MSc Computer Science
Stockholm, Sweden
DURATION
2 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline
EARLIEST START DATE
Aug 2025
TUITION FEES
SEK 342,000 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* non-EU/EEA/Swiss is 342,000 SEK.
Introduction
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.
Visualisation and Interactive Graphics
The Visualisation and Interactive Graphics specialisation stretches from basic visualisation and graphics to modern research in the field. Visualisation is mainly about making large and complex data understandable with the help of graphics but has applications in computer games and other virtual environments.
The programme also consists of 28 ECTS credits (about one semester) of elective courses, from which you can choose from a wide range of courses within computer science, to specialise further in your field of interest or broaden to new areas within computer science. The programme ends with the master's degree project, which involves participating in advanced research or design projects in an academic or industrial environment in Sweden or abroad.
This is a two-year programme (120 ECTS credits) given in English. Graduates are awarded the degree of Master of Science. The programme is given mainly on the KTH Campus in Stockholm by the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (at KTH).
Admissions
Curriculum
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
Program Outcome
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.
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.
- Software engineer
- Researcher
- IT consultant
- Data analyst
- Game developer
Scholarships and Funding
KTH offers four different scholarship opportunities for master's studies. The KTH Scholarship covers the tuition fee of a one or two year master’s programme. The KTH One-Year Scholarship is aimed at current KTH master's programme students and covers the tuition fee of the second year of studies. The KTH Joint Programme Scholarship is aimed at students in certain joint programmes and covers the tuition fee for the study period spent at KTH. The KTH India Scholarship is aimed specifically at students from India.
- KTH Scholarship
- KTH One-Year Scholarship
- KTH Joint Programme Scholarship
- KTH India Scholarship
Swedish Institute
The Swedish Institute (SI) offers a number of scholarships for students from targeted countries coming to Sweden.
KTH associated scholarship organisations
KTH cooperates with the following organisations providing scholarship opportunities for prospective KTH students.
- COLFUTURO (Programa Crédito Beca) for students from Colombia
- LPDP (Indonesia Endowment Fund for Education) for students from Indonesia
- FUNED for students from Mexico
Scholarship portals
IEFA database
The IEFA database offer a comprehensive scholarships search, grant listing and international student loan programmes.
Studyportals
The Studyportals scholarship database lists over 1,000 scholarship and grants for students worldwide applying for studies in the EU.
Scholars4dev
Scholarships for Development is a database of scholarships open to students from developing countries.
WeMakeScholars
WeMakeScholars helps students from India secure education loans from banks and NBFCs. They also lists more than 26,000 international scholarships from different trusts, foundations and govt. bodies.
Deferment of student loans in the United States
KTH is an accredited institution at the US Department of Education and holds a Title IV 'Deferment Only' status (OPE ID 03274300). US students may defer payments on existing federal student loan accounts while enrolled in a master’s programme at KTH. The 'Deferment Only' status does not allow students to take out federal student loans for enrolment at KTH. However, the accreditation facilitates grant and loan opportunities for US students as many private student loan institutions in the US use this designation as a requirement to grant new loans. Students who wish to defer payments must contact their lending institution in the US.
Several scholarship options are available. Please check the institute website for more information.
Gallery
Career Opportunities
The master's programme 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 programme 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.
After graduation
Software engineer, researcher, IT consultant, data analyst, and game developer.
Student Testimonials
Program Tuition Fee
Program Admission Requirements
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