Frequently Asked Questions
General questions about the degree
- Is the MDS degree an Official Master's Degree?
- How long is the MDS degree?
- In which language is the MDS degree taught?
- How much does it cost to complete the full MDS degree?
- What kind of studentships are there to support studying the MDS degree?
- How many years has the MDS degree been taught?
- Is the MDS an in-person master's degree?
Questions about access and admission
- What is the pre-registration period for the MDS degree?
- Is it possible to join the degree in February?
- What previous degrees must I hold to be able to register for the MDS degree?
- What are the criteria for selecting and admitting students into the MDS degree program?
- If I need a pre-admission letter to apply for a studentship associated with the MDS degree, whom should I ask?
- What are the “bridge complements” and who must attend them?
- Is there a limited number of vacancies for new admissions?
Questions about the structure of the degree
- Is it possible to have more than one supervisor for the Masters’ Final Project MFP?
- On which research groups and their lines of research should one base the MFP?
- When may one defend the Master’s Final Project?
- What does defending the Master’s Final Project involve?
- When is registration and defense of the MFP?
Questions by students from outside Madrid
- How much is the cost of living in Madrid?
- Where can I find accomodation in Madrid?
- How do I reach the ETSIInf?
- What documentation do I need to obtain a student visa in Spain?
1. Is the MDS degree an Official Master's Degree?
Yes, it is. The MDS degree was approved by Madri+d on May 7th, 2019.
2. How long is the MDS degree?
The MDS is taught over two semesters, meaning one academic year. The first semester is devoted to required courses, while the second semester is devoted to elective courses and developing the Master’s Final Project.<up>
3. In which language is the MDS degree taught?
The entire degree is taught in English.
4. How much does it cost to complete the full MDS degree?
The total cost of the MDS degree (reference price for the academic year 2018/19) is 2,877.47€, which includes the 60 ECTS credits (45.02€ per ECTS credit). The degree certificate costs 176.27€.
The price per ECTS credit for non-EU students is 84.07€, as established by the UPM for academic year 2018/19.
5. What kind of studentships are there to support studying the MDS degree?
The link contains information on the postgraduate studentships announced by the ETSIInf of the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM grants for Latin American students) and the Comunidad de Madrid (Community of Madrid), and other national and international grants.
6. How many years has the MDS degree been taught?
Academic year 2019-2020 will be the first year that the MDS degree is taught.
7. Is the MDS an in-person master’s degree?
Yes, the MDS is an in-person master’s degree.
8. What is the pre-registration period for the MDS degree?
The pre-registration period for the MDS degree, for academic year 2019-20, ends May 31st, 2019.
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9. Is it possible to join the degree in February (in the second semester)?
It is not possible to join the degree in the second semester (February).
10. What previous degrees must I hold in order to be able to register for the degree?
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Bachelor of Science in Informatics Engineering
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Bachelor of Science in Computing and Mathematics
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Bachelor of Science in Computing and Business Administration and Management
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Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering
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Bachelor of Science in Information Systems
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Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering
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Etc.
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Any bachelor’s degree within the field of engineering with a predominantly technological profile (telecommunications engineering, industrial engineering, aeronautical engineering, biotechnology, agricultural engineering)
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Bachelor’s degrees in mathematics or physics specializing in computation
11. What are the criteria for selecting and admitting students into the MDS degree program?
The reference elements considered by the Academic Board of the MSc (CAMDS) in the student-selection process are: the university from whence the student has come, the degree the student has earned, and the student's resume/CV and/or academic record. The documentation requested from the student is: a photocopy of their national identity card, their academic certification, and their resume/CV.
12. If I need a pre-admission letter to apply for a studentship associated with the MDS degree, whom should I ask?
To request a pre-admission letter for the MDS degree, the student must contact the Administrative Secretariat of the MDS (Dª. Victoria Centeno, master.cd@fi.upm.es). Once it has been verified that the student fulfills the entry requirements and that the documentation provided at pre-registration is correct and complete, the pre-admission letter is sent to the student via post and email. The aforementioned letter does not guarantee the student's admission. The student must complete a selection process if the demand is greater than the number of available vacancies for the new academic year.
