About this program
MSc Computer Science
The master's programme in Computer Science provides a broad education in computer science. Students acquire a solid foundation in advanced algorithms, computer security, artificial intelligence and internet protocols, and gain expertise through specialisation tracks. Graduates pursue careers at the forefront of software-based technologies, for example, software engineers, game developers, and IT project managers, or go on to PhD studies in order to pursue careers in research labs or in academia.
Computer Science at KTH
The master's programme in Computer Science provides a broad education in computer science with the possibility to specialise in different subjects. You will learn the methods for constructing software systems, including theoretical foundations and the practical ability to develop products and systems. During the programme, you will meet prominent guest lecturers from the industry and guest lecturers from other universities.
The programme starts with mandatory courses in advanced algorithms, artificial intelligence, computer security, internet protocols, and research methodology to give you an insight into different areas of computer science. In the second semester, you choose one of the seven specialisations to gain in-depth knowledge in computer science. The specialisations are closely connected to the department's world-class research groups.
Data Science
In the Data Science specialisation, you will learn methods for managing and analysing data from various sources, such as biomolecular sequence data, images and video, text.
Interaction Design
In the Interaction Design specialisation, you will learn to design and develop interactive systems with modern development methodologies. The specialisation also provides a more profound knowledge of how to systematically evaluate interactive systems.
Cognitive Systems
In the Cognitive Systems specialisation, you will learn how to develop applications with artificial intelligence - abilities traditionally associated with humans. In the specialisation, you can focus on robotics and computer vision or conversational systems, for example, systems that interact through human language, such as voice assistants, social robots and chatbots.
Scientific Computing
In the Scientific Computing specialisation, you focus on techniques for mathematical modelling and numerical simulation of physical, chemical and biological systems. These techniques are used as the basis for virtual experiments when, for example, simulating crash tests and when building interactive virtual environments, for example, for computer games.
Software Technology
In the Software Technology specialisation, you will explore the methods and tools for designing, developing and maintaining different types of software. Within the specialisation, you can focus on programming languages, compilers and program semantics or on software engineering, automated testing and large-scale development of reliable and secure software.
Theoretical Computer Science
In the Theoretical Computer Science specialisation, you learn about abstract and mathematical methods to study algorithms. You learn to use formal methods and focus on the verifiable properties of software and software systems.
Admission requirements
To be eligible for the master's programme in Computer Science, you must meet the listed admission requirements and submit the documents required in your application. We will assess your application according to the selection criteria set for the programme. The same process applies to students with a bachelor's degree from a Swedish university.
Bachelor's degree
A bachelor's degree or comparable qualification equivalent to a Swedish bachelor's degree from an internationally recognised university is required. Students following longer programmes that have completed courses equivalent to a bachelor's degree are considered on a case-by-case basis.
Students in the final year of undergraduate studies may apply and, if qualified, be conditionally admitted. These applicants must include a written statement according to the instructions given by University Admissions. Students in the final year of a bachelor's programme at a Swedish university do not have to provide a written statement to, if qualified, be conditionally admitted. However, students at Swedish universities must have completed 150 ECTS credits in their programme by 1 February.
English proficiency
English language proficiency equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6 is required. You can meet the requirement by achieving the minimum required score in the following internationally recognised English tests:
- IELTS Academic/IELTS UKVI: An overall score of 6.5, with no section lower than 5.5
- TOEFL iBT: Score of 20 (scale 0-30) on written test, a total score of 90. We accept TOEFL iBT Home Edition and Paper Edition. We do not accept TOEFL ITP, TOEFL iBT MyBest, Institutional TOEFL, TOEFL Essentials, or the revised TOEFL Paper-delivered Test.
- Cambridge Michigan Language Assessments: the University of Michigan, Examination for the Certificate of Proficiency in English (ECPE)
- Pearson PTE Academic or PTE Academic Online: Score of 62 (writing 61)
- Cambridge ESOL: C1 Advanced (CAE), minimum overall score 180 (points awarded since 2015), or Cambridge English certificate level C1, minimum score 180, or Cambridge English: Advanced
Completed upper secondary and university studies in some countries can also fulfil the requirement.
Specific requirements for Computer Science
A bachelor’s degree corresponding to 180 ECTS credits, or equivalent, including courses in:
- Mathematics: four different subjects with a total of 28.5 ECTS credits. These subjects must include a course in Calculus in one variable, a course in Linear Algebra, a course in Probability Theory and Statistics, and a course in Discrete Mathematics.
- Computer technology/Computer science and engineering/Computer science/Information technology: three different subjects with a total of 22.5 ECTS credits. These subjects must include a course in Object Oriented Programming, a course in Algorithms and Data Structures and an in-depth course in Algorithmic Complexity.
