MASTER COMPUTER SCIENCE - M1/M2 Software Systems and Distributed Computing Track

  • Science and Technology
MASTER COMPUTER SCIENCE - M1/M2 Software Systems and Distributed Computing Track
Diplôme national de master contrôlé par l'État
Diplôme national de master contrôlé par l'État

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Résumé

Become an expert capable of designing, deploying, and optimizing complex, robust, and high-performance software systems built on large-scale distributed infrastructures. Read more

Objectifs

Initial training / Executive Education Program / Accessible for resumption of studies / Alternance (Apprenticeship, Contrat de professionnalisation)
Master
2 years
École Universitaire de Recherche Systèmes Numériques pour l’Humain
Campus SophiaTech - Site des Lucioles
French / English

Details

Highlights

  • A new program covering modern applications such as Artificial Intelligence, the Internet of Things, and High-Performance Computing...
  • Work-study programs, internships, and projects: strong ties with companies in Sophia Antipolis
  • Courses backed by leading research laboratories (CNRS, Inria)
  • The opportunity to tailor your learning journey through elective modules, projects, professional events, competitions, hackathons, and international mobility opportunities

Program 100% in English possible

Choose your modules from the wide range of those taught in English *
* and prepare for a global career.

Target jobs

  • Software Engineer, LLMOps, MLOps
  • Cloud Architect (IA)
  • Cloud Engineer / Infrastructure Engineer
  • Site Reliability Engineer (SRE)

2027/28 Admission Process

Selective
Yes, Find out more in the Admission section

SophiaTech Campus


Study in the heart of Sophia Antipolis, Europe’s leading technology park.

Accéder aux sections de la fiche

Introduction

The Software Systems and Distributed Computing track of the Master’s in Computer Science offers specialized training in the design, development, and deployment of complex software systems.

It focuses on software architectures, distributed systems, parallel computing, and computing infrastructures. The curriculum also covers runtime environments, operating systems, networks, and communication mechanisms between software components. Particular emphasis is placed on performance, scalability, reliability, and security.
The track incorporates numerous projects and practical sessions, enabling students to develop strong software engineering skills applied to distributed systems.

Pedagogy

The teaching approach is based on a balance between theoretical instruction and practical application.
  • Students work on supervised projects, case studies and group work, which encourages learning through the practical application of the methods studied.
  • A coherent progression between the first and second years of the Master’s programme enables students to gradually develop their expertise and autonomy.
  • Teaching draws on current tools and environments, with particular emphasis on methodological rigour, the analysis of results and the quality of software development.
  • Finally, work experience opportunities are integrated throughout the programme. For students on the initial training pathway, a compulsory internship is scheduled at the end of the programme. Work-study students undertake work placements throughout the entire Master’s programme.

Events and career support

Throughout the Master’s programme, our students are offered a programme of events designed to develop their knowledge and professional networks and to facilitate their entry into the job market: Carrefour des métiers de l'informatique, TECH Day, sector-specific conferences, practical workshops (CVs, cover letters, interviews), meetings with experts, job dating sessions, and more.

 
TECH Day - Leading figures in the tech sector analyse the latest digital trends.
Games on Web, concours de programmation interuniversitaire de jeux en 3D pour le Web
The Doctoriales, a annual event to find out what a PhD Student's life looks like.
 

The aim of the Software Systems and Distributed Computing track is to train specialists capable of designing and maintaining robust, high-performance distributed software systems.
  • Students acquire advanced skills in concurrent and parallel programming, distributed architectures, and computing resource management.
  • The program also aims to provide students with a thorough understanding of software engineering tools and methods, from specification through to deployment.
  • Students are trained in performance analysis, optimization, and solving complex problems associated with distributed environments.
  • Upon completion of the Master’s degree, graduates are equipped to join advanced software development teams, digital infrastructure teams, or pursue a PhD in Computer Science.

This Master's degree program in Computer Science is part of the curriculum offered by the Digital Systems for Humans Graduate school (EUR DS4H).

The School encourages students to broaden their digital horizons by combining their coursework with a wide range of à la carte semester options: minor courses in law, business, computer science, AI, strategy and innovation, creative industries, entrepreneurship, etc., immersive research projects in laboratories,... Each student can thus develop a unique professional profile by acquiring the cross-disciplinary skills valued by companies, the research community, and start-ups.
In partnership with leading research laboratories and a dynamic network of corporate partners, the School also aims to create opportunities for students: scientific and professional events, programming competitions, international mobility, etc. are all opportunities to learn outside the classroom and successfully enter the job market.

