Computer Science – algorithms, languages and logic

MSc, 120 cr, 2 years

Programme aim

Computer systems are becoming increasingly powerful and intelligent, and they rely on increasingly sophisticated techniques. To master the complexity of these systems, it is essential to understand the core areas of computer science.

This programme offers a comprehensive foundation in the science of programming. It gives the student a strong basis for developing the computer applications of today and tomorrow and for conducting innovative research and promoting development.

The core of the programme covers four main areas of computing science

  • Algorithms including artificial intelligence, machine learning and optimisation
  • Logic including applications in hardware and software verification
  • Programming languages with underlying principles, implementation techniques and advanced programming techniques.
  • Computer security including cryptography and programming language-based approaches to security.


The optional segment of the programme offers the student a broad range of courses in other areas of computer science, bioinformatics, software engineering, mathematics and other relevant areas.

Who should apply

The programme is intended for students who wish to study the core areas of computer science on an advanced level in order to prepare themselves for research and development in the software industry. It also provides an ideal basis for academic research in computer science.

Most students will have a BSc in computer science. However, the programme can also serve as a conversion course for students with BSc in related subjects, such as mathematics, physics or engineering sciences, provided they have basic knowledge of mathematics and programming, and have completed an introductory computer science course such as data structures or algorithms.

Why apply

You will acquire a strong computer science background and thus gain access to a wide range of opportunities in the information technology industry. Students acquire lasting subject knowledge and are in a good position to understand and contribute to technological advances. 

  • Search engines such as Google and Yahoo are based on advanced algorithms research.
  • Examples of companies that employ technically skilled computer scientists include Ericsson and Volvo, and local companies such as Jeppesen, a leader in airline crew scheduling.
The programme also provides the student with an excellent background for future PhD studies in computing, which can lead to a career as an academic researcher or computing teacher.

Research connections

Chalmers pursues vigorous and internationally recognised research in all core areas of the programme.

Amongst other things, Chalmers is well-known for its research into functional programming. IT played a major role in the design and development of the standard lazy functional language Haskell. It has also developed a powerful testing tool called QuickCheck, which now has widespread use – in industry as well.

The ProSec group is finally applying methods from programming language theory to problems in security. The programming logic group is an international leader in its field with pioneering work in type theory and computer-assisted theorem proving. Members of the programming logic group also collaborate with linguists in the field of natural language processing. The algorithms group works on the design and analysis of algorithms and their applications in bioinformatics and networks in a broad sense.

One area under constant development is optimisation, where group members have developed prize-winning tools for aircraft crew scheduling. The tools have been commercialised by a local company called Jeppesen (formerly Carmen Systems), a world leader in this field. The formal methods group has explored automatic theorem proving techniques and applied them in cooperation with industry.

Programme overview




Detailed programme content in the Student portal, for current students

Entry requirements

General entry requirements
To be eligible an applicant must either be a holder of a Bachelor's degree in Science/Engineering/Architecture or be enrolled in his/her last year of studies leading to such a degree.
General entry requirements in detail

Specific entry requirements
Bachelor´s degree (or the equivalent) with a Major in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Mathematics, Engineering Physics or Software Engineering.

Prerequisites: Mathematics (including Discrete mathematics and Linear algebra), Statistics, Programming, Algorithms and/or data structures.

English Language Proficiency
The most common and important scores that are accepted are

  • IELTS (academic training), 6.5 (with no part of the test below 5.5)
  • TOEFL (Internet based): 90 (with a minimum of 20 on the written part)

To read more about required minimum test results and other means of certifying fulfillment of the English language proficiency requirement, please visit:
English Language Proficiency

Application

Degree: Master of Science (MSc)
Credits: 120
Duration: 2 years
Rate of study: 100%
Instructional time: Daytime
Language of instruction: English
Teaching form: On-campus
Tuition fee: 140 000 SEK/academic year
*EU/EEA citizens are not required to pay fees.
Application Code: CTH-02009

For information about how to submit an application
It is mandatory to submit a number of required documents
Deadlines regarding application process
*EU/EEA citizens are required to provide documentation of citizenship

Contacts

Questions regarding the application and admission process:
Chalmers’ Admissions, admissions@chalmers.se

Specific questions about the programme's content:
Peter Damaschke, Director of Master's Programme, ptr@chalmers.se

Other questions