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Flexible Study Modes at DSTI

Embark on your educational journey with DSTI School of Engineering and discover the array of study modes designed to suit your unique needs and aspirations. Whether you’re stepping straight out of high school or are a seasoned professional seeking to upgrade or pivot your career, we have tailored learning experiences that cater to your specific circumstances, aspirations and endeavours.

Undergraduate & Postgraduate Education

Tailored for current students transitioning from high school or university, typically under the age of 30, these study modes are crafted to shape you into proficient data scientists, engineers, or analysts. Two study rhythms are available:

Full-time

Engage in your studies with comprehensive full-time modes, involving end of year/end of programme internships.

Part-time Apprenticeship

Balance academic theory and practical experience with our programmes in part-time apprenticeship mode (in France only, see conditions below).

Executive & Continuing Lifelong Education

Tailored for professionals typically aged 30 and above, these study modes allow you to upskill or pivot your career while balancing professional commitments. Available only at postgraduate MSc programmes, the following modes are offered:

Blended Learning

Freedom of face-to-face, online or asynchronous learning. This mode offers two rhythms:

Executive MSc

Fast-track your learning in six months followed by a four to six-month mandatory internship or equivalent full-time job.

Self-Paced Online Course (SPOC) - All MSc programmes

This hyper-flexible mode allows you to complete your programme at your own pace, along with the extensive and tailor-made follow-up.

Part-time Sandwich

This mode allows you to “learn while you earn”, splitting your time between academic studies and professional work (in France only, see conditions below).

DSTI operates daily as a global school.

Each mode, regardless of the pace or delivery method, ensures the same rigorous coursework, assessments, and recognition of degree upon successful completion. At DSTI, we have always ensured that flexibility does not compromise the quality of your education. Embrace the future of data science and AI engineering with DSTI’s diverse study modes.

In all these modes, students have the freedom to engage in live classes from our two campuses in Nice Sophia-Antipolis & Paris, or virtually from anywhere with a compatible time zone. 

Our faculty teaches from a specific campus, and students participate from wherever their circumstances permit. This way, we ensure that our diverse study modes not only provide flexible learning opportunities but also a truly international educational experience.

Undergraduate & Postgraduate
Full-Time

Ideal for first-time students, our full-time mode submerges you into the realm of DSTI specialist education. By choosing this mode, you can regularly interact with our dedicated faculty and classmates, thereby fostering a rich and collaborative learning experience. Our Direction of Studies team follows up with each student regularly to track their progress. 

Furthermore, the full-time mode includes internships at the end of the year or programme, allowing you to gain valuable practical experience.

Bachelor programme:

“On-campus” at Nice Sophia-Antipolis and Paris campus.

Applied MSc programmes:

  • “On-campus” mode at our Nice Sophia-Antipolis and Paris campuses
  • “Off-campus” (online), in real time, from any location with a compatible time zone.

Thanks to this intensive pathway, you will be fully prepared to tackle the challenges of the data science and AI field upon graduation.

Bachelor Programme
Full-time Mode

First Year

In the first year of our Bachelor in Computer Science & Engineering programme, students dive into computer science, engineering and information systems’ concepts and technologies for data, AI and cyber security applications.

  • Students explore foundational principles and gain a solid grounding in the field.
  • Pass two external professional certification exams, enhancing your skills and future employability profile.

Second Year

In your second year, students continue in full-time mode and have acquired enough to attempt an optional first eight to twelve-week internship, enriching your experience in computer science and engineering. Another set of two external professional certification exams must be acquired.

Third Year

The final year of the Bachelor programme forms the final layer of your specialisation in computer science & engineering, including elements of artificial intelligence and cyber security. A mandatory six-month internship concludes your studies, where you will extensively practise your skills while gaining valuable work experience. Professionally ready and fluent French speakers may also opt* for a work-and-study mode through an apprenticeship contract with a host company.

* DSTI Direction of Studies will assess the readiness of students wanting to start an apprenticeship, with respect to academic results and the necessary maturity level for joining a company.   

