Computer Science - master

Programme description

The program covers both the theoretical basis and the experimental methods in computer science. Higher level courses are directly connected to the research within the Department. This imply an opportunity for substantial knowledge in the fields covered.

The program consists of four mandatory courses in computer science, a total of 40 ECTS credits, and 20 ECTS credits of elective courses. The elective courses may be within topics such as economics, management, psychology and entrepreneurship. The program concludes with a master thesis of 60 ECTS credits. The master thesis can also be done in collaboration with an external IT-company.

Programme structure

Learning outcomes

For each programme at the UiT there are set targets for knowledge, analytical understanding, skills and competences that a student should have reached by the end of studies.

Knowledge - The candidate will...

• Have a broad solid foundation in computer science
• Have considerable depth of understanding of a selected area of specialization
• Have a deep understanding on state of the art distributed and parallel software architectures
• Have a solid understanding of system and application development relevant to the chosen specialty

Skills - The candidate will...

• Work independently on a significant non-trivial problem over a longer time-period
• Analyze a problem and plan how to work towards a solution
• Plan, organize and execute the work required to solve the problem. Adapt to changes and limitations.
• Demonstrate the feasibility of the solution by implementing key parts
• Collect and analyze relevant metrics characterizing the problem and the solution
• Write a well-structured and clearly formulated report describing the thesis work and reflecting on its results

General competence - The candidate will...

• Have an interest for the continued development of computer science as a dynamic field under the influences of advances in the discipline, changes in technology, and in application areas, business models, and businesses.
• Communicate effectively, orally and in writing, within the field, and with the public as well as experts in other fields
• Pursue life-long learning and development
• Be aware of relevant social and ethical issues and apply this awareness to their professional conduct 

Admission requirements

Admission to the Master`s programme in Computer Science requires a Bachelor`s degree (180 ECTS) in Computer Science or equivalent qualification. More information on admission requirements:

• General admission requirements - Master

In addition, specialization in Computer Science worth the equivalent of not less than 80 ECTS credits is required.

Good programming skills, (preferably in C, Python) at a systems level, and knowledge of operating systems is strongly required. Students are expected to have skills equivalent to the prerequisites the courses in the study program build upon.

Applicants from Norway or Nordic countries:

• The application deadline for Norwegian and other Nordic applicants is April 15th for admission to the autumn semester

Applicants from outside the Nordic countries:

• The application deadline for self-financing and quota scheme applicants is December 1st for admission to the autumn semester.
• Online application, study code 2017.
• Applicants from outside the Nordic countries must enclose an overview on their practical programming skills and what large implementation projects they have been involved in. The applicants should give examples (refer to URLs) of such projects and their own contribution (the programming part) to these projects.

Teaching and assessment

The program offers various forms of instruction. Most courses consist of lectures as well as tutorials and colloquia. In the lectures the theory of the syllabus is covered. In the colloquium students are active by solving assignments and discussing aspects of the field. A significant part of all courses in Computer Science is the experimental training at the programming laboratories.

Mandatory coursework is given to each course. Approved assignments give access to the exam. The examination structure differs between the courses; from written examination to project work reports, presentation of scientific work or oral examination. And often a combination of these methods.

During the individual special topics and the years master thesis individual supervision is given by the Department's faculty members.

Language of instruction

The language of instruction is English and all of the syllabus material is in English. Examination questions will be given in English, but may be answered either in English or a Scandinavian language.

Also the Master's thesis may be written either in English or a Scandinavian language.

Exchange possibilities

It is not possible to take an educational sabbatical as part of the master's program.

Job prospectives

After graduating with a Master's degree in Computer Science, you can work all over the world within many different industries, for instance IT, mobile, health, teaching and oil. The work is typical as system developers, engineers, scientists or consultants, within areas such as web, mobile phones, data security, computer games, 3D- and film animation, search engines, operating systems, databases and network. It is common among the candidates to hold manager positions and to establish their own enterprise.

Access to further studies

On successful completion of the degree programme, students may be qualified for admission to a PhD programme in Computer Science, depending on satisfactory grades in the Master's and Bachelor's degree. PhD-programme in Computer Science are offered at the UiT.

Study plan

Computer Science - master