Master's Programme in Computer and Systems Sciences

Designed for future IT leaders, our programme equips you with advanced knowledge in computer and systems sciences. Beyond theory, we focus on practical application, ensuring you graduate ready to design, manage and innovate within complex digital systems.

You will learn how to efficiently develop advanced computer systems and software systems using both agile and standard system development methods.
The programme helps you to develop soft skills along with technical skills such as understanding the needs of users, practicing in group dynamics and project management. The programme is to a large extent project and problem oriented.

This programme is very diverse and consists of both compulsory and elective courses. In addition to the core courses, you will choose from a pool of electives. This gives you the opportunity to tailor your studies according to your interests.

Among the elective courses you will find courses in data mining, information security, business intelligence, digital games, decision analysis and IT project management. Additionally, you learn about scientific communication and research methodology.

Changes to the selection process for autumn 2027

Please note that the selection process for autumn 2027 requires new supporting documentation. Follow the instructions under “How to apply” below.

Build your own focus

To support your choices, we provide suggested course combinations in different subject areas. These are recommendations only. You can either pick and mix courses that interest you, or explore our suggested course combinations if you want to focus on a specific subject area. Read more about how to combine different courses in the section "More information" below.

Four new master’s level courses in game design

Are you interested in game development and want to deepen your knowledge? Four new elective courses at master’s level are now available within the Master’s Programme in Computer and Systems Sciences.

All courses are relevant even if you do not plan to work specifically with games

Thomas Westin, a lecturer on the programme, talks about the new courses

You will find detailed course information, list of course literature, schedule and start date on the course information page at "Courses and timetables". Select semester in the drop-down menu and search by course name.
Courses and timetables

Year 1

Year 2

3rd Semester

Elective courses 4 x 7.5 credits

Master elective courses autumn

For this semester, you have the possibility to apply for exchange studies.
Exchange studies

4th Semester

Master’s thesis 30 credits





Read our step-by-step guide on how to apply

This program starts each autumn semester. 

Please note that it is only possible to apply for this programme in the first admission round (mid-October to mid-January). The programme is not open for admission in the second admission round.

Find answers to the most common questions regarding application, requirements and study format (distance or campus). FAQ Master's programmes

Selection process

Additional eligibility criteria

Changes to the selection process for autumn 2027

Please note that the selection process for autumn 2027 requires new supporting documentation.

The selection is made from the following three criteria:

  • Grades of academic courses.
  • Relevance of previous studies in relation to the programme.
  • A motivation letter. The motivation letter is included in a mandatory application summary sheet for each programme under the section titled "Selection Questions". Follow the instructions below.

Required supporting documentation

Instructions:

  • Fill out the sheet pdf, 181.5 kB.
  • Save the sheet as “SCSSO_Application_Summary_Sheet.pdf”
  • Submit the sheet together with your supporting academic documents at universityadmissions.se

For guidance on how to fill out the application summary sheet, please visit our FAQ.
FAQ – Application summary sheet

Please note: if you are applying to more than one programme, you need to fill out and submit a separate sheet for each programme.

Build your own focus

You can either pick and mix courses that interest you, or explore our suggested course combinations if you want to focus on a specific subject area.

You do not need to take all the courses within a group, and you are free to combine courses from different groups. There are also other subjects and courses to choose from that are not included in the groups below, such as decision analysis, quantum programming, IT project management, databases, business intelligence and entrepreneurship.

The choice is yours!

Here you can find the full range of elective courses:
Elective courses autumn
Elective courses spring

Suggested course combinations

Data Science

Spring 2nd semester
Natural Language Processing 7.5 credits – NLP
Machine Learning 7.5 credits – ML

Autumn 3rd semester
Research Topics in Data Science 7.5 credits – RTDS
Reinforcement Learning 7.5 credits – RILE
Explainable AI 7.5 credits – XAI

Digital Games

Information and curriculum for the courses in digital games will be available soon.
The courses will start in the spring of 2027.

Spring 2nd semester
Games in Theory and Practice 7.5 credits
Inclusive Game Development 7.5 credits

Autumn 3rd semester
Theoretical Perspectives on AI Based Experience Design 7.5 credits
Game Research and Development 15 credits

Applied distributed Internet of Things (IoT)

Spring 2nd semester
Parallel and distributed programming 7.5 credits – PARADIS

Autumn 3rd semester
Distributed data processing for Ubiquitous computing 15 credits – DUC (entry requirements: Parallel and distributed programming 7.5 credits – PARDIS)
Tiny Machine Learning 7.5 credits – TINYML

Security

Spring 2nd semester
Network Security 7.5 credits – NETSEC
Cyber Security 7.5 credits – CYBER
Cyber Forensics 7.5 credits – CYFO

Autumn 3rd semester
Digital Forensics 7.5 credits – DIFO
Information Security in Organisations 7.5 credits – SECORG

Degree

Find the degree awarded for this programme in the syllabus, either in the right sidebar (desktop) or below (mobile device).

Please note, that you can only be awarded one bachelor’s degree, one master’s degree (60 credits) and one master’s degree (120 credits) in computer and systems sciences from our department.

Research

Research subjects at the department with relevance to the program:

AI and Data Science
Business Process Management and Enterprise Modelling
Cyber Security
Digital Games and Simulation
Human–Computer Interaction
Language Technology
Risk and Decision Analysis
Technology Enhanced Learning






Graduates of the Master's programme in Computer and Systems Sciences are highly sought after for roles in both traditional and emerging fields, such as:

  • Core tech roles include system designer and developer, security expert, and IT project manager.
  • Specialised fields include architect for distributed intelligent IoT systems, or designer for simulation and game systems.

The programme also serves as a direct pathway to PhD studies for a future career in academic or industrial research, particularly in areas such as decentralised AI or human–computer interaction.

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