MSc High-Performance Computing

MSc in High-Performance Computing (HPC) is a part of the branch of computer science. It is a 1-2 year postgraduate course that trains students in advanced computer architecture as well as techniques to help deliver high performance from parallel programs. High-performance computing is an exciting career for students interested in IT and computers and who have a knack for working on demanding and complex projects that make a difference in the world. In this blog, we delve into the details of this course including the syllabus, eligibility, admission process and scope after graduation.

Full form	Master of Science in High-Performance Computing
Duration	1-2 years
Eligibility	10+2 (Science Stream) Bachelor’s degree in relevant subjects (like computer science, mathematics, etc)
Job Options	Data Scientist, Information Systems Manager, IT Consultant, Cyber Security Analyst, Network Engineer, Systems Developer, Software and IT Engineer, Programming Engineer

Also Read: Career in Cryptography and Network Security

What is High Performance Computing?

High-performance computing or supercomputing processes large volumes of data and performs complex calculations at high speeds with the help of a network of computers. A high-performance computing machine is a collection of computers, connected by a network, that executes programs in a parallel fashion and with more hardware. It is basically the use of powerful processors, networks and parallel supercomputers to tackle problems that are data-intensive.

HPC is used for various data-intensive applications which include complex financial models, molecular, genetic and chemical models, high-energy physics and cosmology, complex engineering and machine learning and big data/data science. 

In this field, a variety of job roles are available ranging from people who specify and build the systems, to the admins and engineers who put them together and run them, to the programmers who create the tools and applications that put the machines to work. 

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Programme Description for MSc in HPC

​The master’s programme in High-performance computing is a 1-2 year course that provides a comprehensive understanding of how a complete computer system, with multiple layers of software and hardware, interacts to provide ultimate functionality, performance and energy efficiency characteristics. The program also offers a deep understanding of topics in the areas such as computer architecture, computer graphics and real-time systems which is helpful to master the design of future computer systems that achieve exceptional computational performance.

You can alternatively pursue courses such as masters in advanced computing, computing, computer sciences, artificial intelligence and machine learning, cyber security, human-computer interaction, robotics, etc that would allow you to pursue your career in high-performance computing.

Also Read: Best Universities for Studying Quantum Computing

Courses under MSc in HPC

The following courses could be taught while pursuing a masters in high-performance computing:

• HPC Architectures
• Message-Passing Programming
• Programming Skills 
• Threaded Programming 
• Software Development 
• Numerical Algorithms for High Performance Computing 
• Design and Analysis of Parallel Algorithms 
• Advanced Parallel Techniques 
• Advanced Message-passing Programming 
• Parallel Design Patterns
• Performance Programming 
• Fundamentals of Data Management 
• Data Analytics with High Performance Computing
• Extreme Computing

Top Universities for MSc High Performance Computing

Universities offer various MSc courses in high power computing/computing/advanced computing that help you pursue your career in high-performance computing. Here is a list of those top 20 ranked universities around the world according to the subject Computer Science and Information Systems:

Universities	Location
Stanford University	Stanford, United States
Carnegie Mellon University	Pittsburgh, United States
National University of Singapore (NUS)	Singapore, Singapore
The University of California, Berkeley (UCB)	Berkeley, United States
University of Oxford	Oxford, United Kingdom
Harvard University	Cambridge, United States
University of Cambridge	Cambridge, United Kingdom
EPFL	Lausanne, Switzerland
ETH Zurich – Swiss Federal Institute of Technology	Zürich, Switzerland
University of Toronto	Toronto, Canada
Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU)	Singapore, Singapore
Tsinghua University	Beijing, China (Mainland)
Princeton University	Princeton, United States
University of Washington	Seattle, United States
Imperial College London	London, United Kingdom
The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)	Los Angeles, United States
Columbia University	New York City, United States
Cornell University	Ithaca, United States
Peking University	Beijing, China (Mainland)

Eligibility Criteria for Msc High Performance Computing

To be eligible for MSc High-Performance Computing, the following are general requirements:

• Students must have passed class 12th in science stream with core subjects as Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics from a recognized board. Minimum marks to enter the program are specified by the university.
• A bachelor’s degree, honours or otherwise, in relevant subjects such as computer science and informatics, physics, mathematics, engineering, biology, chemistry, information technology, geosciences, etc. Minimum GPA specified by university.
• Familiarity with programming such as C, C++, Python, Fortran or Java and applicants should have engaged with the task of coding and implementing algorithms, either in employment or study.
• Familiarity with mathematical concepts such as algebra, linear algebra and probability and statistics and basic skills in computer programming 
• If you are planning to study abroad, you have to give English language proficiency tests like IELTS/ TOEFL/ PTE and clear the minimum score requirement specified by the chosen university.

If you need help with applying for an MSc in High-Performance Computing program, you can contact Leverage Edu for end-to-end counselling.

Also Read: Career in Mathematics and Computing

Documents Checklist

Following documents are required while applying for MSc High-Performance Computing:

• Completely filled application form
• A personal statement explaining why you are suitable for the course
• Copy of bachelor’s degree or equivalent 
• Copy of IELTS test scores
• Copy of GMAT/GRE test scores, if required 
• Self-attested X & XII marksheet and certificates
• Passport/Identification Card
• Resume
• Letter of Recommendation (2 references)
• Proof of funds

Scope After Msc High Performance Computing 

After completing MSc in High-Performance Computing you can pursue PhD/DPhil research in fields that use HPC technologies, including astrophysics, biology, chemistry, geosciences, informatics and materials science. 

Or you can pursue the following jobs:

• Data Scientist
• Information Systems Manager
• IT Consultant
• Cyber Security Analyst
• Network Engineer
• Systems Developer
• Software and IT Engineer
• Programming Engineer

Top Recruiting Sectors and Companies

After completing an MSc in High-Performance Computing, you can work in the field of weather forecasting, aerodynamics, software development, software applications, computer/cyber security, artificial intelligence, information technology, theoretical computer science, operating systems and networks, media and entertainment, healthcare, hardware manufacturers and distributors, finance, gaming, and HPC support. You can work at global IT giants such as Microsoft, Google, Oracle, Hewlett Packard, IBM, Cisco Systems and Apple, amongst many others.

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MSc High-Performance Computing can open doors to an array of opportunities across sectors. If you want to attain overseas education in this field but are not sure in which university to study then take the assistance of Leverage Edu’s AI tool.