Programme Features

First Year

560 hours of teaching 

Second Year

540 hours of teaching + optional internship

Third Year

550 hours of teaching + internship or apprenticeship (subject to
conditions)

Applied MSc Programmes
Full-time mode (2 years)

Immerse yourself in the intricacies of data science with DSTI’s Applied MSc programmes. Available in Data Science & AI, Data Engineering for AI, Data Analytics and Cyber Security, these two-year full-time programmes empower you with a deep understanding of data science principles and practical technological skills necessary for a successful career in the field.

In the first year, you'll deeply engage with your chosen specialisation, mastering both the scientific theories and technical tools integral to data science. An optional internship provides an opportunity to apply your newfound knowledge in real-world settings, allowing you to gain practical experience in the industry.

The second year further expands your scientific understanding and technical prowess, culminating in a mandatory six-month internship. This hands-on experience in the industry not only reinforces the skills you've acquired but also provides valuable exposure to the professional landscape of data science.

Whether you’re learning on-campus or off-campus (online in a compatible time zone), our Applied MSc programmes ensure active, real-time participation in classes. This allows you to interact with our esteemed faculty and diverse student body, whether you’re studying in Nice Sophia-Antipolis, Paris, or anywhere in the world. With DSTI’s full-time Applied MSc programmes, you’re set to embrace a globally recognised Masters’ level education, tailored to your lifestyle and aspirations.

Postgraduate
Part-Time Apprenticeship – In partnership with CFA AFIA

Are you under 30, an EU/EEA citizen (or already in France and long-stay visa holder) and a French speaker*?

Embrace an exciting journey with the part-time apprenticeship studies at DSTI. This unique mode of study offers an unrivalled opportunity to delve into the data sciences while gaining practical, on-the-job experience, thereby significantly accelerating your professional maturity and employability.

Apprenticeship schemes in higher education seamlessly blend academic instruction with real-world industry experience. By uniting classroom learning with hands-on work in a company setting, students cultivate a profound understanding of both theoretical concepts and their practical applications. This symbiosis doesn’t just enrich the learning process, but it also equips students with a competitive edge in the job market and the ability to foster valuable professional networks.

A real benefit of apprenticeship schemes lies in the financial support they provide. Tuition fees are fully covered, and students receive a salary from their host companies. This alleviates financial concerns, allowing students to focus entirely on their educational journey and career development.

Choosing an apprenticeship doesn’t mean compromising on the quality of your education. Students engaged in part-time apprenticeship programmes receive the same rigorous curriculum and expert instruction as their peers in full-time study modes.

Experience the remarkable advantages of part-time apprenticeship studies in all DSTI programmes. Forge your future with our immersive, hands-on approach to learning, and flourish in an educational environment that champions growth, collaboration, and success.

Thanks to its flexibility, being an apprenticeship student at DSTI is possible from our two campuses of Nice Sophia-Antipolis & Paris, but also anywhere else in France, with our off-campus modality. Over a quarter of our current students are spread across the country, taking on exciting roles in various industries!

*Some companies may recruit non-French speakers, but it’s a rare occurrence.

Undergraduate & Postgraduate Education - Summary

Students currently in education, typically under 30

You may refer to the following table to understand the details of different modes for our programmes.

Undergraduate - Bachelor

Mode

Programme

On-Campus (live)

Online (live)

Asynchronous

Internship

Full-time

Bachelor

Year 1

Year 2 

Year 3

Nice Sophia-Antipolis

Paris

No

No

(recordings and courses’ content always available for catch-up / revisions)

Yes (optional in year 2, mandatory in year 3)

Apprenticeship

Bachelor

Year 3

Subject to French fluency and professional-readiness assessment

Nice Sophia-Antipolis

Paris

Yes

No

(recordings and courses’ content always available for catch-up / revisions)

N/A

Postgraduate - Applied MSc

Mode

Programme

On-Campus

Online

Asynchronous

Internship

Full-time

Applied MSc (years 1 & 2)

Nice Sophia-Antipolis

Paris

Yes

No

(recordings and courses content always available for catch-up / revisions)

Optional in Year 1

Mandatory 6-month in Year 2

Apprenticeship

Applied MSc (years 1 & 2)

Nice Sophia-Antipolis

Paris

Yes

No

(recordings and courses content always available for catch-up / revisions)

N/A

Executive & Continuing Lifelong Education
Blended Learning

With a wealth of experience in addressing the unique needs of mature students (aged 30 and above), from various countries and diverse professional backgrounds, DSTI offers a robust platform for those seeking to elevate their skills. 

