Computer Science and Engineering International Profile (300 credits)

Job opportunities and the future

Computer engineering deals with designing computer systems for all sections of society. Many Masters of Science in Computer Engineering work in management positions – perhaps within product development or as IT Manager at a company or government agency. Graduates may become technical consultants at companies that help other organisations to develop their data systems, or they may work with teaching or research or start up their own companies. There are job opportunities within all business areas as all society’s functions are dependent on computers and data systems. Knowledge of foreign languages and experience from studying abroad is extremely valuable in most of these professions – not only in the countries where the language is spoken.

The programme

On application, students must choose whether they wish to study Chinese, Japanese or a European language (French, Spanish or German). If students choose Chinese or Japanese they take 60 language credits. If they select a European language they take 40 credits. Students are given the opportunity of studying abroad for one or two terms at one of the KTH partner universities within the relevant language area. They study the language there and do their degree project. Studying for longer periods of time at foreign universities brings students knowledge of a foreign language; it opens doors to other cultures and broadens perspectives. Studies abroad also help students to build up an international contact network. Students will be well-prepared to work in both Swedish and international companies as well as in the research world. In addition to language and culture courses, students generally take the same compulsory courses as in the Master of Science in Computer Engineering 300 credits.

Year 1

In Year 1 of this programme students primarily study the basic computer and mathematics courses that build the foundation for the rest of their studies. Students learn programming techniques (programming language is Java), data structures and algorithms which form the groundwork for all future computer and programming courses. Basic mathematics courses take up derivation and integrals plus algebra and provide a platform for future courses, not only in mathematics. Human- computer interaction covers human cognition and perception and teaches students how such knowledge is used to construct efficient, useful and intuitive programmes for users. A course in software construction provides preparation for the for degree project at first level by teaching methods for the construction of large-scale programs. In Years 1-3 students take a special programme course that acts as a cohesive theme throughout the entire educational programme. Students also take the first course in the language they have selected.

Year 2

Courses in Year 2 are primarily aimed at extending knowledge within the computer engineering field. Database technology is a course in which students learn how to search in large volumes of data. Students study different types of programming, e.g. object-oriented programming and logic programming, in order to provide a broader perspective so that students they are able to assess which paradigm and program language is the most suitable. In order to make time for language studies, students choose between a course in basic logic or numerical methods while students on the regular computer engineering course take both. The software construction course also includes a larger-scale project. Computer engineering provides knowledge on how the components of a computer work and communicate with each other as well as an insight into hardware-linked programming. In addition a course on organisational theory and knowledge-intensive operations is undertaken. The special programme course continues and students’ language courses are ongoing.

Year 3

In Year 3 students take the last of their compulsory courses. The mindset characterised by discrete mathematics is extremely important for a computer engineer. Students consequently study an extensive basic course in discrete mathematics and algebra. In the computer engineering field students learn construction principles for algorithms, computability and complexity. In order to have time for their language studies, in Years 2 and 3 students select two of the three following courses: logic, numerical methods or data security while students on the standard computer engineering programme study all three. In the spring term students undertake a Bachelor’s degree project. The special programme course is concluded. Students are also afforded considerable opportunities for studying elective courses. Students study a further language course.

Bachelor degree

In all KTH Master of Science in Engineering programmes there is an opportunity  to be awarded a Bachelor of Science Degree of 180 credits after a period of thee years. Irrespective of whether students take out their Bachelor’s degree, they may continue their studies towards the Master of Science in Engineering degree of 300 credits. A Bachelor’s degree enables students to enter further studies on a one or two-year Master’s programme in Sweden or abroad

Years 4-5

In Years 4 and 5, students select a Master’s programme. Exactly as students on the standard computer engineering programme (i.e. Computer Engineering 300 Credits) students are guaranteed a place on a wide variety of Master’s programmes which award Master of Science in Engineering degrees. The range of programme on offer varies from year to year. Prior to autumn term 2011, students were able to choose between the following fifteen Master’s programmes which are listed according to popularity: Computer Science,  Industrial Economics, Machine Learning, Human-computer Interaction, Systems, Control and Robotics, Mathematics, Embedded Systems, Communications Systems, Medical  Engineering, Network Services and Systems, Software Engineering for Distributed Systems, System-on-Chip Construction, Scientific Computing, Wireless Systems.

As students on the international programme must find time for both language courses and studies abroad, the choice of Master’s programme is, in practice, more limited.

There are three choices:
1. Select the Master’s programme in Computer Science which offers a sufficient number of elective credits.
2. In consultation with the Programme Director examine opportunities to select another Master’s programme.
3. In consultation with the relevant Programme Director the International Programme Director de-select some of the compulsory courses from a Master’s programme and consequently be awarded only a Master of Science degree, not a Master’s degree as well. During studies abroad, students learn the relevant language and carry out their second level degree project.

Computer science

Computer science is the methodological science for the construction of computer programs and includes both theoretical bases and practical skills for the development of products and systems containing computers and software. This programme provides broad competence, considerable freedom to specialise and around 30 credits from elective courses.

For a description of the other Master’s programmes please refer to the standard computer engineering programme (Computer Engineering 300 Credits).

Read more about the KTH Master programmes and the Erasmus Mundus Programme

Master programmes and the Erasmus Mundus

Degree project

Educational programmes are concluded with a degree project.  This degree project could be said to act as proof positive of the success of the educational programme. This is an opportunity for students to utilise all the knowledge they have acquired during their studies at KTH. Degree projects are carried out in connection to master’s programmes, usually during Year 5. Degree projects are intended to provide students with experience of, under realistic conditions, independently planning, implementing and documenting a project using good engineering praxis. The degree project may be carried out at KTH, at a company or abroad. Students should choose their degree projects carefully – they can be extremely useful when applying for first professional positions!

Please note! Certain changes may be made to the range of courses.