KEY FIGURES

This program is accessible to people with disabilities.

Anna-Maria SUCHINSKA
Responsible for welcoming and supporting students with disabilities
Campus SophiaTech Campus, Templiers, building E, office E206
anna-maria.suchinska@univ-cotedazur.fr
Mission Handicap Website

This program is eligible to  MON COMPTE FORMATION

moncompteformation.gouv.fr

  • Master's in Computer Science courses are held on campus SophiaTech.
  • DS4H minor courses may be held on other campuses.
SophiaTech is the Université Côte d'Azur campus dedicated to information and communication technologies, located in the heart of Sophia-Antipolis, Europe's leading technology park, near Cannes, Antibes, and Nice.

WORK-STUDY PROGRAM:

Partnership


The Master's in Computer Science is backed by internationally renowned computer science research laboratories, ensuring that students receive teaching that is directly in line with the latest developments in the field.
 
     

Dual Degree Agreements

The Master’s in Computer Science (Software Systems and Distributed Computing Track) is covered by a dual-degree agreement with the following institutions. Students can therefore be awarded both the Master’s degree in Computer Science from Université Côte d’Azur and the degree from these universities.

Academic Exchange Agreements

The Master’s in Computer Science (Software Systems and Distributed Computing Track) is covered by an academic exchange agreement with:

The French Riviera offers an optimum environment for high tech business, R&D, research and higher education. The Digital Systems for Humans Graduate school benefits from this very rich industrial and innovation ecosystem including world-class companies, SME, start-ups and competitiveness clusters.
  • Sophia Antipolis is Europe's leading technopole. It brings together world leaders, researchers, SMEs and start-ups in an exceptional natural environment of 2,400 hectares. The Sophia Antipolis Science Park is a place of innovation, providing companies with cutting-edge technologies and expertise in the fields of Information and Communication Technologies, in particular the Internet of Things and the Connected Vehicle, Biotechnologies and Earth and Energy Sciences.
  • Nice is the first European city to have deployed a bouquet of services based on mobile contactless technology (NFC). Numerous experiments are being implemented on its territory by world leaders (Cisco, IBM, Orange, ErDF, Schneider Electric, etc.) on the theme of the smart city, as well as e-health and the Silver Economy.

The Plaine du Var's eco-valley is listed as a "national interest operation", and is set to position the Côte d’Azur as an international leader in the fields of cleantech and sustainable development

Admission

Prerequisite

  • Entry requirement: 3 years’ higher education (Bachelor level)
  • Hold a dual Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science.
  • Or hold another science-based Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification, subject to meeting the necessary prerequisites.
  • Possess skills in programming, algorithms and data structures, databases, systems, fundamental computer science, Web.
  • Work-Study program: present a career plan consistent with the programme’s content.

Within Université Côte d’Azur, the following courses allow students to progress to a Master’s in Computer Science (selection based on application):

Conditions of applications

Admission to the Master’s programme is selective.
Capacity in M1: 35 students - In M2: 35 students

Students applying for the work-study Master’s in Computer Science must state very clearly in their application either their intention to undertake a work-study placement or the name of a company willing to take them on. The work-study placement topic must be approved by the work-study coordinator.
 

2027/2028 Applications

Application for the M1 in Computer Science: MonMaster procedure

Application for the M2 in Computer Science: MonMaster procedure

‘Etudes en France’ Application Procedure (admission to the 1st year only)

This procedure applies only to students who are residents of, or nationals of, one of these countries.
  • From 1 October 2026, via the ‘Etudes en France’ platform – The deadline for applications is set by each embassy.

The application process is conducted online. No documents received by post or email will be considered.
Only applications submitted within the specified deadlines and via the official application platforms will be considered.

Conditions of specific applications

To enrol on the first year of the Master’s in Computer Science, your application must include the following documents, which will be taken into account when assessing your application:

Mandatory:

Relevé de notes du baccalauréat

  • Matières examinées : Matières scientifiques, culture générale

Relevés de notes des études supérieures
  • Matières examinées : Matières informatiques
  • Matières fondamentales pour lesquelles l’absence de connaissances est rédhibitoire : en cohérence avec la composition des majeures disponibles dans le parcours
  • Le redoublement ou la compensation sont-ils des critères d’appréciation ? OUI
  • Analyse de la cohérence entre le parcours suivi et le diplôme envisagé ? OUI
Lettre de motivation et descriptif du projet professionnel
  • Cohérence entre le diplôme envisagé et le descriptif du projet professionnel. La lettre devra impérativement contenir un choix argumenté de la ou des mineure(s) visée(s) qui sera un critère très important.
  • Qualité rédactionnelle (orthographe, défaut de structure ou de syntaxe).
  • Cohérence de la réflexion (développement de l’argumentaire).
     