Within the programme track, there may be courses with additional requirements for special qualifications. The requirements are stated under the heading "Special eligibility" in the syllabus. Examples include the following:
Multivariable analysis is a special eligibility requirement for compulsory courses within the tracks Data analysis and Cognitive systems.
Human-computer interaction is a special entry requirement for compulsory courses within the Interaction Design track.
Additional prerequisites may exist for some conditionally elective or recommended courses within the tracks.
Does this course require proof of English proficiency?
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Learn moreProgram content
The two-year master's programme in Computer Science consists of three terms of courses and one final term dedicated to the master's degree project. Each term consist of approximately 30 ECTS credits. Depending on which track you choose, you will study different courses. The courses presented on this page apply to studies starting in autumn 2024.
Year 1
Students who in a previous degree have read a course corresponding to DD2380, DD2395, IK2218 or DD2440 may apply to read a replacement course instead. The application is submitted to the master coordinator who, after reviewing the previously read course, helps the student to choose an appropriate replacement course. The course should be at least 6 credits, advanced level and broad in computer science. It must not be included in the student's track and the subject matter may not be close to any of the other compulsory courses.
The choice of replacement course must be approved by the programme director.
Students at KTH:
- from CINTE who have read any of the following courses can apply to read a replacement course: IK1203 Network and Communication, ID1214 Artificial Intelligence and Applications, IV1013 Introduction to Computer Security, IK2206 Internet Security and Privacy. Contact the master coordinator according to the instructions above.
- from CDATE, who started 2011 or earlier, have to take the mandatory course ID2200 Operating System, 6 credits, in the master's programme.
Mandatory courses for all tracks
- Introduction to the Philosophy of Science and Research Methodology for Computer Scientists (DA2210) 6.0 credits
- Program Integrating Course in Computer Science (DD2300) 2.0 credits
- Artificial Intelligence (DD2380) 6.0 credits
- Computer Security (DD2395) 6.0 credits
- Advanced Algorithms (DD2440) 6.0 credits
- Protocols and Principles of the Internet (IK2218) 6.0 credits
Year 2
Mandatory courses for all tracks
- Degree Project in Computer Science and Engineering, Second Cycle (DA231X) 30.0 credits
- Program Integrating Course in Computer Science (DD2300) 2.0 credits
Scholarships & funding
Several scholarship options are available. Please check the institute website for more information.
Tuition
The full program tuition fee for non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens studying this program is SEK 342000.
Qualification
Sustainable development
Graduates from KTH have the knowledge and tools for moving society in a more sustainable direction, as sustainable development is an integral part of all programmes. The three key sustainable development goals addressed by the master's programme in Computer Science are:
- 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth
- 9 Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities
You will learn how to develop smart digital solutions to various societal needs. Digital technologies are now rapidly replacing older, often inefficient and resource-wasting, systems. You will acquire both the theoretical foundations and the practical skills needed to find sustainable computer-based solutions which connect the customer’s dreams with technical state-of-the-art possibilities.
Computers are a natural and essential part of modern industry, innovations and new infrastructure. Central societal structures, such as banking, primary healthcare and transport, are currently in a phase of dramatic transition, and others are expected to follow. As a skilled expert in computer science and software development, you will be a key player in steering these changes in a positive direction.
Continuing studies
- Software engineer
- Researcher
- IT consultant
- Data analyst
- Game developer
Career paths
The master's program in Computer Science delivers skills necessary for a career at the frontline of modern software technology. Graduates have found work at companies such as Google (USA, Switzerland, Sweden), Spotify, Oracle, Ericsson, Dice, Saab, Klarna, Bloomberg and Accenture.
The program also prepares students for a career in research or continued studies towards a doctoral degree. Former students have continued their studies on the doctoral level in Sweden, USA, Germany, and Russia, among others.
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About this institute
KTH Royal Institute of Technology
Since its founding in 1827, KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm has grown to become one of Europe’s leading technical and engineering universities, as well as a key centre of intellectual talent and innovation. We are Sweden’s largest technical...
Why study at KTH Royal Institute of Technology
KTH Royal Institute of Technology is the largest and highest-ranked technical university is Sweden and ranks among the top ten in Europe. With a strong focus on internationalization, the KTH campus is an arena for bringing highly talented students, teachers and researchers together to share perspectives from around the globe.
Sustainable development is a natural aspect of Swedish society and an integral part of KTH's operations and spirit. KTH is ranked 42 among universities world-wide when it comes to meeting the sustainable development goals, according to THE University Impact Ranking 2022. One of KTH's most important goals is that all graduates have up-to-date knowledge and tools to move society in a more sustainable direction. For each of our master's programmes, you can read about how the programme relates to the sustainable development goals and what knowledge and tools you will acquire to contribute to a more sustainable society.
