The Cloud Computing, Network Infrastructure, and High-Performance Computing Master’s program

About the Master’s Program in Cloud Computing, Network Infrastructure, and High-Performance Computing

In the digital age, advanced computing technologies and high-performance networks are becoming essential for solving complex problems and supporting innovation across multiple fields. From simulations in medicine, physics, or meteorology to the management of critical national infrastructure, cloud computing platforms, high-performance computing (HPC), and advanced networks provide the foundation for a connected and efficient future. In this context, the need for specialists with interdisciplinary skills is greater than ever, making it essential to create an educational program that meets these requirements. Fields such as artificial intelligence, big data analysis, scientific simulations, cybersecurity, and industrial automation are all based on architectures and technologies that fall within the scope of HPC and computer networks.

Cloud systems and efficient communication technologies are essential in numerous economic and social sectors. Cloud and HPC processing enable complex simulations and intensive calculations that would be impossible on conventional computers. These technologies are used in fields such as climate prediction, bioinformatics, the design of new materials, and the optimization of industrial processes. At the same time, advanced computer networks ensure connectivity, rapid data transfer, and security in critical applications such as the IoT (Internet of Things), autonomous vehicles, and industrial networks.

As the volume of data grows exponentially and requirements for speed and security become more stringent, solutions based on cloud systems and advanced networks are becoming indispensable. These enable real-time data analysis, resource optimization, and the development of effective predictive models. At the same time, collaboration between different institutions and industries depends on the existence of reliable, high-performance networks that facilitate data transfer and the sharing of computing resources.

In this context, the proposed master’s program is designed to address this urgent need for well-trained specialists capable of tackling complex challenges and contributing to the development of modern digital infrastructures.

How can I apply / study for this master’s degree?

There are two ways (paths) to apply for this master’s program:

  1. The national track: on this track, the master’s program can be pursued under the same conditions as any other master’s program offered by the Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science at Babeș-Bolyai University. The two years of study take place entirely at UBB (without the involvement of EIT Digital or another European university). Students may pursue the master’s degree on this path on a state-funded basis (if eligible) or as a paying student, with tuition fees being the same as for other master’s programs in Computer Science offered by the Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science. Admission to this path takes place every year in July, with a possible additional admission round in September. On this path, students receive a single dissertation-based degree (they do not receive two degrees or EIT certification, though the curriculum followed is the same as on the next path—the European path). More information about admission to the national path is available here.
  2. The European path (or EIT path). This path is run under the umbrella of EIT Digital (European Institute of Innovation & Technology) and offers several advantages, primarily related to international exposure: students study at two different universities—the first year at one university and the second year at another university abroad—and receive two diplomas from the two universities as well as EIT Digital certification. It should be noted that this track is tuition-based, but EIT Digital also offers scholarships (actually tuition fee waivers) to the top applicants, which can cover up to 100% of tuition costs. On this track, you can choose any two universities from the consortium (they do not necessarily have to be UBB), and graduates of our university receive a 30% discount on tuition fees from the start. Furthermore, students following this path can apply for various scholarships offered by the industry; several renowned companies in the field support the Cybersecurity study programs at EIT Digital partner universities through such initiatives. More information about this track and the admission schedule is available at: https://masterschool.eitdigital.eu/cloud-and-networking-infrastructure and https://masterschool.eitdigital.eu/faq. Please note that, each academic year, admission to this path is handled directly by EIT Digital in the first half of the year (approximately from January through early April).

Target Audience

  • The program is primarily intended for graduates with bachelor’s degrees in Computer Science or related fields who wish to deepen their knowledge or acquire a solid foundation in networking, cloud computing, and HPC.
  • The program is also open to graduates with bachelor’s degrees in other fields, on a competitive basis, provided they demonstrate through an entrance exam that they possess the fundamental knowledge (covering the topics of the bachelor’s exam in Computer Science) required to successfully complete the courses in this program.
  • Employees from IT and non-IT companies who wish to specialize in this field.

A primary goal of the master’s program is to train specialists in network infrastructure and the cloud. This field is essential for most software applications currently developed by the industry. A second goal is to provide fundamental training in high-performance computing (HPC). The third objective of the program focuses on innovation. Special emphasis is placed on encouraging innovation and developing customized solutions for problems in various industries. An important component of the proposed master’s program curriculum is the innovation and entrepreneurship component (30 ECTS credits out of a total of 120).

The curriculum has been designed to ensure the development of fundamental competencies in the fields of networking and cloud computing, as well as high-performance computing, with the aim of meeting the demands of the labor market in these areas.

Skills Developed

  • Knowledge and understanding of fundamental concepts of system and network administration, as well as security aspects related to this process;
  • Knowledge of the concepts necessary for operating a virtualized cloud platform;
  • Knowledge of the operating principles of modern TCP/IP networks;
  • Knowledge of how operating systems for clusters and the cloud function;
  • Acquisition of the fundamental knowledge enabling parallelization and the resolution of large and complex problems on scalable systems;
  • Knowledge of security aspects related to applications installed in the cloud;
  • Understanding and design of various cloud architectures.

Requirements

Among the program’s advantages are:

  • A curriculum covering subjects in the field of computer networks (Network Virtualization, Multimedia Communications in IP Networks), cloud computing (Cloud Databases, Grid, Cluster, and Cloud Computing, Operating Systems for Parallel and Distributed Architectures, Cloud Infrastructure and Application Security) and high-performance computing (Models in Parallel Programming, Algorithms, Models, and Concepts in Distributed Systems)
  • A master’s program with a strong focus on innovation and entrepreneurship. The curriculum includes a series of courses designed to foster students’ entrepreneurial spirit. Notable examples include: Entrepreneurship in IT, Agile Project Management Methodologies, Innovation Management, Principles of a Digital Economy.
  • A curriculum that also complies with the EIT (European Institute of Innovation & Technology) recommendations regarding master’s programs in the field of cloud computing and network infrastructure. The EIT recommendations pertain to both the cybersecurity component of the curriculum and the innovation and entrepreneurship component.

Master’s Program Curriculum: Network and Cloud Infrastructure.pdf