Master’s programme in AI and Software Engineering, 120 credits
Start of studies
Autumn 2027
Form of education
Campus, Day-time, Full-time
Language of instruction
English
How do we develop the next generation of software using artificial intelligence, and how do we build AI‑enabled systems that remain reliable in real-world use? On the Master’s Programme in AI and Software Engineering, you will gain deep expertise in both modern software development and advanced AI methods.
What will you study?
The programme is designed for students who want to master modern software engineering —including requirements engineering, software design, development, testing, and maintenance— while learning how to integrate AI into real software systems. You will learn to develop, integrate, and quality-assure AI components in software systems, and understand how AI can be used to make the entire development chain more efficient.
You will also explore how AI can strengthen software engineering, for example through AI-assisted code generation, intelligent testing, and optimisation. This makes the programme a strong choice whether you want to build reliable software systems with AI components or use AI to improve the tools and processes behind software development.
You will study how AI and software engineering intersect in real projects and environments. You will learn how machine learning, data management, and MLOps are used in modern development settings, from requirements and design to testing, operations, and system improvement. The programme blends theory with practical projects in which you solve real-world challenges alongside industry partners.
You will specialise in two key areas:
- SE4AI – how AI components are architected, designed, developed, and embedded in complex systems
- AI4SE – how AI can augment, simplify, and improve development processes and tools
You will develop in-depth knowledge in areas such as MLOps, data engineering, software architecture, machine learning, DevOps, CI/CD, and the engineering of AI-enabled software solutions.
After graduation – what are your career opportunities?
There is a strong and growing demand for expertise in AI-driven software development, both in Sweden and internationally. Organisations across all sectors are expanding their use of AI, increasing the need for specialists who can combine software engineering with AI competence.
Graduates are prepared for roles where software engineering and AI meet in practice: building AI-enabled products that work reliably in real-world settings and improving how software is developed using AI. Typical roles include:
- AI Engineer or ML Engineer
- Software Engineer (AI-enabled or general systems)
- Tester / Quality Assurance Engineer
- MLOps Engineer or Data Engineer
- Architect or Technical Specialist for AI-integrated products
- Expert in AI-driven development processes and tools
Because the programme includes strong foundations in design, development, testing, and maintenance, graduates are also well suited for general software engineering roles such as software developer, software architect, and tester/QA, even outside AI‑focused environments.
The Master’s Programme in AI and Software Engineering is a two-year programme combining modern software engineering with the latest developments in artificial intelligence. It has an international profile and strong links to both research and industry. You will gain theoretical depth as well as practical experience through projects that reflect real software engineering environments, carried out in close collaboration with industry partners.
Programme structure
You will begin by building a solid foundation in advanced software engineering topics and AI methods. You will then deepen your understanding of how AI and software development interact in practical applications. Courses include AI for Software Engineering, Software Architecture, Data Engineering, DevOps and CI/CD, ML Engineering and MLOps, and Startups and Entrepreneurship. You will also take part in project-based courses addressing industry-related challenges in direct collaboration with partner companies.
Year 1 – fundamental and applied specialisation
In the first year, you will develop a broad foundation in both AI and software engineering. You will study how data pipelines, software architecture, and AI models interact in modern development environments. You will learn how to engineer, develop, and integrate AI components in software systems, as well as how to use AI to improve development processes, analyse and structure data, and work in DevOps and MLOps settings. The year combines theoretical study with applied work that reflects the challenges you will encounter in industry.
Year 2 – specialisation and Master’s thesis
In the second year, you will deepen your software engineering skills and learn how to assess approaches, tools, and solutions based on evidence and results. You will study how software systems evolve and are maintained over time and learn how to plan and carry out a research-oriented project using data, evidence, and established research practices.
A central component of the year is an advanced team-based software development project, where you work on a real-world challenge together with industrial partners using professional development and engineering practices. The year concludes with a 30‑credit Master’s thesis in AI and Software Engineering, normally carried out in an industrial setting and often linked to ongoing collaborative research.
Projects, applications, and collaboration
The programme collaborates continuously with companies and organisations through project courses, guest lectures, thesis work, and other forms of industry engagement. You will work on real, current challenges in AI-driven software development, including implementing MLOps, AI-supported quality assurance, and developing intelligent system components.
Teaching and learning
Teaching is based on project work, practical assignments, and problem-solving. You will study alongside students from diverse technical backgrounds in a research-intensive, international environment. This provides both technical breadth and experience of working in settings that reflect the global labour market.
Note! The course list is tentative. See the programme syllabus for an established course list.
* Elective course
Students who apply for a course or programme, and meet the general and specific entry requirements, compete with one another for available places. When there are more qualified applicants than there are places for an education, the places are distributed through a selection. Read about the selection methods and procedure here.
Evaluations and advisory board
The study programmes at BTH are continuously monitored and developed through yearly follow-up dialogues, course evaluations after each completed course, and programme evaluations. Results from follow-ups and evaluations can lead to changes in the programmes. These changes are always communicated to the students.
Each educational programme is tied to an advisory board that discusses issues such as the quality of the programme, its development, and relevance for the labour market. In the advisory board, or a committee to the advisory board, teachers, external members, students and alumni are represented.
Bachelor of Science in Engineering or Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, Information Technology, Computer Engineering or equivalent. At least 20 credits in Computer Science, Software Engineering covering courses in programming, algorithms and data structures, databases, and a Software Engineering course. At least 15 credits in Mathematics covering courses in linear algebra and statistics. English 6 or English level 2.
Admission, tuition fees and scholarships
Please contact the Admissions Office with any questions regarding the entry requirements.
The tuition fee is SEK 70,000 per semester. One semester corresponds to 30 ECTS credits. EU/EEA citizens are not required to pay fees.
Read more and check out our FAQ about tuition fees and payment
BTH offers a scholarship programme for both prospective students and current students. Learn more about scholarships.
Accommodation, VISA, insurance?
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