13. What are the “bridge complements” and who must attend them?
Students whose degree is not in computer science but a similar field (Technical Engineering in Telecommunications, Higher Industrial Technical Engineering, Industrial Technical Engineering, BSc degree in Mathematics, Physics, or any other computers major) and wish to register for the MDS degree must take up to 30 ECTS credits in “bridge complements.” CAMDS will determine which modules the student must be taught for his/her bridge complements, selected from the degree in Ingeniería Informática (Informatics Engineering) or the degree in mathematics and informatics taught by the ETSIInf of the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM).
14. Is there a limited number of vacancies for new admissions?
The number of available vacancies for new admissions is 40.
15. Is it possible to have more than one supervisor for the Masters’ Final Project (MFP)?
Co-supervision of a Master’s Final Project (MFP) (by two professors) is allowed, but only after a sufficiently-reasoned request has been made of CAMDS. At least one of the professors must belong to MDS degree teaching staff.
16. When may one defend the Master’s Final Project?
Even though the student may register for the MFP without having completed the MDS courses, in order to defend the MFP before the corresponding panel, the student must have earned the 48 ECTS credits from the courses.
17. What does the defence of the Master’s Final Project involve?
Defending the MFP consists of an oral presentation on the student’s work, lasting at least 20 and at most 40 minutes, followed by a period of questions from the members of the panel, lasting a maximum of 20 minutes.<up>
18. When is registration and defense of the MFP?
The MFP may be enrolled in the regular or extended enrollment periods, and may be defended at any time during the corresponding year or semester. The relevant application forms are available to students on the website. To defend the MFP, the student must have passed the required and elective courses. The student must remember the requirement to provide certain documentation (see the master’s website) before the MFP’s date of defense.
19. How much is the cost of living in Madrid?
As a rule of thumb, it is possible to find shared rooms in flats starting at around 150 euros per month. The cost of renting a studio apartment (a one-room flat) starts at 400 euros per month. These prices depend, naturally, on the area, and utility costs (water, electricity, telephone, service charges, etc.) are not included. Note to foreign students: the Spanish Government requires proof that living costs can be met before granting a visa to reside in Spanish territory. This can be proven with a given amount of money in a bank account, or by providing proof that a studentship was granted. We suggest that you contact your nearest embassy or consulate sufficiently beforehand.
20. Where can I find accomodation in Madrid?
The UPM does not own student dormitories. However, for students who are interested, the University offers the possibility of helping students to find accommodations in shared student flats through the Students International Assistance Service SIAS: sias@fi.upm.es.
Madrid is an expensive city for housing, so the student should calculate an approximate price of 350€ per month per room in shared apartments, plus a certain amount as a safety deposit. This price varies, depending on the city area.
21. How do I reach the ETSIInf?
The ETSIInf is located in the outskirts of the city, in the municipality of Boadilla del Monte and, more specifically, on the Montegancedo campus. The campus can be reached by car, tram, and bus. The location map and information on several public bus lines that serve the school are available on the website: http://www.fi.upm.es/?pagina=166.
22. What documentation do I need to get a student visa in Spain?
This depends on the country of origin. However, in general, the required documentation is:
-Letter of admission to the master’s program and medical insurance. This can be issued by any company (not necessarily a Spanish company), but it must have permission to operate in Spain and meet Schengen requirements.
-A document certifying accommodations in Spain. If the student will reside in a relative’s home, the relative must notify a police station and send the document to the student candidate. The ETSIInf has an office for international students (SIAS, sias@fi.upm.es) that guides foreign students in their search for accommodations.
-A certificate of the master program’s structure (this may be requested at master.cd@fi.upm.es).
If you have any further questions, please contact the International Office of the FI (Paloma Vivas, international-office@fi.upm.es).