Master's Programme in Software Engineering, 120 credits
Start of studies
Autumn 2026
Form of education
Campus, Day-time, Full-time
Language
English
Do you want to deepen your expertise in software engineering and become a key contributor in development teams worldwide? This master’s programme teaches you the entire software development process – from requirements analysis to implementation, testing and deployment – and provides the tools to lead and improve development projects.
The programme is ideal if you're curious about future technologies and want to work on developing efficient, reliable and sustainable software solutions.
What will you study?
You will gain a deep understanding of how software is built and improved over time. The programme includes areas such as:
- requirements engineering and system design
- programming and testing
- quality assurance and process improvement
- modern development methods and tools
You’ll work with software that must meet high standards of performance, functionality and reliability – and gain both technical and methodological competence.
The programme also includes research-preparatory courses for those aiming to continue to doctoral studies in software engineering.
After graduation – what are your career opportunities?
The programme comprises 120 credits and leads to a Master of Science in Engineering, specialising in Software Engineering.
After graduation, you’ll be qualified for roles such as:
- software architect
- software engineer
- systems developer
- team lead for development projects
- technical project manager
You’ll be prepared to work in global tech companies, startups or the public sector – and also have a solid foundation for a future research career.
"The teachers always have an open door and an empathic ear to listen to you both as a student and an individual. I feel like I have mentors for life now."
Gauri Vinsha Singh - student
About the programme
This master’s programme provides advanced competence in modern software development. You’ll learn to understand and manage the entire lifecycle of software systems – from idea to final product, and through to maintenance and improvement.
The programme is designed to meet the demands of a technological environment where software often interacts with other advanced technologies. You’ll gain skills to:
- build and test software products
- work with requirements analysis, system design and implementation
- understand and improve modern development processes
Technology, methodology and a holistic perspective
The courses cover every stage of the development chain – from initial planning and requirements gathering to testing, deployment and follow-up. You’ll receive both technical depth and hands-on experience with industry practices.
You’ll learn to see both the details and the big picture, and how to improve processes, communication and collaboration within development teams.
Research as a future path
The programme includes research-oriented courses for those interested in doctoral studies. You’ll gain an understanding of research methodology and how to work with scientific problem-solving in software engineering.
Note! The course list is tentative. See the programme syllabus for an established course list.
* Elective course
Autumn semester 2026
Agile and Lean Software Development, 7,5 credits
Seminar Series in Software Engineering, 7,5 credits
Software Architectures and Quality, 7,5 credits
Requirements Engineering and Product Management, 7,5 credits
Spring semester 2027
Research Methodologies in Software Engineering and Computer Science, 7,5 credits
Decision Support Systems, 7,5 credits *
Mathematical Statistics, 7,5 credits *
Behavioural Software Engineering, 7,5 credits *
Social Sustainability in Product- and Service Development, 7,5 credits *
Autumn semester 2027
Applied Cloud Computing and Big Data, 7,5 credits *
Applied Artificial Intelligence, 7,5 credits *
Performance Optimization, 7,5 credits *
Software Evolution and Maintenance Project, 7,5 credits
Advanced Topic in Software Engineering, 7,5 credits
Software Quality Management, 7,5 credits
Spring semester 2028
Master's Thesis (120 credits) in Software Engineering, 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 Software Engineering or Computer Science. Completed studies corresponding to 90 credits classified within the subject of Software Engineering or Computer Science. The Bachelor's degree must include at least 30 credits in one or more of the following areas: Programming, Object-oriented Systems, Software Design, Data Structures and Algorithms, Database Technology, Data Communications, Real Time Systems, Operating Systems. In addition, a completed course of at least 7.5 credits in Software Engineering or a Team Software Engineering Project is required. The Bachelor's 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.