MSc High Performance Computing

The MSc in High Performance Computing at the University of Edinburgh focuses on advanced computing techniques, algorithms, and systems. Students are trained in the skills required to design and implement high-performance systems, providing them with the expertise to meet the growing demand for professionals in the field of computational modeling and simulation. The program is suitable for students with a background in computing or a related field who are looking to deepen their knowledge in high-performance systems and computational methodologies.

Curriculum: The curriculum is designed to provide both theoretical foundations and practical skills, covering topics such as parallel programming, computational modeling, data analytics, and optimization techniques. Key modules include advanced algorithms, parallel and distributed computing, high-performance computing architectures, and scientific computing applications. Students will also have the opportunity to work on practical projects and collaborate with industry partners to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios. The program culminates in a dissertation that allows students to focus on a specialized area within high-performance computing.

Research Focus: The research focus of the MSc program lies in computational science, high-performance system design, and the development of innovative algorithms for large-scale simulations and data processing. Students engage in cutting-edge research in areas like parallel computing, cloud computing, and machine learning, with opportunities to collaborate with world-class researchers. The program emphasizes solving real-world computational challenges, often involving multi-disciplinary approaches and computational techniques used in fields such as physics, biology, and engineering.

Industry Engagement: The MSc in High Performance Computing offers significant industry engagement opportunities, with collaborations with leading companies and research institutions. Students can work on real-world projects, gaining practical experience and insight into how HPC is applied in various industries, including software development, aerospace, and finance. The program also provides networking opportunities with industry professionals through guest lectures, seminars, and career services that help students transition into high-level positions in the HPC industry.

Global Perspective: The University of Edinburgh's program incorporates a global perspective by providing exposure to international research trends and global advancements in the field of high-performance computing. Students from diverse backgrounds collaborate on projects, gaining an understanding of the international applications of HPC. The program’s emphasis on computational methods and data processing enables students to contribute to global challenges, particularly in sectors such as climate modeling, healthcare, and artificial intelligence.

Postgraduate entry requirements:

1. Academic Qualifications: Prospective postgraduate applicants to the University of Edinburgh are typically required to have achieved a minimum academic qualification of approximately 60%, based on their previous academic achievements and qualifications.  

2. English Language Proficiency:  

   • IELTS (International English Language Testing System): Minimum overall score of 7.0, with at least 6.0 in each component (Listening, Reading, Speaking, Writing).

   • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): Minimum score of 100 on the internet-based test (iBT), with at least 20 in each component (Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing).

   • PTE (Pearson Test of English): Minimum overall score of 70, with at least 59 in each component (Listening, Reading, Speaking, Writing).

Students must provide:

• academic marksheets & transcripts
• letters of recommendation
• a personal statement - SOP
• passport
• other supporting documents as required by the university.

Work experience: Some postgraduate courses may require relevant work experience in the field.

It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.

The University of Edinburgh offers a range of scholarships and funding opportunities specifically designed to support international students pursuing undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programs. These scholarships aim to promote diversity, academic excellence, and global engagement. 

Global Scholarships: The University of Edinburgh offers Global Scholarships to outstanding international undergraduate students. These scholarships provide financial assistance towards tuition fees and living expenses, enabling talented students from around the world to access quality education at Edinburgh.

Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships: International postgraduate students pursuing research-based programs (Ph.D., MSc by Research) can apply for Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships. These scholarships provide full or partial funding for tuition fees and living expenses during the research program.

School-specific Scholarships: Some academic schools and departments within the university offer scholarships targeting international students in specific disciplines or programs. These scholarships may be merit-based or need-based and vary in terms of eligibility criteria and funding amounts.

Commonwealth Scholarships: The University of Edinburgh participates in various Commonwealth scholarship schemes, providing opportunities for students from Commonwealth countries to study in the UK. These scholarships are funded by the UK government and other organizations.

External Funding Sources: International students are encouraged to explore external funding sources, such as government scholarships, private organizations, and international foundations, to support their studies at the University of Edinburgh.

It is important to note that scholarship availability, criteria, and application deadlines may change from year to year.

Graduates of the MSc High Performance Computing program at the University of Edinburgh are well-positioned to pursue exciting and rewarding career opportunities in a variety of fields where advanced computing technologies and skills are in high demand. With their expertise in designing, developing, and optimizing high-performance computing systems and applications, graduates are sought after by employers in academia, research institutions, industry, government agencies, and beyond.  

Computational Scientist/Engineer: Graduates may work as computational scientists or engineers, applying their expertise in high-performance computing to solve complex problems in scientific research, engineering simulations, and computational modeling. They may collaborate with researchers in fields such as physics, chemistry, biology, climate science, and engineering to develop and optimize computational algorithms and workflows.

Software Developer/Engineer: Graduates may pursue careers as software developers or engineers, specializing in the design, implementation, and optimization of software applications for high-performance computing environments. They may develop parallel algorithms, libraries, and tools for scientific computing, data analytics, machine learning, and other computational tasks.

Data Scientist/Analyst: Graduates with expertise in high-performance computing and data analytics may work as data scientists or analysts, leveraging their skills to extract insights from large-scale data sets and perform complex computational analyses. They may work in fields such as finance, healthcare, e-commerce, and social media, using advanced computational techniques to inform decision-making and drive innovation.

Research Scientist/Engineer: Graduates may pursue careers as research scientists or engineers in academic institutions, research laboratories, or industrial R&D centers, conducting cutting-edge research in areas such as computational science, computer architecture, parallel computing, and optimization techniques. They may lead research projects, publish scientific papers, and contribute to advancements in the field of high-performance computing.

Cloud Computing Specialist: Graduates may specialize in cloud computing, working for cloud service providers, technology companies, or organizations with large-scale computing infrastructures. They may design, deploy, and optimize cloud-based solutions for scalable and efficient computation, storage, and data processing, supporting diverse applications and workloads.

HPC System Administrator/Engineer: Graduates may work as system administrators or engineers for high-performance computing clusters, supercomputers, or data centers, managing and maintaining computing infrastructure, optimizing system performance, and ensuring reliability and security of HPC systems and services.

Consultant/Technical Specialist: Graduates may work as consultants or technical specialists, providing expertise and guidance on high-performance computing solutions, architectures, and best practices to clients in various industries. They may offer consulting services, training workshops, and technical support to help organizations leverage HPC technologies effectively.