Promesse de contrat de professionnalisation ou d’apprentissage (pour les étudiants en alternance)

  • Ce document entre dans les critères de sélection (pour les alternants uniquement). Il ne s’agit pas d’un contrat (rédigé sous un CERFA) mais d’une lettre d’engagement et surtout du descriptif de la mission en accord avec la mineure envisagée.

Optional:

CV détaillé

Elément de synthèse permettant de découvrir les compétences utiles acquises dans le cadre d’expériences précédentes et de cerner des éléments de personnalité du candidat

Lettre(s) de recommandation

  • La (les) lettre(s) de recommandation ne rentrent pas dans les critères de sélection mais permettent d’apporter un soutien à la candidature

Niveau de langue en Français pour les candidats titulaires d'un diplôme étranger 
  • Niveau CECRL attendu : B2
Niveau de langue en Anglais
  • Niveau CECRL attendu : B2
Justificatifs d’expérience professionnelle
  • Eléments permettant d’apprécier l’adaptation du profil aux exigences du diplôme souhaité

Program

2026/2027 Programme

  • M1 : hours  - M2 : hours
  • Courses marked with (EN) are taught in English.
Initial Programme
Semester 1 - 30 ECTS
  • UE Software engineering & Design pattern (EN) - 3 ECTS
  • UE Architectures de processeurs hautes performances - 3 ECTS
  • UE Software Components and Services for Internet of Things (IoT) (EN) - 3 ECTS
  • UE Container Orchestration and DevOps (EN) - 3 ECTS
  • UE Concurrent Programming (EN) - 3 ECTS
  • UE English (EN) - 3 ECTS
  • UE Electives (min 2 UE - max 4 UE, including max 1 DS4H minor. Only the 2 highest marks will be included in the calculation of the average) - To be chosen* among:
    • Web (EN) - 3 ECTS
    • Advanced Algorithms (EN) - 3 ECTS
    • Gestion de projet - 3 ECTS
    • Distributed Computing and Learning (EN) - 3 ECTS
    • Programming Challenge (EN) - 3 ECTS
    • Problem Solving (EN) - 3 ECTS
    • DS4H Minor (EN) to be chosen from a range of courses - 3 ECTS
  • UE Project - 6 ECTS - To be chosen among:

* Courses are subject to sufficient capacity and the student’s profile being suitable.

Semester 2 - 30 ECTS
  • UE Introduction to Software Architecture (EN) - 3 ECTS
  • UE Computer Networks (EN) - 3 ECTS
  • UE Securité - 3 ECTS
  • UE Synchronous Programming (EN) - 3 ECTS
  • UE Systèmes d'exploitation avancés - 3 ECTS
  • UE Electives (min 3 UE - max 5 UE, including max 1 DS4H minor. Only the 3 highest marks will be included in the calculation of the average) - To be chosen* among:
    • Data Science for Complex Networks (EN) - 3 ECTS
    • Scalable Data Science (EN) - 3 ECTS
    • 3D Game Programming in Real Time on the Web (EN) - 3 ECTS
    • Modelling Distributed Systems (EN) - 3 ECTS
    • Computational Complexity (EN) - 3 ECTS
    • Programming Paradigms (EN) - 3 ECTS
    • DS4H Minor (EN) to be chosen from a range of courses - 3 ECTS
  • UE Project - 6 ECTS - To be chosen among:

* Courses are subject to sufficient capacity and the student’s profile being suitable.

Semester 3 - 30 ECTS
  • UE Systèmes Logiciels et Calculs Distribués 1 (EN) - 6 ECTS
    • Multimedia Networking
    • Big Data and NoSQL
    • Safety Critical Systems
  • UE Systèmes Logiciels et Calculs Distribués 2 (EN) - 6 ECTS
    • Automation and Lifecycle Management
    • Fog Computing
    • Virtualized Infrastructure in Cloud Computing
  • UE Electives Systèmes Logiciels et Calculs Distribués 1 - 6 ECTS - 3 courses to be chosen* among:
    • Advanced Problem Solving (EN)
    • Software Verification and Testing (EN)
    • Startup Creation through Technology Transfer from Public Academic Research (EN)
    • Programmation efficace et HPC
    • Federated Learning (EN)
    • Graph Analytics and Machine Learning (EN)
    • Graph & Complexity (EN)
  • UE DS4H Minor (EN) to be chosen from a range of courses - 3 ECTS
  • UE Project - 6 ECTS - To be chosen among:
  • UE Electives Systèmes Logiciels et Calculs Distribués 2 - 3 ECTS
    • Anglais
    • And one course to be chosen* among:
      • Advanced Problem Solving (EN)
      • Software Verification and Testing (EN)
      • Startup Creation through Technology Transfer from Public Academic Research (EN)
      • Programmation efficace et HPC
      • Federated Learning (EN)
      • Graph Analytics and Machine Learning (EN)
      • Graph & Complexity (EN)