This could be by augmenting existing expertise, typically in computer science, engineering, and statistical analysis, embarking on a transformative journey into the dynamic realm of data sciences and AI or specialising in cyber security. Our mature students typically approach their learning journey in two ways:

Executive MSc - Full-time Mode

Mature students pause their existing professional activities, dive headfirst into their studies, gain initial experience, and then re-enter the job market with an upgraded skill set. This path is typically chosen by those seeking to accomplish their goals “as swiftly as possible”. 

Self-Paced Online Course (SPOC) - All Applied & Executive MSc programmes

They need to continue in their current roles, balancing their studies with professional commitments. These students prefer to learn at their own pace, supported by continuous, one-on-one guidance over an extended period, often spanning several years. We cater to these students with our ‘Self-Paced Online Course‘ or ‘SPOC‘ pace.

At DSTI, we’ve designed our blended learning modes with the understanding that every learner’s circumstances, goals, and preferred pace of learning are unique. Our mission is to provide you with the flexibility, support, and world-class education you need to succeed in your chosen path.

Blended Learning Executive MSc full-time

Unleash your potential and fast-track your journey into the world of data science and AI with DSTI’s full-time Executive MSc programme. This intensive path is thoughtfully designed to assemble skills in Data Science & AI, Data Engineering, Data Analytics & Cyber Security into six months of immersive, high-impact classes.

DSTI Executive MSc programme is unique in its richness, depth and volume of scientific foundations and technological know-how without ever missing on the bigger organisational picture. With hundreds of Executive Alumni, DSTI has one of the greatest credentials in upskilling right-now team leaders and future decision-makers.

Our hundreds of successful graduates are a testament not only to the effectiveness and quality of our Executive Education programmes, but also to their relentless commitment and effort. Their success is a shared achievement – a testament to the strong partnership between DSTI’s dedicated faculty, direction of studies and our hard-working students.

So, are you ready for the challenge? With DSTI Executive MSc in Artificial Intelligence in full-time pace, you can fast-track your way into a rewarding career in data science and AI, joining the ranks of our successful alumni.

Blended Learning
Self-Paced Online Course (SPOC)

Are you a working professional seeking to enhance your expertise in data science and AI but unable to commit to traditional study schedules?

DSTI’s Self-Paced Online Course (SPOC) pace within the Blended Learning mode is designed precisely for you, allowing you to study at your own rhythm while balancing your educational journey and professional commitments. All our Applied & Executive MSc programmes – Data Science & AI, Data Engineering for AI, Data Analytics and Cyber Security – are open to this mode, ensuring you gain the advanced knowledge you need, in your own time.

One of the unique aspects of the SPOC pace at DSTI is the format of our class recordings. Rather than featuring a lone professor lecturing to a camera, our class recordings capture real-time classroom interactions in Full HD, including discussions and questions from live students. This vibrant approach brings the classroom to life, providing a dynamic, interactive learning experience, even in an asynchronous mode.

Moreover, all SPOC students have the opportunity to join live classes, depending on their availability and the live class schedules. They can also participate in support sessions and any DSTI event, ensuring they remain an integral part of our vibrant academic community. To further foster this sense of community, we organise a quarterly SPOC meeting where all SPOC students are invited to share their experiences, tips, and insights. This collaborative environment is not just enriching, but also greatly beneficial for networking and shared learning.

Our SPOC students are a cherished part of what we fondly call the “third campus” of DSTI. With nearly 150 working professionals currently enrolled and around 60 graduates who have significantly boosted their careers, the SPOC pace is a testament to the flexibility, inclusivity, and effectiveness of DSTI’s approach to learning.

In the SPOC pace, our dedicated Direction of Studies team creates individualised learning paths for each student. These paths not only manage course dependencies within each programme but also cater to each student's immediate professional needs, delivering the most relevant skills at the right time. This personalised approach ensures that our SPOC students receive an education that is tailored to their specific circumstances. And these learning paths are dynamic, constantly evaluated and adjusted to meet shifting professional environments or personal goals.

