Master’s Programme in Computer Science, 120 credits
Start of studies
Autumn 2026
Form of education
Campus, Day-time, Full-time
Language
English
Computer science is a broad and fast-evolving field that plays a vital role in everything from security and systems development to intelligent algorithms. In this two-year master’s programme, you create your own academic path – through elective courses in three specialisation areas, you shape a degree tailored to your goals.
You will gain both deep theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills that prepare you for advanced roles in industry, government, or future research.
What will you study?
During your studies, you’ll choose courses that build your profile in one or more of these areas:
- IT security – learn to secure systems against attacks and protect data in modern applications
- Distributed and parallel systems – understand how large-scale systems interact and can be optimised
- Intelligent systems – work with AI, machine learning and smart algorithms
The programme’s core includes courses in:
- programming and data structures
- computer system and software security
- multiprocessor systems
- performance optimisation
- artificial intelligence and machine learning
Research-oriented teaching – preparing you for the future
The programme is closely connected to research. You’ll engage with the latest developments in computer science and learn how research is conducted and applied in practice. Teaching includes:
- lectures
- seminars
- labs – both individual and group-based
The programme concludes with a master’s thesis where you specialise in a topic of your choice, often in collaboration with researchers or industry.
After graduation – what are your career opportunities?
The programme comprises 120 credits and leads to a Master of Science (120 credits) in Computer Science.
Your degree opens doors to roles such as:
- IT security specialist
- systems developer
- AI engineer
- technical project manager
- research assistant or doctoral student
You’ll gain broad and future-proof skills – and the opportunity to work in a field that is constantly evolving and growing.
The Master's Programme in Computer Science is broad and flexible, allowing you to shape your own academic focus. You’ll build a solid foundation in computer science and then specialise in one of three core areas:
- IT security
- distributed and parallel systems
- intelligent systems
Through elective courses, you choose the path that best matches your interests and future career goals.
Year 1 – Core knowledge and elective specialisations
During the first year, you’ll lay the groundwork for further studies and your professional future. Courses include:
- artificial intelligence
- modelling and decision support
- cloud computing
- IT security
- statistics
- multiprocessor systems
- research methodology
You’ll have access to several electives already in the first year, giving you the chance to start shaping your specialisation early in the programme.
Year 2 – Application and research
The second year focuses on practical application and research. You’ll explore current topics and work on real-world problems in areas such as:
- machine learning
- image processing
- simulation
- game development
You’ll have the opportunity to take courses linked to ongoing research projects and explore how computer science is used in practice – for example:
- crime prevention with the Swedish Police
- resource planning in the energy sector
- healthcare and transport systems
Degree project – application and specialisation
The programme concludes with a master’s thesis where you apply your knowledge in your chosen specialisation. You’ll be able to:
- work independently on a current issue
- apply methods and skills from earlier courses
- collaborate with researchers or industry partners in ongoing projects
If you wish to deepen your expertise further, there are excellent opportunities to connect your thesis to research at BTH or with external partners.
Note! The course list is tentative. See the programme syllabus for an established course list.
* Elective course
Autumn semester 2026
Programming in UNIX Environment, 7,5 credits
Applied Artificial Intelligence, 7,5 credits
Network and System Security, 7,5 credits
Introduction to Cloud Computing, 7,5 credits
Spring semester 2027
Usability and Interaction Design, 7,5 credits *
Secure Software Engineering, 7,5 credits *
Advanced Networking, 7,5 credits *
Research Methodology, 7,5 credits
Decision Support Systems, 7,5 credits *
Network and Service Operations, 7,5 credits *
Mathematical Statistics, 7,5 credits *
Software Metrics, 7,5 credits *
Autumn semester 2027
Malware Analysis, 7,5 credits *
Socket Programming in C/C++ for Internet Applications, 7,5 credits *
Applied Cloud Computing and Big Data, 7,5 credits *
Performance Optimization, 7,5 credits *
Sustainable development of information and communication technology, 7,5 credits
Softwarized Networks, 7,5 credits *
Machine Learning, 7,5 credits *
Multiprocessor Programming, 7,5 credits *
Advanced Topic in Computing, 7,5 credits
Software Security, 7,5 credits *
Spring semester 2028
Master's Thesis (120 credits) in Computer Science, 30 credits
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.
Frequently asked questions
Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Science in Engineering (180 Swedish credit points) in an aspect of computing, e.g.: computer science, software engineering, computer engineering is required. The bachelor’s degree must include at least 45 credits in the following areas: Programming, Data structures and Algorithms, Database Technology, Data Communication, Operating Systems, whereof at least 15 credits in Programming. The degree must also include at least 15 credits in Mathematics. English 6.
Accommodation, VISA, insurance?
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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.