Master's Programme in Computer Science

There is a great need for experts in computing with more than just basic training. The Master's Programme in Computer Science lets you customise and tailor your education to your own interests, with courses led by internationally active researchers. With a focus on creativity and problem-solving, this programme prepares you for an advanced international career in both industry and research.

Autumn 2024 Autumn 2024, Uppsala, 100%, On-campus, English

Location

Uppsala

Pace of study

100%

Teaching form

On-campus

Instructional time

Daytime

Start date

2 September 2024

Language of instruction

English

Entry requirements

Academic requirements

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

Also required is:

90 credits in computer science, including programming, algorithms, data structures, computer architecture and operating systems; and
30 credits in mathematics.

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 and a statement of purpose.

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.

First tuition fee instalment: SEK 72,500
Total tuition fee: SEK 290,000

Autumn 2025 Autumn 2025, Uppsala, 100%, On-campus, English

Location

Uppsala

Pace of study

100%

Teaching form

On-campus

Instructional time

Daytime

Start date

1 September 2025

Language of instruction

English

Entry requirements

Academic requirements

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

Also required is:

90 credits in computer science, including programming, algorithms, data structures, computer architecture and operating systems; and
30 credits in mathematics.

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 and a statement of purpose.

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.

First tuition fee instalment: SEK 72,500
Total tuition fee: SEK 290,000

About the programme

The programme aims to provide holders of an undergraduate degree including computer science with an individualised, world-class advanced education that leads to qualified jobs as developers, project managers or researchers in industry or academia.

In dialogue with student advisors and teachers, you choose from a wide range of courses, so that your education is shaped by your interests together with the department's research fields. You can always ask questions and discuss with your teachers.

The demand for skills in computing is high and will continue to increase due to the computerisation of our society. Many students receive attractive job offers even before completing their studies.

During the programme, you can expect to:

customise and tailor your education to your own interests,
be taught by internationally ground-breaking researchers,
benefit from a focus on creativity and problem-solving that prepares you for an advanced international career.

Courses are taught by experts in their field and are always up to date. We teach in an international environment that provides you with a worldwide network of professional contacts: researchers, teachers and fellow students.

Student profile

You have a strong foundation in computer science. You might even have some practical experience working in the field of computing after graduation, but you have not forgotten your broad theoretical base and study techniques. You are no stranger to mathematics and algorithms and are looking for an educational experience that will give you long-term benefits and a skillset that lasts.

You are independent, self-going, motivated and willing to take on a lot of responsibility to form your educational experience, as well as for your future professional career. You like to have many options and freedom of choice when it comes to courses and specialisations.

Degree

The programme leads to the degree of Master of Science (120 credits) with Computer Science as the main field of study. After one year of study, it is possible to obtain a degree of Master of Science (60 credits).

Content

During the first two semesters, you can choose courses of your choice to broaden and deepen your knowledge from your previous education. You can choose the following areas, among others:

programming languages,
software engineering,
parallel programming,
data communication,
databases,
data mining,
algorithms,
real-time systems,
computer architecture,
artificial intelligence,
human-computer interaction.

In the third semester, you develop your specialisation by working on major research-related development projects, often together with industry. You can also choose to study additional specialised courses.

The final semester consists of a degree project that you can do in industry or at a university, even abroad. It is common for the thesis to be a gateway to the labour market, either in industry or through doctoral studies.

Courses within the programme

See the programme outline for courses within the programme.

Learning experience

You will develop an individual study plan with excellent opportunities to specialise in your field of choice. You must be willing to work and take responsibility for your education and learning.

The learning experience will be different depending on the course, as the teaching is adapted to the nature of the subject. Lectures for the introduction of new materials are common. Practical exercises, calculation exercises or computer labs may take up most of the scheduled time. During these, you almost always work in small groups with others and can discuss both with fellow students and teachers. Most courses also contain some form of project, where you as a student solve problems yourself with the tools you have received from the course, or apply your new knowledge. These projects are often reported both orally and in writing.

The examination also varies between the courses. Of course, you will write exams, but graded projects, major reports, etc. are also common forms of examination.

The programme is taught in English.

Career

Master students in Computer Science are attractive in a highly skilled international labour market. The demand for skills in the field of computer science is high and will continue to grow due to the computerisation of society. It is not uncommon for students to receive job offers even before they graduate.

The Master's Programme in Computer Science allows you to work in a variety of fields, as all businesses depend on computers in one way or another. Many of our alumni choose to work in research and development in the field of computing, either at large companies or at a start-up. Thanks to the programme's structure and research-oriented content, you have great opportunities to determine your future and to be at the forefront of development.

Our graduates often work in the commercial IT sector, as project managers or consultants in advanced product development or applied research. This can be in larger companies like Ericsson, but also in innovative start-ups and applied research. You will have good opportunities to work in an international labour market.

The programme is also a great stepping-stone for doctoral studies.

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.