Master in Computer Science
120 ECTS credits
Study programme
Be part of creating the digital future! The master programme in Computer Science is a two-year programme with focus on software-defined networked systems and cyber security. Collaborate closely with internationally renowned researchers as well as both locally and globally connected businesses.
Education level:
Master's level
Prerequisites
General entry requirements. Upper-secondary school English 6 or equivalent, Degree of Bachelor 180 credits with at least 90 credits in computer science, including the following courses:
Programming Techniques 7.5 credits
Software Development Methodology 7.5 credits Operating Systems 7.5 credits
Computer Networking I 7.5 credits
and
Mathematical Statistics 7.5 credits
(or courses equivalent to the courses mentioned above)
More about field-specific eligibility
Tuition fees
- Total fee: 300,000 SEK
- Per semester / First payment: 75,000 SEK
If you are an exchange student, or if you have citizenship in a European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) country, or Switzerland, you are NOT required to pay tuition fees.
While studying
Education
The programme starts in the autumn every year. The first semester provides both a solid foundation in advanced computer networking and cyber security, as well as fundamental courses in advanced computer science. The second semester reinforces the focus on networked systems and cyber security, with advanced courses on, e.g., wireless systems and ethical hacking. During the third semester the student may choose which elective path to follow. The student may choose between options such as research or industry oriented electives, study abroad or a broader approach involving another subject area. The last semester is devoted to thesis work. The thesis may be done within one of the department's research projects or at a company.Form of Instruction
This is full-time course of study. Throughout the program instruction is given in the form of lectures, exercises, case studies, seminars, project work, and oral and written presentations. Students are expected to participate actively in class and study extensively on their own.Examination
Examination usually takes place at the end of each course, module or unit. The fulfillment of the learning outcomes is specified in the study plans for the obligatory courses.Study Abroad
During the programme it is possible to arrange for a period of study abroad.Professional Contact
During the programme it is possible to arrange for placements with external organisations.Course of study
| Semester 1 | ECTS credits |
|---|---|
| Advanced Communication Networks (Obligatory) | 5 |
| Internet Architectures and Protocols (Obligatory) | 5 |
| Systems modeling and simulation (Obligatory) | 5 |
| Methods in Computer Science (Obligatory) | 7.5 |
| Internet Security and Privacy (Obligatory) | 7.5 |
Total ECTS credits:
30
| Semester 2 | ECTS credits |
|---|---|
| Distributed Systems and Cloud Computing (Obligatory) | 7.5 |
| Ethical hacking (Obligatory) | 7.5 |
| Software Architectures of Distributed Applications (Obligatory) | 5 |
| Wireless Systems (Obligatory) | 5 |
| Distributed Applications: Development Project (Obligatory) | 5 |
Total ECTS credits:
30
| Semester 3 | ECTS credits |
|---|---|
| Privacy Engineering (Elective) | 7.5 |
| Foundations of AI and Optimisation Methods (Elective) | 7.5 |
| Advanced Wireless Networks and Systems (Elective) | 7.5 |
| Quality in Data driven Systems (Elective) | 7.5 |
| Usable Security and Privacy (Elective) | 7.5 |
| AI Engineering (Elective) | 7.5 |
| Current Research in Networked Systems (Elective) | 7.5 |
| Research Project in Computer Science (Elective) | 15 |
| Research Project in Computer Science (Elective) | 30 |
Total ECTS credits:
30*
| Semester 4 | ECTS credits |
|---|---|
| Computer Science - Master´s Thesis (Obligatory) | 30 |
Total ECTS credits:
30
*Full-time study always equals 30 ECTS credits per semester (20 weeks).
Elective course: Students are free to choose among certain alternative courses, often depending on their choice of specialisation.
Optional course: Students are free to choose any course offered at Karlstad University or at other universities. Courses listed are examples of recommended or frequently chosen courses for a specific programme.
Läsårs- och programvärderingar
Start semester Autumn 2015
Start semester Autumn 2018
Start semester Autumn 2019
Start semester Autumn 2021
Start semester Autumn 2022
Future prospects
Employment Market
The programme offers a wide range of possibilities, from a research track for students wishing to continue with PhD studies to more practical applications, both of which may include an international aspect. You may combine for example the final dissertation in the fourth semester with more industry oriented choices in the third semester, if aiming for employment in industry. The programme provides a good foundation in current developments in the area of networked systems and cyber security, and as such should enhance your employability.Degree
Together with a previous bachelor degree, the programme leads to a master's degree of 120 ECTS credits in Computer Science. On completion of the programme you are qualified to continue with doctoral (or licentiate) studies provided that you meet the prerequisites for such studies in the chosen subject.Further Studies
After completion of the Master's Degree the student may continue with further studies to earn a PhD. In the third and fourth semesters of the programme, the student has the possibility to start studying research topics and may if they so choose spend this year on research related topics.- Start Autumn 2025
- Mode of study Campus (Karlstad)
- Language English
- Application code KAU-80371
- Study pace 100% (Day)