develop findings, technical insights, models, frameworks or practical implications that contribute to computing knowledge or professional practice.

Professional experience can provide a valuable starting point for computer science research.

Software engineers, data professionals, IT managers, technology leaders, digital transformation specialists and other practitioners frequently encounter technical and organisational problems through their professional practice.

The Master of Computer Sciences – By Research provides a structured academic pathway for transforming those problems into systematic research.

Professional Experience
↓
Technology Problem
↓
Research Question
↓
Scientific Investigation
↓
Research Findings
↓
Technical, Professional & Academic Value

A research-based master’s programme can provide valuable preparation for learners who may later wish to pursue doctoral-level research.

Through the programme, learners experience key elements of the postgraduate research process, including:

• identifying a research problem;
• developing research questions;
• conducting a critical literature review;
• selecting appropriate research methodologies;
• designing experiments, systems or analytical approaches;
• collecting and analysing research data;
• critically evaluating technical results;
• writing an academic dissertation; and
• presenting and defending research findings.

Where academically appropriate, research developed at master’s level may provide a foundation for identifying or refining a future doctoral research direction.

Admission to any subsequent doctoral programme remains subject to the admission requirements and academic assessment of the relevant institution.

Typical Route

Applicants should:

• Hold a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited or recognised institution; or
• Hold an equivalent qualification at EQF Level 6 or comparable level.

Applicants with backgrounds in computer science, information technology, software engineering, data, engineering, mathematics, technology management or related areas may be particularly suited to the programme.

Applicants from other academic backgrounds may also be considered where they can demonstrate relevant professional experience, technical capability or an appropriate proposed research direction.

A clearly identifiable research interest or proposed area of technological inquiry is beneficial for admission to the research pathway.

Alternative Route

Applicants who do not meet the standard academic entry requirements may be considered through an applicable APEL/RPL route, subject to academic assessment and approval.

Relevant professional experience, previous academic work, technology projects, research activity, professional certifications or other evidence of preparedness for postgraduate research may be considered as part of the applicable admissions process.

English Language Requirement

• Minimum CEFR Level B2, IELTS 5.5, or equivalent, subject to the applicable admission requirements.

Direct academic engagement. Structured supervision. Integrated research support.

Learners participate in research development activities and academic engagement directly through Swiss Information and Management Institute (SIMI Swiss) under the Swiss Live Class Direct™ model.

Throughout the research journey, learners receive structured support in areas such as research design, methodology, technical research development, data analysis, academic writing and dissertation preparation.

Under the SwissEU™ academic model, SIMI Swiss focuses on academic delivery, research support and the learner experience, while the respective qualifications are awarded by EAI Malta and EIMT Switzerland in accordance with their applicable academic regulations.

Swiss Live Class Direct™ provides learners with direct academic engagement without franchise-based teaching or intermediary academic providers.

RESEARCH SUPPORT THROUGHOUT THE JOURNEY

The Master of Computer Sciences – By Research is designed to support learners throughout the development of their research rather than leaving them to complete a dissertation independently.

Research support may include:

• Research topic development
• Proposal development support
• Research methodology guidance
• Academic supervision
• Research progress review
• Literature review development
• Research design and experimental planning
• Data analysis guidance
• Technical evaluation guidance
• Academic writing support
• Dissertation formatting support
• English academic review
• Preparation for final submission and defence

Academic support assists the learner in developing the research but does not replace the learner’s responsibility for producing original academic work.