Master in Technologies for Human Communication

Address: Via G. Buffi 13
CH-6900 Lugano
Telephone: +41 58 666 45 13
Fax: +41 58 666 46 47
Email: nicoletta.fornara@usi.ch
Contact person: Nicoletta Fornara
Url: www.mtec.usi.ch/

Over the last few years, digital and computer technologies have dramatically changed the way we communicate, creating possibilities for development that, however, require specific analytical, planning and management skills. In order to use innovative technology to the fullest, it is necessary to have an in-depth understanding of the contexts in which that technology will be used. Today, in fact, there is a great need for specialists who fully understand the potential of a technology and the peculiarities of the social and individual contexts in which that particular technology will be inserted.

This Master aims to respond to this need by training up experts with the necessary interdisciplinary knowledge and awareness of the aspects which play a role in determining the success or otherwise of an innovative technological solution.

The courses are divided into three subject areas:
- project planning: design and development of technological solutions
- interaction: concepts, models and tools for interaction between man and machine network technologies: management of the available network resources.

Each of the above-mentioned areas has a theoretical course dealing with concepts and methodology, more practical courses where this knowledge is applied, and a laboratory. Applied courses and laboratory activities for the value of 18 ECTS credits may be replaced by a period of work experience of at least 12 weeks in a company. Alongside the courses from these three categories, students can also choose specific courses from other majors of Master of Science Degrees in Communication Sciences and some equivalency courses (to facilitate students who do not have the pre requisites for this Master´s Degree).

Communication technology specialists can work in a great variety of companies and organisations. The knowledge and skills acquired will allow them to work with teams that develop various kinds of technological products as well as those for the field of communication. An expert of this type will also be able to mediate between the needs of the various stakeholders, to participate actively in the management of technological innovation in processes of company communication, and to take part in the development and the management of a company´s information systems, in particular focusing on web-based services. Not only can these experts work in large companies and organisations, but also in small and medium-sized companies, where flexibility and a strongly interdisciplinary approach are much appreciated.