In the SPOC pace, your career progression doesn’t need to be put on hold. Upskill while continuing to excel in your current role and become an even greater asset to your organisation. Join our successful graduates and propel your career to new heights with DSTI’s innovative SPOC pace.

Part Time Sandwich

Are you 30 or above, an EU/EEA citizen (or already in France and long-stay visa holder) and a French speaker*?

Consider an enriching career shift into data sciences with DSTI's part-time sandwich studies. This distinctive study mode presents a great opportunity to transition into data sciences while acquiring hands-on professional experience, thereby strengthening your professional maturity and employability. It's essential to be cognisant that this mode, referred to as a ”Contrat de Professionnalisation”, bears a significantly higher cost for employers compared to the apprenticeship scheme for those under 30.

As a result, finding positions under this scheme can be more challenging. The key lies in finding a real alignment between your prior education and work experience, and an employer who is eager to bring you onboard and enhance your skills. Despite the higher cost of this scheme, the organisation of work and studies aligns perfectly with the apprenticeship scheme outlined above, creating a seamless and supportive learning environment.

*Some companies may recruit non-French speakers, but it’s a rare occurrence

Executive & Continuing Education
Summary

Professionals, typically over 30

You may refer to the following table to understand the details of different modes for our programmes.

Postgraduate

ModeProgrammeOn-Campus (live)Online (live)AsynchronousInternship (or equivalent employment)
Full-time paceExecutive MSc

(6 months of classes)

Nice Sophia-Antipolis

Paris

Yes

No

(recordings and courses’ content always available for catch-up / revisions)

4 to 6-month, mandatory.
SPOC pace

Applied MSc
Executive MSc

(6 months of classes)

Whenever desired, if student availability and programmes’ schedules matchWhenever desired, if student availability and programmes’ schedules matchYes4 to 6-month, mandatory (including with their current employers, if possible).
Part-Time sandwichApplied MSc, in a “work and study” rhythm (14 to 24 months)

Nice Sophia-Antipolis

Paris

Yes

No

(recordings and courses’ content always available for catch-up / revisions)

N/A, “work and study”.

FAQ's

Can an international student apply for an apprenticeship from their home country?

Non-European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) citizens must possess a valid residence permit in France and be registered in a French higher education institution to be eligible to apply for an apprenticeship. As a result, Non-EU / Non-EEA students cannot apply for an apprenticeship while living in their own countries.

Additionally, they may be required to demonstrate their fluency in French, as most employers will demand proficiency in the French language.

EU & EEA citizens, on the other hand, are typically free to apply for apprenticeships in France without holding a residence permit as they possess the freedom to work and study in France under the European Union’s freedom of movement regulations.

How can I apply for an apprenticeship of either type?

The application process for an apprenticeship at DSTI is the same as the regular application.

An interested student can fill in the application form with all documentation and pursue further processes. If the admission decision is favourable, students sign a contract with DSTI so that we can help them find appropriate opportunities.

To implement the “contrat d’apprentissage”, a regulated work contract, DSTI has partnered with CFA AFIA, a leading provider of apprenticeship schemes in higher education for IT and digital technology in France. Over nearly three decades, our CFA partner institutions have trained more than 15,000 apprentices. A CFA, or Centre de Formation des Apprentis, is an accredited body that manages these “contrats d’apprentissage”. They have the option to either provide the education themselves or delegate the educational programmes to partner establishments, like AFIA does. CFAs handle all the legal, administrative and quality control aspects of these contracts, ensuring a seamless and efficient learning experience for our students.

Book One on One Online Meeting with DSTI

At DSTI, we provide one-on-one online meetings with prospective students. Here we answer all their questions regarding our Applied Bachelors and Applied MSc courses.

Join DSTI's Weekly Online Group Meetings (English)

At DSTI, we organize online group meetings where we share valuable information about our selection of Applied Bachelors and Applied MSc courses in data and AI.

Join DSTI's Weekly Online Group Meetings (in French)

DSTI organizes online group meetings to provide information about our range of Applied Bachelor and Applied MSc programs in data and AI.

Open House Sessions at DSTI Paris Campus

Every Wednesday from 2PM to 6PM CEST, DSTI’s Paris Campus hosts an open day for all, no appointment necessary. Inquiries regarding admission, courses or other related topics are welcomed. We are delighted to provide answers to your questions.