High Performance Computing, Information Theory and Security

The Master's Degree in High Performance Computing, Information Theory and Security at the Autonomous University of Barcelona offers a comprehensive and advanced education designed to prepare students for the rapidly evolving fields of computing, information analysis, and cybersecurity. This program combines theoretical foundations with practical applications, equipping graduates with the skills necessary to tackle complex problems related to data processing, algorithm optimization, secure communications, and large-scale computing infrastructures. Throughout the course, students will explore core topics such as parallel and distributed computing, algorithm design and analysis, information theory principles, cryptographic techniques, network security, and data privacy. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on experience through laboratory sessions, projects, and collaborations with industry partners, ensuring that graduates are well-versed in current technological trends and capable of developing innovative solutions. The program also addresses emerging challenges in cloud computing, big data analytics, and artificial intelligence, providing a multidisciplinary approach that aligns with the needs of modern ICT sectors. Faculty members are experts in their respective fields, bringing both academic rigor and practical insight to teaching and research activities. Students will have access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources, fostering an environment conducive to experimentation and discovery. Graduates of this Master's program will be prepared for careers in research, industry, and government agencies, working on critical tasks such as designing secure systems, optimizing high-performance computing resources, and developing new information-centric technologies. This program ultimately aims to cultivate skilled professionals who can contribute to technological innovation, safeguard digital information, and optimize complex computational systems across various sectors worldwide.

Study plan structure
Specialization in Research orientation (Research)

Type /Credits

* Compulsory / 36
* Optional / 24

TOTAL - 60

Module /Credits /Type

* Information and Safety / 6 / OB
* Master Thesis./ 15/ OB
* Parallel and Distributed Computing Systems / 6 / OB
* Research Methodology / 9 / OB
* Advanced Information and Safety / 6 / OT
* Architecture and Parallel Computers/ 6 / OT
* Coding / 6 / OT Compression / 6 / OT
* Computational Thought Applied to Parallel Programming / 6 / OT
* HighPerformance Modelling and Simulation / 6 / OT
* HighPerformance Science and Engineering Computing Applications / 6 / OT
* Safety Networks and Distributed Applications / 6 / OT

Specialization in Information and Safety (Research)

Type /Credits

* Compulsory / 36
* Optional / 24

TOTAL - 60

Module /Credits /Type

* Information and Safety / 6 / OB
* Master Thesis / 15 / OB
* Parallel and Distributed ComputingSystems / 6 / OB
* Research Methodology / 9 / OB
* Advanced Information and Safety / 6 / OT
* Coding / 6 / OT
* Compression / 6 / OT
* Safety Networks and Distributed Applications / 6 / OT

Specialization in HighPerformanceComputing (Research)

Type / Credits

* Compulsory / 36
* Optional / 24

TOTAL - 60

Module /Credits /Type

* Information and Safety / 6 / OB
* Master Thesis / 15 / OB
* Parallel and Distributed Computing Systems / 6 / OB
* Research Methodology / 9 / OB
* Architecture and Parallel Computers / 6 / OT
* Computational Thought Applied to Parallel Programming/ 6 / OT
* HighPerformance Modelling and Simulation / 6 / OT
* HighPerformance Science and Engineering ComputingApplications / 6 / OT

OB: Compulsory
OT: Optional

Audience

To be admitted to the Master's degree you must hold an official university qualification valid for admission to Master's degree courses in the country in which it was obtained.

The Bachelor's Degree in High-Performance Computing, Information Theory and Security at the Autonomous University of Barcelona requires students to complete a total of 240 European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) credits over four years of full-time study. The program is designed to provide students with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills in advanced computing systems, theoretical foundations of information processing, and cybersecurity. The curriculum is structured into foundational courses during the first year, covering mathematics, programming, and basic computing principles. In the second year, students advance to courses focusing on algorithms, data structures, discrete mathematics, and computer architecture. The third year introduces specialized modules such as high-performance computing architectures, algorithms optimization, information theory fundamentals, cryptographic methods, and network security. The final year emphasizes applied subjects including security protocols, intrusion detection, distributed systems, and project work.

