MSc Computer Science
The master's programme in Computer Science provides a broad education in computer science. Students acquire a solid foundation in advanced algorithms, computer security, artificial intelligence and internet protocols, and gain expertise through specialisation tracks. Graduates pursue careers at the forefront of software-based technologies, for example, as software engineers, game developers, or IT project managers, or pursue PhD studies for careers in research labs or academia.
Computer Science at KTH
The master's programme in Computer Science provides a broad education in computer science with the possibility to specialise in different subjects. You learn methods for constructing software systems, including theoretical foundations and practical skills for developing products and systems. The programme spans areas such as artificial intelligence, data science, algorithms, networks, and computer security, providing a broad foundation before specialisation. During the programme, you meet prominent guest lecturers from the industry and other universities. In the second semester, you choose one of the seven specialisations to gain in-depth knowledge in computer science. The specialisations are closely connected to the department's world-class research groups.
Cognitive Systems
In the Cognitive Systems specialisation, you learn how to develop applications with artificial intelligence for tasks traditionally associated with human intelligence. In the specialisation, you can focus on robotics and computer vision or conversational systems, for example, systems that interact through human language, such as voice assistants, social robots and chatbots.
Data Science
In the Data Science specialisation, you will learn how to analyse, model and extract knowledge from large and complex datasets. The specialisation combines machine learning, deep learning, probabilistic modelling and information retrieval, providing the tools needed to develop intelligent systems and data-driven applications. Applications range from biomolecular sequence data and multimedia content to natural language and large-scale information systems.
Interaction Design
In the Interaction Design specialisation, you will learn to design, develop and evaluate interactive systems with a focus on how people interact with technology. The specialisation combines user-centred design, human-computer interaction and emerging technologies such as extended reality, haptics, multimodal interfaces and generative AI.
Parallel Computing
In the Parallel Computing specialisation, you focus on advanced methods and techniques in high-performance computing (HPC) and quantum computing to accelerate computation across a wide range of areas, including deep learning, large language models, computational fluid dynamics, space physics, biological systems, and drug development. You learn to develop and optimise computational solutions on supercomputers, clusters equipped with cutting-edge GPUs and multi-core processors, and quantum computers and their simulators.
Software Technology
In the Software Technology specialisation, you explore the methods and tools for designing, developing and maintaining different types of software. Within the specialisation, you can focus on programming languages, compilers, and program semantics, or on software engineering, automated testing, and large-scale development of reliable and secure software.
Theoretical Computer Science
In the Theoretical Computer Science specialisation, you learn about abstract and mathematical methods to study algorithms with applications to cryptography, among others. You learn to use formal methods and focus on the verifiable properties of software and software systems, to ensure their safety and security.
Visualisation and Interactive Graphics
The Visualisation and Interactive Graphics specialisation stretches from basic visualisation and graphics to modern research in the field. Visualisation is mainly about making large and complex data understandable with the help of graphics but has applications in computer games and other virtual environments.
This is a two-year programme (120 ECTS credits) given in English. Graduates are awarded the degree of Master of Science. The programme is given mainly on the KTH Campus in Stockholm by the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (at KTH).
Programme structure and progression
During the first year, you build a foundation in computer science through mandatory courses in advanced algorithms, artificial intelligence, computer security, internet protocols, and research methodology. You gain skills to, for example, implement AI search algorithms, select countermeasures against security threats, improve randomised or approximation algorithms using heuristics, and use the most important network diagnosis tools.
In the second semester, you choose one of the programme's seven specialisations and begin to deepen your knowledge within your chosen area. A substantial part of the programme consists of elective courses, giving you the flexibility to specialise further or broaden your expertise across different areas of computer science.
The programme concludes with a master's degree project conducted in an academic or industrial environment in Sweden or abroad. Previous projects have addressed topics such as obstacle detection for unmanned vehicles, analysis of Ethereum smart contracts, neural networks for edge computing, and speaker verification for resource-constrained devices.
Courses in the programme
The courses in the programme cover topics such as software technology, algorithm analysis, computer security, artificial intelligence, networks, scientific computing, visualisation, machine learning, cognitive systems, theoretical computer science and data science.
Courses in the master's programme in Computer Science
Future and career
The master's programme in Computer Science delivers skills necessary for a career at the frontline of modern software technology. Graduates have found work at companies such as Google (USA, Switzerland, Sweden), Spotify, Oracle, Ericsson, Dice, Saab, Klarna, Scania, Bloomberg, Cisco and Accenture. Previous graduates have worked as software engineers, researchers, IT consultants, data analysts, and game developers.
The programme also prepares students for a career in research or continued studies towards a doctoral degree. Former students have continued their studies on the doctoral level in Sweden, the USA, Germany, and France, among others.
Sustainable development
Graduates from KTH have the knowledge and tools for moving society in a more sustainable direction, as sustainable development is an integral part of all programmes. The three key sustainable development goals addressed by the master's programme in Computer Science are:
In this programme, you will learn how to develop smart digital solutions that address real societal needs. As digital technologies rapidly replace outdated and inefficient systems, you will gain both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to create sustainable, computer-based solutions that bridge the gap between user needs and cutting-edge technical possibilities.
Computers are an essential part of modern industry, innovations and new infrastructure. Central societal structures, such as banking, primary healthcare and transport, are currently undergoing dramatic transition, and others are expected to follow. As a skilled expert in computer science and software development, you will be a key player in steering these changes in a positive direction.
Faculty and research
The School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science is one of five schools at KTH. The school conducts research and education in electrical engineering, computer science, and information and communication technology.
Home to several award-winning computer scientists, the school funds research projects through organisations such as the European Research Council, the Swedish Research Council, the Swedish Energy Agency, and the Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research (SSF). Faculty members are also supported by the Wallenberg Artificial Intelligence, Autonomous Systems and Software Program (WASP), Sweden's largest individual research programme. The school is also a strong partner of Digital Futures, a cross-disciplinary research centre with the vision to solve societal challenges through digital transformation, established in 2020 by KTH, Stockholm University and RISE.
