Whether your interest is in complex algorithms, IT security, logic and semantics, pervasive computing, or something completely different within the field of computer science, this programme gives you the opportunity to specialise in an area of your choice.

QUALITY TEACHING IN AN INFORMAL SETTING

The Master’s programme in Computer Science is dedicated to the highest-quality teaching in an informal learning environment. Our international teaching staff expect students to take an active part in the programme, and staff–student consultation is always encouraged. The teaching is a mix of lectures and classes, with preparatory work in study groups.

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

The master’s programme spans over two years with four semesters. Three semesters are dedicated to specialisations or electives. The last semester is for your master’s thesis, which some choose to write in collaboration with a company. Once enrolled, our study programme manager will help you comprise your master’s programme based on your interests. Currently, Aarhus University offers nine specialisations in Computer Science:

• Advanced Machine Learning and Data Science

• Algorithmics

• Bioinformatics

• Cryptology

• Data-Intensive Systems

• Human-computer Interaction

• Logic, Semantics and Verification

• Programming Languages and Software Security

• Ubiquitous Computing and Interaction

STUDENT LIFE

The Computer Science department has a range of social spaces for getting together with fellow students outside class, and these are an excellent basis for both study-related and social activities. Our study café is also a great place to get together and work with your study group. The department and our various student associations organise a variety of events and tech talks in collaboration with local and international companies. As a first-year student, you will have access to an office at campus and will get a mentor to guide and support you.

CAREERS

Computer scientists continue to be in great demand all over the world, and AU computer science graduates have a very good reputation. In Aarhus, many IT companies are on the lookout for graduates and student employees for part-time jobs. The department has a close collaboration with these local businesses and organisations. Recent graduates have been recruited by leading IT companies all over the world in areas such as software development, consultancy work, project management, and research.

The Department of Computer Science collaborates closely with the industrial network Destination AARhus. Destination AARhus is a professional knowledge-sharing and development community of IT experts from the major IT organisations in greater Aarhus and the region. It is a community for IT talent from all over the world, exploring the unique opportunities for building an IT career in the greater Aarhus area. It also hosts career events and tech talks for international students and professionals based in Aarhus.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

We expect applicants to have a bachelor’s degree giving a thorough background in basic computer science. This should include: computation theory (formal languages and compilation, mathematical logic and undecidability, design and analysis of algorithms, and data structures), programming (object-oriented programming, functional programming, software architecture, and interaction design), and systems (computer architecture, operating systems, distributed systems, security, databases).

SELECTION CRITERIA

As the Master’s programme admits only a limited number of students each year, meeting the admission requirements does not in itself guarantee admission. Student places are allocated based on an overall assessment. In evaluating qualified applicants, the admissions committee assesses applicants according to the following criteria: academic background; overall grade level of bachelor’s degree; grades achieved on relevant courses; and relevant courses (measured in credit units) included in the bachelor’s degree. Relevant courses include core courses within the subject areas of computer science, mathematics, probability theory, and statistics.

IT CITY KATRINEBJERG

The Department of Computer Science is located in IT City Katrinebjerg, where Aarhus University has consolidated all its IT degree programmes and research. IT City Katrinebjerg is the base for several IT-related companies. This facilitates contact between the university, research and the business community, and provides the ideal base for advanced technological innovation. As the largest IT education centre in Denmark, with approximately 2,500 students and more than two hundred researchers, IT City Katrinebjerg is an exciting study environment. This multidisciplinary hub, unique to Aarhus University, provides great opportunities in IT for students, researchers, and the business community.