* Courses are subject to sufficient capacity and the student’s profile being suitable.

Semester 4 - 30 ECTS
  • UE Internship - 30 ECTS
Work-Study Programme
Semester 1 - 30 ECTS
  • UE Software engineering & Design pattern (EN) - 3 ECTS
  • UE Architectures de processeurs hautes performances - 3 ECTS
  • UE Software Components and Services for Internet of Things (IoT) (EN) - 3 ECTS
  • UE Container Orchestration and DevOps (EN) - 3 ECTS
  • UE Concurrent Programming (EN) - 3 ECTS
  • UE English (EN) - 3 ECTS
  • UE Electives (min 2 UE - max 4 UE, including max 1 DS4H minor. Only the 2 highest marks will be included in the calculation of the average) - To be chosen* among:
    • Web (EN) - 3 ECTS
    • Advanced Algorithms (EN) - 3 ECTS
    • Gestion de projet - 3 ECTS
    • Distributed Computing and Learning (EN) - 3 ECTS
    • Programming Challenge (EN) - 3 ECTS
    • Problem Solving (EN) - 3 ECTS
    • DS4H Minor (EN) to be chosen from a range of courses - 3 ECTS
  • UE Apprenticeship - 6 ECTS 
    • Workplace experience

* Courses are subject to sufficient capacity and the student’s profile being suitable.

Semestre 2 - 30 ECTS
  • UE Introduction to Software Architecture (EN) - 3 ECTS
  • UE Computer Networks (EN) - 3 ECTS
  • UE Sécurité - 3 ECTS
  • UE Synchronous Programming (EN) - 3 ECTS
  • UE Systèmes d'exploitation avancés - 3 ECTS
  • UE Electives (min 3 UE - max 5 UE, including max 1 DS4H minor. Only the 3 highest marks will be included in the calculation of the average) - To be chosen* among:
    • Data Science for Complex Networks (EN) - 3 ECTS
    • Scalable Data Science (EN) - 3 ECTS
    • 3D Game Programming in Real Time on the Web (EN) - 3 ECTS
    • Modelling Distributed Systems (EN) - 3 ECTS
    • Computational Complexity (EN) - 3 ECTS
    • Programming Paradigms (EN) - 3 ECTS
    • DS4H Minor (EN) to be chosen from a range of courses - 3 ECTS
  • UE Apprenticeship  - 6 ECTS 
    • Workplace experience

* Courses are subject to sufficient capacity and the student’s profile being suitable.

Semester 3 - 30 ECTS
  • UE Systèmes Logiciels et Calculs Distribués 1 (EN) - 6 ECTS
    • Multimedia Networking
    • Big Data and NoSQL
    • Safety Critical Systems
  • UE Systèmes Logiciels et Calculs Distribués 2 (EN) - 6 ECTS
    • Automation and Lifecycle Management
    • Fog Computing
    • Virtualized Infrastructure in Cloud Computing
  • UE Electives Systèmes Logiciels et Calculs Distribués 1 - 6 ECTS - 3 courses to be chosen* among:
    • Advanced Problem Solving (EN)
    • Software Verification and Testing (EN)
    • Startup Creation through Technology Transfer from Public Academic Research (EN)
    • Programmation efficace et HPC
    • Federated Learning (EN)
    • Graph Analytics and Machine Learning (EN)
    • Graph & Complexity (EN)
  • UE Apprenticeship  - 12 ECTS 
    • Workplace experience

* Courses are subject to sufficient capacity and the student’s profile being suitable.

Semestre 4 - 30 ECTS
  • UE Projet innovation-recherche - 6 ECTS
  • UE Sciences Humaines, Economiques et Sociales - 3 ECTS
  • UE Apprenticeship  - 21 ECTS

  • Optional internship during summer between M1 and M2
  • Mandatory 6-month paid internship at the end of the second year (or full-time work experience for work-study students).
 

