Master of Science in Computer Science
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Key Information
Campus location
Brussels, Belgium
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
2 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
EUR 1,116 / per year **
Application deadline
31 Mar 2024*
Earliest start date
16 Sep 2024
* students not requiring a student visa can apply until 30 June
** full time for EEA nationals; €4,000 per year full time for non-EEA nationals
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Introduction
This English-speaking program is designed for students with a solid, basic academic background in computer science (Bachelor in Computer Science). The objectives of the program are to provide a deeper understanding and knowledge of various specializations of computer science and to prepare the student for an active role in computer science research and development.
The program includes the following specializations students can choose from:
- Artificial intelligence
The focus in this specialization is on building intelligent software artifacts. The theories of complex dynamic systems and self-organization are emphasized starting from the theory of complex dynamic systems as developed in related fields such as mathematics, physics, and biology. - Multimedia
Students in this specialization will conduct an in-depth exploration of techniques for signal processing and communication of multimedia content. The program is designed to build a thorough technological and scientific knowledge of various multimedia domains such as digital television, telephony and videophony, computer animation, computer games, and the Internet. - Software languages & Software Engineering
In this specialization, students gain the skills needed to build complex software applications and software-intensive systems. Students are also taught scientifically sound methods, as well as the newest techniques and tools for the developing of software. - Web & Information Systems
This specialization is geared towards information system development and application development in the context of the Web. Students will learn about data and semantic representation techniques and acquire thorough technological and scientific knowledge related to the newest technological developments for the Web.
Admissions
Curriculum
All students study a core program of 30 ECTS credits; do a research training of 6 ECTS credits and a master thesis of 24 ECTS credits. Students SHOULD choose one OUT of four specializations:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Multimedia
- Software Languages and Software Engineering
- Data Management and Analytics.
30 ECTS credits should be spent on mandatory and optional courses within the chosen specialization. The 24 remaining optional ECTS credits can be taken within the specialization or from other specializations. Finally, 6 ECTS credits can be freely chosen from any master-level VUB course. This free choice of 6 ECTS credits has to be specified through the form (see faculty website). Here is also an inter-university offer of elective courses announced by the department. This brings the total to 120 ECTS credits. The master thesis, as well as the research training, need to be related to the chosen specialization.
The students have to choose a master thesis topic and research training within the chosen specialization. Only students who have already obtained at least 45 ECTS credits can register for the courses 'Research Training' and 'Master Thesis Computer Sciences'.
In total, this academic plan comprises 120 ECTS credits.
Program Outcome
The general objectives of the curriculum are:
- The acquisition of factual knowledge and understanding including stimulating abstract and conceptual thinking, and the acquisition of an overall picture and an understanding of the connections, i.e. basic scientific knowledge of the discipline.
- Learning to expand and apply knowledge in (research) projects including the development of research skills, an independent attitude, and a methodical way to develop new insights and knowledge, i.e. general scientific competencies.
- The acquisition of intellectual skills; learning to work individually and in a team; the acquisition of a lifelong learning attitude; learning to communicate information, ideas, problems, and solutions to specialists and non-specialists, i.e. general competencies.
After finishing this curriculum, the student has acquired the following competencies:
Basic scientific knowledge of the discipline
- Thorough and active and up to date knowledge of the theory as well as the practice of the core disciplines of the computer sciences: programming and programming languages, algorithms and data structures, databases and information systems, interpretation and compilation of computer programs, logic, automata, and computability, software engineering, distributed and networked systems, artificial intelligence; all this at the level of the standard textbooks of the discipline, and at the level of scientific literature.
- Active, applicable, and up-to-date knowledge of subjects of supporting disciplines (mathematics, statistics) and of context disciplines (economy, entrepreneurship, management).
- Active, applicable, and up-to-date knowledge of the theory as well as the practice of designing, developing, deploying, and maintaining complex software systems.
- Thorough and active knowledge of subjects of the chosen specialization, at the level of the specialized scientific literature.
- Knowledge of the state of the art of the chosen specialization.
General scientific competences
- To be able to design and implement a solution for a complex, not necessarily clearly delineated assignment or problem statement with a large, open solution space, individually or in the group, by applying the state of the art of different disciplines of the computer sciences, if necessary supplemented by recent research results.
- To be able to tackle an open research problem within the chosen specialization, by consulting and processing the right scientific literature and choosing the applicable research methodology; to plan, execute and report about scientific research.
General competences
- Sense of responsibility, handling pressure, functioning on an individual basis as well as in a team.
- Intellectual mobility and curiosity, following up on the evolutions of the discipline and familiarizing oneself with them, an attitude of lifelong learning.
- Being able to look up and consult the literature in English, evaluate new techniques and technologies qualitatively, and apply them in a flexible manner.
- Being able to look up, evaluate and select scientific literature, and apply it in a flexible manner.
- Communicating information, ideas, problems, and solutions to an audience of peers as well as to professionals from other disciplines.
- Reporting in Dutch and in English, and presenting using modern media.
- Being able to contribute to a team in setting up research projects and writing proposals for projects.
- Writing scientific publications, i.e. being able to communicate ideas, problems, and solutions to an audience of specialists.
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
You will be equipped with exactly those skills that are paramount to a successful career in a high-end industry or academia: a sharp, inquisitive mind dedicated to pushing the boundaries of knowledge and human accomplishment.
You can even become part of one of the highly professional research teams at VUB with a societal and economic impact. Here you will be able to implement an active policy in technology and knowledge transfer, patenting, spin-off creation, industrial networking, and innovation.