Master in Computing Science

Master's programme in Computing Science

Do you want to expand your knowledge in problem solving and programming? The Master’s programme in Computing Science is directed towards students who want to achieve further understanding of the field and develop a scientific attitude characterised by logical reasoning and critical analysis. Following your degree you can enter PhD studies or development work in computing science in a company.

Necessary qualifications for being able to follow the programme are theoretical knowledge and practical skills regarding algorithmic problem solving, including well-developed programming skills. In particular, you must be able to program in programming languages such as C, Java, and Python and, if necessary, quickly become acquainted with further programming languages. You must also be familiar with the basics of discrete mathematics and fundamental concepts from the theory of computation such as automata, formal languages, computability, and computational complexity.

Thesis completes your studies

During the first semester of the programme you will take four courses of which two are mandatory: Artificial Intelligence – Methods and Applications and Efficient Algorithms. The two remaining courses are Database System Principles and Computational Complexity. The latter two are not mandatory, but are pre-selected and highly recommended. Towards the end of the programme, after taking a number of elective courses, you will take the course Student Conference in Computing Science that gives a hands-on introduction to scientific writing. This course will prepare you for your master thesis comprising 30 ECTS credits, which completes your studies.

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Software development

The programme courses consist of lectures, seminars, group work and tutorials in conjunction with different types of assignments and laboratory work. These assignments are usually mandatory and often consist of software development of some kind. Count on a 40-hour work week even if there are fewer hours scheduled. You are expected to organize your work by yourself in a way that suits you and your studies.

Your teachers are also scientists in the fields in which they teach. All teaching is in English.

More information on the programme webpage

Continue with PhD studies

Following your degree you can apply for positions as a PhD student in Computer Science or related areas all around the world. You can also work in the industry, where highly educated computer scientists are highly sought-after, or in the public sector.

Umeå University was founded in 1965 and is Sweden's fifth oldest university. Today, we have a strong international and multicultural presence with students, teachers and researchers from all over the world. As one of the leading comprehensive universities in the nation, we are alive with enthusiasm, creativity and fresh ideas.

We constantly strive towards being one of Scandinavia and Europe's best environments for education , research and community engagement that meets the challenges of an ever-increasing global society.