In addition to coursework, students are required to undertake practical labs, participate in seminars, and complete a final-year research project or internship to demonstrate their ability to apply theoretical concepts to real-world problems. Language requirements typically include proficiency in English, which is the language of instruction, with supplementary assistance available for non-native speakers. Students must also fulfill general university admission criteria, including previous academic records and language proficiency certificates. The program aims to develop graduates capable of innovating in fields such as cybersecurity, data analysis, and high-performance computing environments, preparing them for careers in industry, research, or continuing to postgraduate studies. The Autonomous University of Barcelona emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach, encouraging students to engage in collaborative projects and stay updated with emerging technologies in the fast-evolving fields of computing and information security.

The financing studies for the High-Performance Computing, Information Theory and Security program at the Autonomous University of Barcelona are primarily supported through a combination of public funding, research grants, and tuition fees. The university actively collaborates with government agencies, research institutions, and industry partners to secure financial resources that support both the development and sustainability of this specialized program. Students enrolled in this program may have access to various scholarship opportunities, which are often financed by national or regional government initiatives aimed at promoting higher education and research in technological fields. Additionally, the program benefits from European Union funding programs that support innovation and technological development in academic institutions. Tuition fees are structured according to the regulations set by the university, with possible discounts or financial aid options available to domestic and international students based on merit or economic need. The university also encourages part-time employment opportunities and internships in relevant industries as supplementary sources of income for students, which may sometimes be financed by industry partners. Furthermore, research projects associated with the program often receive funding from specialized scientific grants, which facilitate the acquisition of state-of-the-art equipment and support research staff. Overall, the financial model for the program is designed to ensure its sustainability while maximizing accessibility for a diverse student body, fostering an environment where cutting-edge research and high-quality education can thrive. The university’s strategic plan emphasizes the importance of continuous investment in technological infrastructure and academic excellence, ensuring that students and researchers have the necessary resources to excel in the fields of high-performance computing, information theory, and security.

The Bachelor’s Degree in High-Performance Computing, Information Theory, and Security at the Autonomous University of Barcelona is a comprehensive program designed to equip students with advanced knowledge and skills in the rapidly evolving fields of computing and information security. The program emphasizes a solid foundation in core computer science concepts, complemented by specialized training in high-performance computing (HPC), which involves the use of supercomputers and parallel processing techniques to solve complex computational problems efficiently. Students learn about the architecture of modern HPC systems, algorithms optimized for parallel execution, and applications in scientific research, industry, and technology development.

In addition to HPC, the curriculum covers Information Theory, which provides the mathematical underpinnings of data compression, transmission, and cryptography. This area enables students to understand how information can be efficiently encoded, transmitted securely, and protected against unauthorized access. The program also delves into cybersecurity principles, including network security, cryptographic protocols, and threat mitigation strategies, preparing students to address contemporary security challenges in digital environments.

The program’s structure typically includes coursework in mathematics, algorithms, programming languages, systems, and security, combined with practical laboratory sessions and project work. Students participate in team projects that simulate real-world scenarios, fostering teamwork, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills. In the final years, students have opportunities for internships and collaborations with industry partners, gaining practical experience that enhances their career readiness.

graduates are well-prepared for careers in a variety of sectors, including information technology, telecommunications, defense, finance, and research institutions. They can pursue roles such as system architects, cybersecurity analysts, data scientists, and HPC specialists. The university supports students through modern laboratories equipped with state-of-the-art technology, expert faculty, and a vibrant academic community committed to innovation and research.

Overall, this program aims to develop highly skilled professionals capable of designing, managing, and securing advanced computing systems, contributing to technological progress and the safety of digital information worldwide. The interdisciplinary approach ensures graduates are adaptable and ready to meet the ongoing demands of an increasingly digital and interconnected world.