Computer Science, MSc

Programme description

Writing software that works is one thing. Being able to understand and prove why and how it works is another. The programme treats the whole process of building reliable software as a fundamental concept throughout. This includes dedicated work in logic and formal methods, where you learn to test, verify and prove that your code works as intended. behaves as it should. In the age of AI-assisted coding, genuine knowledge of how and why code works is a more vital skill than ever. 

You will begin by focusing on core fields including algorithms and logic, creating a shared foundation for collaboration among your classmates from mathematics, engineering, computer science and related backgrounds. Later, you can branch into specialisations and elective courses in everything from quantum computing to neuro-symbolic AI. There is also a core focus on the role of the computer scientist in society, placing ethical and social principles in the centre from day one.   

Theory and practice sit side-by-side throughout. Compiler construction course, for example, is entirely project-based, meaning you will apply the theory you are learning into building an actual compiler. This experience offers a new way to think about programming, since understanding how a compiler handles your code gives you a clearer picture of what your code is doing.

You will also gain a deep understanding of security and privacy. You will approach the topic through algorithms and formal reasoning, so that as well as understanding how systems get attacked and defended, you know what it means for a system to be secure in the first place, from a mathematical and logical viewpoint.

Later on, you will work on a group research project, working in teams to tackle a problem either of your own design or from a curated set. These projects can take the form of experimental investigations, engineering work, theoretical research, or case studies. Many students use this as a direct stepping stone into their master's thesis, either research focused, or in an applied setting together with one of Chalmers’ many industry partners. By the time you graduate, you will have gained the technical depth and breadth of understanding to be ready and adaptive to current and future challenges in computer science.

Job opportunities

The programme prepares you for roles where deep technical understanding is prized above familiarity with a specific tool or framework. Many of the biggest technology companies maintain their own programming languages, and the skills for contributing to that work are taught directly here. The security and privacy expertise you will learn is highly relevant to any company handling user data, but particularly so in industries like medicine, finance, or any field where safety is paramount. 

You will have excellent opportunities to connect with the wider world of research and industry through Chalmers’ networks. This gives you the potential to connect with major Swedish companies like Ericsson, Spotify, Volvo Group, Volvo Cars and AstraZeneca in fields like algorithms, programming language technology, and security. Graduates from this programme also pursue careers in startups, both in Sweden and internationally, while some choose to launch ventures of their own.

If you are interested in research, the programme is ideal preparation for further studies at doctoral level, either at Chalmers or partner institutions internationally.

Research

With its deep focus on the foundational principles of computer science, this programme is an ideal primer for further studies at doctoral level. 

Depending on which elective courses you follow,  you may engage with cutting-edge research across several of Chalmers’ departments and divisions, including Computer Science and Engineering and Electrical Engineering. This covers diverse subjects like algorithms, machine learning, quantum computing and much more. There are also collaborations with the philosophy and linguistics faculties at the University of Gothenburg.

Chalmers has a long history in programming languages and logic. The first implementation of Haskell was developed here, while the proof assistant Agda, widely used in academic and industrial formal verification, is an active Chalmers project. 

Chalmers’ longstanding collaborations and networks with major industrial partners in Gothenburg and Sweden also ensure the programme is deeply informed by, and connected to, the wider research world.

Requirements

Bachelor´s degree in: Science, Engineering or Technology

Prerequisites: Mathematics (at least 18 cr. including Calculus (at least 6 cr.) and Linear Algebra (at least 6 cr.)),
Computer Science and/or Computer Engineering at least 18 cr. including Programming in a General-Purpose Language e.g. C/C++/Java/Haskell, or similar (at least 6 cr.), Algorithms and/or Data Structures (at least 6 cr.),
Discrete Mathematics or Finite Automata Theory or Formal Languages, or the equivalent.

Restriction: Discrete Mathematics cannot fulfil both the mathematics credit requirement as well as the last course requirement (overlap is not permitted).

Preferable course experience: Mathematical Modelling and Problem Solving, Functional Programming

English language requirements: Prove your English proficiency

How to apply