MSc Blockchain Technologies and Business Applications
Introduction
The MSc Blockchain Technologies and Business Applications is a fully funded Master’s course which will be delivered by the University of Technology, Mauritius (UTM) in collaboration with the University of Applied Sciences, Germany and MIT Art, Design and Technology (ADT) University, India, under the Skills Development Support Programme for AI of the HRDC.
The programme is an attempt to address the need to equip the country with a technical understanding of blockchain as well as the various aspects surrounding this far-reaching technology.
This course is expected to help bridge that skills gap in new technologies and empower graduates with the skills and understanding they need to contribute to the development of blockchain in Mauritius. The programme also seeks to strengthen the local blockchain ecosystem and create multiple opportunities to make the most of what blockchain and decentralised ledger technologies have to offer.
Its purpose is to empower students to become proficient in blockchain Technology and to equip them with the skills they need to design and develop blockchain-based technological solutions for the local as well as regional market.
Duration
The course will be offered for a period of 2 years (October 2023 to August 2025) on a part-time basis to a maximum of 4 years.
Aims and objectives of the programme
The programme therefore aims to provide students with:
- A fundamental knowledge of Blockchain as well as a wide range of transferable and marketable skills related to Blockchain technologies.
- An in-depth exposé of the Blockchain architecture and all the components that makes it operational.
- A good understanding of the legal aspects surrounding the Blockchain, at both national and international levels and an adequate programming proficiency for the development of Blockchain-based solutions.
- Access to a network of business professionals, developers, incubators, associations and other entities that make up the larger blockchain eco-system in the country and beyond.
After successful completion of the MSc programme, the graduates will:
- Acquire an in-depth understanding of the fundamentals of Blockchain including its history and development. This understanding will in turn help to appreciate the continuous evolution of the technology and the future it will help create.
- Acquire a deep understanding of the implications of blockchain and the possibilities it holds for disrupting businesses and establishing new frontiers of innovation.
- Acquire a set of programming skills for developing Blockchain-based solutions to meet the growing requirements of the market.
- Develop a well-grounded scientific method of doing research and development as well as further develop an entrepreneurial mindset.
- Provide Blockchain-based solutions to problems currently being faced in the organization.
- Acquire an intensive knowledge of legal requirements governing blockchain activities.
- Gain access to wide range of resources to continue building on the foundations the Masters degree will provide.
- Gain access to a growing network of people and organizations involved in Blockchain development or use.
Requirements:
Only science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) students will be eligible for the course, as it requires significant programming knowledge. A Degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics field or equivalent with significant programming knowledge, acceptable to the University of Technology, Mauritius. Furthermore, applicants under the October 2023 intake should be working professionals in private sector enterprises who will apply the acquired knowledge and skills in their enterprise.
Criteria for Eligibility:
- Only employees of enterprises contributing to the training levy can apply for this course.
- GTES, MSc AI dropouts or those who have already benefited from a GTES Master’s course or MSc AI fully funded programme are not eligible.
- Participating enterprises should be employing at least five full-time employees.
- A maximum of four employees per enterprise will be selected.
- There should be a dual commitment from the employer and prospective student through a joint application of Employer/Employee to demonstrate that the enterprise has a current/prospective project on Blockchain-enabled system.
- The application form (https://tinyurl.com/HRDC-Form) should be filled jointly and co-signed by enterprise and applicant.
- The University will conduct an interview for selection of candidates.