Blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technologies (Information and Communication Technology) University of Malta

Overview

The Master of Science in  Blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technologies (Information and Communication Technology)  from University of Malta  provides for an introduction to the various Blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) disciplines to all students coming from the different streams, and provides advanced units to students within their specific stream.

Blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technologies (DLT) have the potential to change many applications and services. The field poses new academic and educational challenges due to the multi-disciplinary nature which includes ICT, Business and Law at its core. The underlying technology is required to provide decentralisation mechanisms and computational execution engines built on sound computer science and ICT principles. 

The provision of smart contracts is blurring the lines between real-world legal contracts and automated execution of legal obligations. Programmers will require knowledge of regulatory and legal frameworks within which smart contracts are being proposed, and similarly lawyers would be required to understand obligations laid out within smart contracts. 

With the advent of cryptocurrencies, built on Blockchain and DLTs, new financial and business models are being proposed - whereby finance and business professionals are requiring an appreciation of the underlying technical implementations and algorithms and surrounding legal frameworks. Software developers writing smart contracts and financial systems also require an understanding of the financial and business models which they are translating into code.

Career opportunites and access to further studies

• This M.Sc. programme will be of interest for those who would like to work in the Blockchain/DLT industry.Successful students would be able to further pursue a PhD in the area.