Vadodara: In a strategic move to align academic programmes with rapidly evolving industry demands, the Faculty of Science at Maharaja Sayajirao University (MSU) will introduce two new courses from the 2026-27 academic year. These are a two-year MSc in Advanced Computing and a five-year integrated MSc in Data Science.
The programmes are designed to go beyond conventional curricula, focusing on advanced, skill-intensive, and research-oriented learning, in accordance with the National Education Policy 2020. Announcing the launch, Prof Vipul A Kalamkar, dean of the Faculty of Science, emphasized that this initiative represents a shift towards specialization-driven education. He stated, "Traditional postgraduate programmes often repeat undergraduate content. We have consciously ensured progression, depth and industry relevance to create professionals who can build, innovate and lead in emerging technology domains."
MSc in Advanced Computing
The MSc in Advanced Computing will be open to graduates in computer science and allied disciplines. It emphasizes systems-level thinking, scalability, and innovation. Students can choose specialization tracks in artificial intelligence and machine learning, cloud computing and DevOps, and cybersecurity from the third semester. The final semester will be dedicated to a capstone project, either industry-based or research-oriented. The course offers 20 seats: 17 regular and three special category. Annual fees are Rs 1.26 lakh for regular seats and Rs 2.07 lakh for special-category and foreign students.
Five-Year Integrated MSc in Data Science
The five-year integrated MSc in Data Science targets students after Class 12 with mathematics. It focuses on strong foundations in statistics, mathematics, and computing. "We follow a ‘statistics at the core' approach, ensuring deeper conceptual learning before applying modern tools," Kalamkar explained. The programme offers training in AI, machine learning, big data engineering, and analytics, with later specialization in AI and ML, big data and data engineering, and analytics and business intelligence. It will have 60 seats: 50 regular and 10 special, with fees identical to the advanced computing course.
Additional Details
Both programmes include internships, industry projects, and research opportunities, with a final-year thesis or industry capstone option. Admissions will be through a university-level entrance exam testing core subject knowledge, mathematical and analytical aptitude, logical reasoning, and awareness of emerging technologies.
