Computer systems and networks, MSc

120 credits
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In this master’s programme, you will attain a solid grasp of computer systems and networks, through an education both broad and deep. The education will endow you with a set of essential skills to prepare you to work in the fields of information and computing technology.

You will gain hands-on experience with the latest technologies and research in algorithm design, programming languages, and computer systems engineering, as well as theoretical knowledge and engineering skills in cyber security, computer systems engineering, dependable real-time systems, and distributed computing and systems.

Computer systems and networks, master's programme at Chalmers

In this master’s programme, you will develop a solid grasp of computer systems and networks through a broad, yet in-depth, training experience in the field of Computer science and engineering. You will acquire theoretical knowledge and engineering skills in cyber security, computer systems engineering, dependable real-time systems, and distributed computing and systems. The master's programme instils a set of essential skills that prepare you to work in Information and computing technology (ICT).

Courses in computer networks, parallel and distributed systems, computer architecture, cyber security, and real-time systems are taught by internationally recognized faculty in computer science and engineering. In addition to academic training in skills related to algorithm design, programming languages, and computer systems engineering, you will gain hands-on experience with emerging technologies and have opportunities to participate in cutting-edge research. This master's programme is the first within Chalmers to provide the necessary preparation to contribute to ubiquitous computing, cyber-physical systems, and other rapidly growing areas in the expanding ICT industry. If you are interested in becoming a technology expert in these and other areas, the programme provides an excellent background for pursuing doctoral studies.

In the master's programme, you will learn to design methodologies used to construct computer systems and networks. Such methodologies include fault-tolerant distributed algorithm design, concurrent programming, computer systems engineering, and secure and dependable systems design. The coursework is designed to develop both your theoretical knowledge and practical expertise.

For example, you will learn how to: Design a system based on new and existing components (systems engineering), understand low-level hardware/software interaction, develop systems and applications (programming), analyse performance and system design limitations (distributed computing).

You will also learn to assess, evaluate, and design systems, programmes and applications to increase security and dependability (systems design).​ Rather than concentrating on a single aspect of computer systems and networks, the courses provide the broad, practical, and up-to-date experience required by major ICT companies that develop computer systems and networks.

We have hands-on projects and a collaborative learning atmosphere. I have gotten application security experience and a deeper understanding of critical aspects for developing secure apps

Madhumita, IndiaStudent

Topics covered

The subjects of computer networks and architecture and distributed systems are fundamental areas in the Computer systems and networks master’s programme. The courses included in the programme plan handle topics such as real-time systems and cyber security. ​

Career

The master’s programme has been carefully designed to be relevant to a growing industrial and governmental ICT sector. In particular, the healthcare, e-commerce, aerospace, automotive, and telecom industries all rely on secure, dependable, safe, and energy-efficient computing systems and communication networks.

The master’s programme gives you the opportunity to combine academic training with engineering work experience, a combination that opens up diverse career paths, such as becoming the chief technology officer who takes responsibility for the company’s technological development plan and influences its competitiveness in the market or the systems architect and designer who builds computer systems and designs, networked applications and protocols.

You can also take on the role of the project manager responsible for driving specific projects by choosing technical directions and leading people.

Other roles available for you after graduation are the software engineer who develops systems and run-time software that interfaces to the hardware platform or the security and network specialist who oversees company computer resources to ensure that sensitive data and services are only accessible to authorized users.

Research

The faculty behind the programme has an established track record of academic, industrial and scientific accomplishments in research areas like for example cyber security, dependable real-time systems, distributed computing and systems and computer architecture.

As a student in this programme, you will be invited to take part in such research through seminars, thesis projects, and other individual and group projects. Past research collaborations including master-level students have yielded many innovations and accompanying scientific publications. Moreover, many of our graduates have been accepted to PhD studies at Chalmers and other leading institutions worldwide.

Find out more about research in Computer science and engineering

Requirements

How to apply - From application to admission

This is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a Master's programme at Chalmers University of Technology.