The digitisation of information from physical and social systems has considerably increased the production of data in recent years – this process goes under the name of Big Data. New technologies have made the interconnection, the interaction, the exchange and the collection of data easily accessible to public administrations, private companies, non-governmental organisations, and individual citizens. This is driving a series of economic, social and political changes that require strong innovation in all areas of science and business. Data are thus no longer just information, but rather a resource with its own economic value that grows along with its usability. As social and economic systems become increasingly complex, governments call for tools that allow sensible real-time decision-making. These transformations are shaping a range of new professional profiles, collectively known as Data Scientists. These profiles share a wide set of skills; they are capable of working in dynamic and multidisciplinary environments; their role is to choose, collect, analyse and select data in a creative and innovative manner, as to allow the decision-maker, be it a manager or a researcher, to make informed choices, anticipating trends and seizing opportunities.
The Master of Science (Laurea Magistrale) in Data Science will provide graduates with a deep theoretical, methodological and technical knowledge in mathematics and statistics, computer science, and also with a specific domain expertise in fields like Social and Political Sciences, Psychology and Business.
Graduates will be able to put their expertise to work in the private, public and third sector, being knowledgeable in the treatment of data, and in their analysis. Great attention will be given in developing how-to-do-it abilities and soft skills - many of the labs and courses will provide group design activities in interdisciplinary workshops, with the participation of non-academic stakeholders. These abilities and skills will be further strengthened through training placements with public administrations, private companies, research institutes and laborartories, as well as stays at other Italian and European universities. The objective will be to foster both the development of interdisciplinary knowledge applied to concrete cases, and of relational, communicative, negotiating and organisational skills.
The Master of Science in Data Science will be active from the academic year 2018-2019 following final approval by the Ministry of Education, University and Research.