Master's Programme in Information Systems

Academic year 2023/2024

120 credits
Autumn 2023, Uppsala, 100%, Campus
Programme syllabus and outline

Overview
Programme
Career
Admissions
Contact and further resources

The Master's Programme in Information Systems allows you to study how digitalisation influences working methods, behaviours and activities. It includes courses on digitalisation and its effects, infrastructure and advanced software engineering methods for creating complex information systems. It gives you an in-depth understanding of how to design for digital practices that are needed in the rapidly increasing digitalisation of our societies, and where AI and Big Data approaches are often a prerequisite.

Why this programme?

The Master's Programme in Information Systems is an internationally competitive programme with a focus on systems development based on organisational requirements. The rapidly increasing digitalisation of society involves major changes for individuals, organisations and society. As a result, future information systems graduates must be equipped and prepared to tackle these challenges.

This programme provides you with expertise in the management of and development of digital practices, focusing on systems development. It covers the fundamentals of how work is undertaken in a digital environment.

During the programme, you will

learn how systems and applications interact with individuals and groups in various activities performed in organisations today.
be challenged with courses on big data and machine learning.
master how to develop complex information systems that are based on the needs of both clients and their users, as well as how to do so in teams.
practice applying scientific approaches in practical problem-solving.

You can also expect to gain expertise in the management of system development process as well as understand the organisational context and its need for information. Information systems is an exciting and dynamic field and our Master's programme focuses on the latest developments and research in the IT field. You will be studying and living in Sweden which is one of the most digitalised societies in the world today. The programme is taught by instructors at the very cutting edge of research and practice.

Student profile

You have a strong foundation in information systems or computer science. You understand that a holistic view of information systems includes users, organisations and technology. You are interested in digitalisation and how it is affecting and will affect individuals, organisations, and society. You have previous experience in computer programming and want to sharpen your skills in information systems.

You can analyse and reflect on problems critically. You are creative and innovative enough to come up with your own ideas. You enjoy problem-solving and teamwork. Your natural curiosity drives you to seek a deeper understanding, not only to learn facts.

Degree

The programme leads to a Master of Social Science (120 credits) with Information Systems as the main field of study.

Programme

The programme is built around three central themes

Complex information systems (with courses related to digital infrastructure, software engineering, machine learning and big data).
The systems development process (with courses related to software engineering and agile development methods).
The organisational context of information systems and system development (with courses related to digitalisation, digital practice, and business value of IT).

During the first semester, you will study digitalisation and its effects on individuals, organisations, and society. You will be introduced to digital practices, i.e., how to organise work in an increasingly digitalised environment, including systems development practices, information and knowledge modelling, designing for usability, change management, and project management and working in teams.

During the second semester, you will learn about systematic design and development of complex IT systems as well as digital infrastructure and its implications for systems development.

During the third semester, you will learn about artificial intelligence and machine learning, including ethical and social implications. You will also take a course on business value creation using digital technologies, which will show how IT can be used for strategic advantage.

In the final semester, you will apply your knowledge to carry out a degree project and write your Master's thesis.

Courses within the programme

See the outline for courses within the programme.

Learning experience

The programme is offered in Uppsala and teaching consists of lectures, lessons, and seminars, which are all taught in English. During a seminar, you will present your ideas and discuss with your classmates material from a course book, an influential paper, or some preliminary research that you have undertaken. The lecturer usually only moderates the discussion. The aim is to develop critical thinking and collaborative skills. All the students are expected to be active participants in all forms of discussions.

You will also have group work which encourages you to be a team player and to learn from other students in the class. More practically oriented teaching is undertaken in laboratory sessions, and you will also be expected to submit assignments and essays.

The programme integrates research methodology in all courses, allowing you to learn to apply cutting-edge scientific methods by practising on solving practical problems. You will also hone your skills in oral and written scientific communication throughout all courses within the programme.

Examination of courses takes place in the form of written tests, seminars and assignments.

Career

After completing the programme, you may find employment in one of the following positions:

System developer
Software engineer
AI developer
Big Data analyst
Project manager
Management consultant
Software analyst
Systems architect
Test leader
IT educator
Researcher

Information technology continues to be an important and growing sector, and graduates of the programme generally find work quickly, both in Sweden and internationally. A broad education and the importance of IT means that there are opportunities for you to explore many different industries.

Salary in Sweden can vary greatly depending on education level, work task, previous experience, location, sector, etc. According to one of the largest Swedish work union SACO's statistics, the average salary of newly graduated students in information systems in 2021 was SEK 32 000 per month before tax.

Successful completion of the programme also qualifies you for PhD studies in information systems.

Career support

During your time as a student, UU Careers offers support and guidance. You have the opportunity to take part in a variety of activities and events that will prepare you for your future career. Learn more about UU Careers.

Admissions

Below you will find details about eligibility requirements, selection criteria and tuition fees. For information on how to apply and what general documents you need to submit, check the application guide. Besides the general supporting documents, you also need to submit one programme-specific document: an Application Summary Sheet.

Master's Programme in Information Systems

120 credits

Autumn 2023, 100%, Campus

Location: Uppsala

Application deadline: 16 January 2023

Application code: UU-M2630 Application

Language of instruction: English

Requirements:

Academic requirements

A Bachelor's degree, equivalent to a Swedish Kandidatexamen, from an internationally recognised university.

Also required is 90 credits in information systems or computer science or a similar field of study.

Language requirements

Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6. This requirement can be met either by achieving the required score on an internationally recognised test, or by previous upper secondary or university studies in some countries. Detailed instructions on how to provide evidence of your English proficiency are available at universityadmissions.se.

Selection: Students are selected based on:

an overall appraisal of previous university studies;
a statement of purpose; and
additional relevant merits, e.g. work experience and internships.

Tuition fee-paying students and non-paying students are admitted on the same grounds but in different selection groups.

Fees:

If you are not a citizen of a European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) country, or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees. Fees cover application and tuition only and do not cover accommodation, academic literature or the general cost of living. Read more about fees.

Application fee: SEK 900

Tuition fee, first semester: SEK 60,000

Tuition fee, total: SEK 240,000