This curriculum benefit from dual degree and academic exchange agreements (> see section Partnerships).

Furthermore, the Digital Systems for Humans Graduate school encourages international mobility amongst its students by offering them the opportunity to undertake part of their studies or work placements abroad. A dedicated International Relations service provides them with advice, administrative support and funding schemes to help them make their plans a reality. Click here to find out more.

Full time

Initial Program
  • M1:
    • From September to late May: 5 days a week at the University
  • M2:
    • From September to late February: 5 days a week at the University
    • From March to September: 6-month full-time internship in a company or a laboratory

School and work experience alternating

Work-study Program
  • M1:
    • 3 weeks at University at the start of the academic year
    • Followed by a rotation of 3 days at university and 2 days in a company or a laboratory
  • M2:
    • From September to late January: rotation of 3 days at university and 2 days in a company or a laboratory
    • From early February to September: full-time in a company or laboratory with 3 weeks of lectures and projects at university
Useful Information:
  • Every spring, the Digital Systems for Humans Graduate school organises a career fair to give you the opportunity to meet companies and find a work-study placement. 
  • Work-study programme is also available in research laboratories. 
  • A wide range of resources is available on the Formasup Méditerranée website – the CFA (Apprenticeship Training Centre) for partner universities and schools in the Sud region – including a work-study guide, advice on finding a work-study placement, a salary calculator and more.

What's next ?

RNCP URL of content

  • Répertoire National des Certifications Professionnelles: fiche n°39278
  • Certificator: Université Côte d'Azur, arrêté du 17/05/2024
  • Possibility of validating one or more skill sets: NO

Target Skills

  • Concurrent and Parallel Programming
  • Management of computing resources
  • Performance analysis, optimisation and the resolution of complex problems

Every year, a number of graduates from the Master’s degree in Computer Science go on to study for a PhD, either in France or abroad.
Employed by a research laboratory or a company, PhD students undertake an original research project over three intensive years, culminating in the defence of their thesis.
This globally recognised qualification (PhD) opens the door to numerous career opportunities in computer science within both the private and public sectors, in France and internationally, in roles such as lecturer-researcher, researcher and research engineer.
Locally, doctoral students from Université Côte d'Azur's Doctoral School of Information and Communication Sciences and Technologies are integrated into the teams of research laboratories partnering with the Digital Systems for Humans Graduate School or into the research and development laboratories of companies in the Sophia Antipolis technopark.

 

Business sector or job

Les diplômés du parcours Systèmes Logiciels et Calculs Distribués peuvent accéder à des postes de Software Engineer (ingénieur logiciel), d’architecte Systèmes et Cloud, de Cloud Engineer (Ingénieur Infrastructure) ou de Site Reliability Engineer (SRE), expert en haute disponibilité et passage à l'échelle.
Ils sont également préparés à des fonctions de recherche et développement dans les secteurs des technologies de l’information, du cloud computing, des services numériques et des applications nécessitant des systèmes à haute performance et fiables.

  • Employment rate: 90% after 18 months (2024 Graduates of the Master’s in Computer Science across all specializations, source: OVE-IT).
 

Submission

Year 2026/2027

  • Initial Program:
    • French students and EU nationals*: registration fees of €255 per year + CVEC
    • Non-EU foreign students (except in cases of non-liability and exemptions provided for by law) : 3 950 euros/year + CVEC
  • Work-study Program:
    • Student: no tuition fee but CVEC.
    • Host Company: 11 000 € (excluding the student's salary)
  • Executive Education:
    • 255 €/year + fees prorated according to the number of ECTS credits (on the basis of 6700 € / 60 ECTS)
Depending on your personal situation, different amounts may apply. 
 

Excellence Scholarship for International Students

  • The Excellence Scholarship "WINGS" Program from the DS4H Graduate School offers outstanding students the chance to receive a grant for the UbiNet track. This will be a decision from the Ubinet Program Committee. Key conditions: being a non-French citizen and having studied outside France, do the Master Internship with one of the Ubinet research teams. Find out more...

* "EU nationals" students are nationals of European Union member states (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden), European Economic Area member states (EU + Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway), Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Czech Republic, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden), member states of the European Economic Area (EU + Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway), Switzerland, Monaco, Andorra, and the province of Quebec (Canada). Students with refugee status or subsidiary protection are also covered by these rights.

After receiving confirmation of your admission to this program, you will need to complete your administrative registration. The procedures and registration deadlines vary depending on your situation.