Joint Master’s in Software Engineering (Master's)

During the Master’s programme, you will learn about: 

• Algorithms and dynamic programming 
• Advanced software architecture 
• Digital image processing 
• Semantics in modern programming languages 

You will complete the study programme with a broad knowledge of the latest practices in software development, as well as the topic of your Master’s thesis.

The Department of Informatics has an international community of skilled and active computer science students and recognised researchers. We encourage Master’s students to get involved with one of the Department’s research groups. In the first semester, you will also choose your supervisor and topic for your Master’s thesis.

During a typical week, you will attend six lectures and three seminar groups. The mandatory literature and teaching are in English. The Department is located at Høyteknologisenteret, where there are study halls for computer science students. Here, you can study by yourself or with your fellow students. The Mathematics and Natural Sciences Library is another option. Some of the teaching will take place at HVL.

The students at the Department of Informatics have their own student association, «Echo», that organises academic and social events.

When you have completed this Master’s programme, you can choose to: 

• Work in software development and quality assurance of large information systems 
• Use your knowledge in various fields, e.g. construction technology or medical imaging 
• Carry out research or innovation to further develop the field of computer science 

Students with citizenship from countries outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland must pay tuition fees. Some applicants may be exempted from this rule.

Application deadline:

Citizens from within the European Union/EEA/Switzerland: 1 March for autumn admission, 1 November for (supplementary) spring admission.

Nordic citizens and applicants residing in Norway: 15 April for autumn admission, 1 November for (supplementary) spring admission.

Teaching language: Norwegian and English

The programme lasts two academic years (four semesters) and starts in the autumn. There is also spring admission. 

The degree consists of 120 ECTS. You choose a Master’s project equivalent to 60 or 30 ECTS. The remaining 60 or 90 ECTS consist of courses. 

Suggested study plan: 

First semester: 

Algorithms (10 ECTS) 

Advanced Software Technologies – taught at HVL (10 ECTS) 

Elective course (10 ECTS) 

Second semester: 

Programming Languages (10 ECTS) 

Modern Software Development Methods – taught at HVL (10 ECTS) 

Elective course (10 ECTS) 

Third and fourth semesters: 

Thesis (60 ECTS) 

Take the opportunity to study abroad at another university for one or two semesters. We recommend that you travel abroad in the second or third semester. You can study at one of our partner universities in Austria, Spain, Germany or elsewhere.

After completing your Master’s degree, you can apply for a paid position as a PhD candidate in computer science.

Study plan for Joint Master's Programme in Software Engineering