In the second year, the master's degree allows for in-depth specialisation in Cybersecurity and Digital Defence or Applied Artificial Intelligence, through the completion of a dissertation, project or internship of a scientific or applied nature. This stage promotes the consolidation of advanced skills, encouraging research, innovation and the practical application of knowledge.

As part of the institutional strategy to promote applied research, technological innovation and market links, the course fosters projects with real impact, in conjunction with companies, organisations and research centres. The programme ensures a balanced education, enabling graduates to take on positions of high responsibility in digital security, intelligent data analysis, advanced systems development and decision support based on emerging technologies, reinforcing ISLA Gaia's commitment to scientific and technological excellence.

The following may apply for the study cycle leading to a master's degree:

• Holders of a bachelor's degree or legal equivalent in the fundamental scientific area of the study cycle or related areas, preferably in the areas of Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Technology and Systems, and Mathematics;
• Holders of a foreign higher education degree in the fundamental scientific area of the study cycle or related areas, awarded following a 1st cycle of studies in accordance with the Bologna Process by a State adhering to this Process, preferably in the areas of Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Technology and Systems, and Mathematics;
• Holders of a foreign higher education degree in the fundamental scientific area of the study cycle or related areas, which is recognised as satisfying the objectives of the degree awarded by the CTC;
• Holders of an academic, scientific or professional curriculum vitae, which is recognised as attesting to the ability to complete this study cycle by the CTC.

The Master's Degree in Computer Engineering is intended for:

• Holders of a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related fields;
• Holders of degrees in Information Technology, Information Systems, Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering or related scientific areas, provided they have adequate basic training;
• Professionals in the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) sector who wish to deepen and update their skills in Applied Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity and Digital Defence;
• Candidates interested in developing advanced technological solutions, applied research and innovation, with a focus on real market and societal challenges;
• Graduates who wish to pursue postgraduate studies (PhD) in the areas of Computer Engineering, Artificial Intelligence or Cybersecurity.

As part of the core curriculum, students deepen their knowledge of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing, Blockchain, and Full-Stack Web Development, and are introduced to areas such as Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, Computer Vision, Ethical Hacking, and Sustainable Technological Entrepreneurship. This training combines theory, applied research and innovation, providing a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of Computer Engineering.

In the specialisation in Applied Artificial Intelligence, they develop advanced skills in Cognitive Systems, Recommendation Systems, Generative Artificial Intelligence and Intelligent Automation, enabling them to design, implement and evaluate AI-based solutions in real and multidisciplinary contexts.

In the specialisation in Cybersecurity and Digital Defence, students deepen their knowledge of Digital Forensic Analysis, IoT Security, Intrusion Testing and Advanced Cryptography, acquiring skills to protect systems, networks and data, as well as to respond to security incidents in complex environments.

Design and Implementation of Advanced Artificial Intelligence Solutions:

• Ability to develop, integrate and evaluate solutions based on Applied Artificial Intelligence, including machine learning, cognitive systems, intelligent automation and generative AI, applied to real and multidisciplinary problems.

Protection and Defence of Digital Systems and Infrastructures:

• Competence to design, implement and manage cybersecurity and digital defence mechanisms, ensuring the confidentiality, integrity and availability of information, as well as the protection of critical infrastructures and complex systems.

Secure and Scalable Technological Architectures:

• Ability to design and manage secure cloud architectures and distributed systems, integrating emerging technologies such as Blockchain and IoT, with a focus on scalability, resilience and technological sustainability.

Applied Research, Innovation and Complex Problem Solving:

• Competence to apply scientific research and technological development methodologies, promoting innovation, experimentation and the creation of technological solutions with organisational and social impact.

Critical Thinking, Ethics, and Technological Sustainability:

• Ability to critically analyse the impact of Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity, integrating ethical, legal, and sustainability principles, ensuring responsible professional conduct aligned with global challenges.

Graduates of the Master's Degree in Computer Engineering are qualified to perform technical, scientific and management functions in business, institutional and research contexts, namely:

General Professional Profiles

• Computer Engineer
• Information Systems Architect
• Technology Solutions Architect (Cloud and Distributed Systems)
• Information Technology and Digital Transformation Consultant
• Information Technology Project Technical Manager
• Technology Entrepreneur

Professional Profiles in the Field of Applied Artificial Intelligence

• Artificial Intelligence Engineer
• Data Scientist
• Machine Learning Engineer
• Intelligent and Cognitive Systems Specialist
• Recommendation Systems Developer
• Generative Artificial Intelligence Specialist
• Intelligent Automation Specialist

Professional Profiles in Cybersecurity and Digital Defence

• Cybersecurity Specialist
• Information Security Analyst
• Systems and Network Security Engineer
• Digital Defence Specialist
• Penetration Tester/Ethical Hacker
• Digital Forensic Analyst
• Critical Infrastructure and IoT Security Specialist

Research and Development-Oriented Professional Profiles

• Computer Engineering Researcher
• Artificial Intelligence Researcher
• Cybersecurity Researcher
• Research, Development and Innovation (R&D&I) Project Collaborator
• Continuation of 3rd cycle studies (PhD)