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.
"Classes are smaller than in Germany, so it's a bit more personal. You know your teacher and call them by their first name and your teacher knows you."
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.
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.
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.
Read more about the programme at The Department of Computing Science.
The scientific way of thinking that characterises the programme yields a solid foundation for future PhD studies, but also enables you to work independently with specialised positions in industry. You may find your future workplace at a university or private research institute or with companies such as Ericsson, Facebook, Volvo, Tieto or an overwhelming number of smaller IT-related companies.
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.
How do I know whether I am eligible for the programme?
You need a Bachelor's degree and must fulfil the specific requirements, which are listed together with the rest of the application information. In particular, good theoretical knowledge and practical skills in programming and software engineering on the one hand, and courses that cover the basics of discrete mathematics and theoretical computer science on the other hand.
CloseHow do I apply?
Open an account on universityadmissions.se and follow the instructions given there.
CloseDo I have to pay tuition fees?
Generally, if you are a non-EU citizen and you do not hold a Swedish residence permit for purposes other than studies, you will have to pay tuition fees.
CloseWill I be granted a scholarship?
Once you have been offered a seat on the programme, you can apply for a scholarship, but there are many more applicants than available scholarships, so you need good arguments (such as excellent grades). Please check https://www.umu.se/en/education/fees-and-scholarships/scholarships/ and its sub-pages for more information.
CloseDoes the Department of Computing Science offer student jobs for international students?
Normally not, because we use student assistents only on basic level courses, which are taught in Swedish. Some research projects employ students as project assistents every now and then, but these cases are rare and require the students to have shown their capabilities during the studies.
CloseWill it be possible to find other jobs and do you provide help to find something?
Swedish law permits international students to work besides their studies, but this is not recommended because your studies are demanding even if you do not work in addition. It may furthermore be difficult to find something. Unfortunately, we cannot help you.
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