Study options

Computer Science - Computer, Communication and Information Sciences, Master of Science (Technology)

The Master of Science in Computer Science is grounded in leading-edge computing research at Aalto University, which is routinely ranked among the top 10 Computer Science departments in Europe. The programme offers a deep understanding on the design and analysis of algorithms, software, and computing technologies. Graduates of this Master’s programme excel in the theory and practice of advanced computing across a broad spectrum of systems, from Internet-scale distributed platforms to emerging quantum computing infrastructures. The programme emphasizes collaboration and hands-on learning and encourages students to take the lead in their education and become active learners. We make full use of modern teaching methods, including distance learning, small group learning, and online feedback tools. The multidisciplinarity environment sparks new ideas, gives birth to friendships, networks, and every so often, startups.
Aalto University / students working togeher / photography Aino Huovio

Degree:

Master of Science (Technology)

Application period:

30 Nov 2023 – 2 Jan 2024

Language of instruction:

English

Duration:

2 years, full-time

Eligibility:

Relevant Bachelor's degree

Field of study:

Technology and Engineering

Credits:

120 ECTS

Organising school:

School of Science

Tuition fees:

For non-EU/EEA citizens, €15000/y (Master’s studies) Read more

Applying to master’s programmes

Description

Upon completing the Computer Science major, graduates are provided with: 

  • An extensive methodological base. Graduates have an extensive knowledge of advanced software systems and architectures, including the possibility to specialise in leading-edge and emerging platforms such as cloud services, high-performance computing, and quantum computing. 
  • Algorithmic and mathematical foundations. Mathematics, algorithms and computational complexity constitute a major research frontier for graduates interested in a career in research as well as the long-term foundation shaping all of computing. 
  • Advanced design and programming skills. Graduates have typically acquired excellent design and programming skills across a broad range of programming languages, styles, and development environments. 
  • A combination of breadth and in-depth specialisation. In addition to breadth of knowledge in computer science, graduates have in-depth skills in a specialisation area of their choice. 
  • Effective communication skills. Graduates are able to work in multidisciplinary teams and collaborate effectively with experts from diverse fields. 

Tuition fees and scholarships

Aalto University’s tuition fee for master’s programmes taught in English is 15 000 euros per academic year. Tuition fees apply to citizens of countries other than those of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland. 

Aalto University has a scholarship programme to support non-EU/EEA citizens who study in a fee-charging degree programme. The scholarship may cover 100% or 50% of the tuition fee. 

More information on tuition fees and scholarships at Aalto University is available at the Scholarships and Tuition Fees webpage. 

Structure of studies

The Master’s Programme in Computer, Communication and Information Sciences – Computer Science comprises a total of 120 ECTS credits. The two-year programme consists of:

  • Major studies (40 or 60 ECTS)
  • Optional minor (20–25 ECTS)
  • Elective studies (25–30 ECTS)
  • Master’s thesis (30 ECTS)
Master's Programme in Computer, Communication and Information Sciences

Specialisations

Areas of specialisation within the major are structured into the following five study tracks. It is also possible to mix courses belonging to different tracks. Moreover, there is the flexibility of taking an optional minor subject and plenty of elective courses. 

Algorithms, Logic, and Computation

  • The Algorithms, Logic, and Computation study track equips students with a strong methodological and mathematical foundation that covers the modelling, design, and analysis of advanced algorithms and computing systems from massively distributed infrastructure to quantum computing. Students can expect to gain strong programming skills, including skills with automated reasoning tools. 

Big Data and Large-Scale Computing

  • The Big Data and Large-Scale Computing study track provides students with a strong background to cope with the challenges arising from the growth of data and information in our society. The track covers a broad range of topics in large-scale data analytics and platforms, including big data infrastructures management, batch and stream data processing, algorithmics for data analysis, and computing and automation management for data science processes. 

Software Systems and Technologies

  • The Software Systems and Technologies track broadly covers topics on software systems and the related enabling technologies: embedded systems and mobile computing; virtualization and cloud computing; data centre networking and sustainability. The track provides a solid background on full-stack development with cloud-native tools and practices suitable for the complex computing systems of today. 

Web Technologies, Applications and Science

  • The Web Technologies, Applications and Science study track takes students to the centre of what many think is the most important technological innovation since the computer itself. The teaching in the Web Technologies, Applications, and Science track approaches subject areas of web applications and services in a versatile way. Students learn to develop modern web applications and use web technologies in distributed systems.

Secure Systems

  • The Secure Systems study track combines foundational knowledge in information security and cryptography with hands-on engineering skills. Students learn to understand how the adversary thinks, to analyse cyber threats, and to design secure computing and communication systems. Topics include network and protocol security, cloud and operating system security, mathematical cryptography, andmodern software technologies. 

The studies make full use of modern teaching methods, including distance learning, small group learning and online feedback tools. Instead of traditional lecture-based learning, the Computer Science major emphasises collaboration and hands-on learning and encourages students to take the lead in their education and become active learners. 

More information on the programme content and curriculum can be found in the Student guide. There may be some changes to the courses for the academic years 2024–2026 — the new curricula will be published in April 2024, when they will also be visible in the Student guide.

Internationalisation

The study environment in the Computer Science major is strongly international – studies are conducted in multicultural groups and a large number of courses are led by international professors. Studies are closely tied to world-class research taking place at the Department of Computer Science, which is routinely ranked among the top 10 Computer Science departments in Europe. In addition, there is an ongoing collaboration with ELLIS, the European Laboratory for Learning and Intelligent Systems, which has some of the best academic institutions and scientists under its umbrella. 

The School of Science offers diverse possibilities for students to develop their global competence by, for example: 

  • studying a semester abroad at one of Aalto’s partner institutions 
  • taking a summer course abroad, for example at Stanford Summer School 
  • conducting an internship in one of the global “hotspots” for computer science 
  • becoming a tutor for first-year students 

Further study opportunities

The programme qualifies for doctoral studies (Doctor of Science in an applicable field). 

Career opportunities

Computer Science students within the major are getting job offers before they graduate and overall, their career prospects are excellent. 

Aalto University has great career services to support students’ employment in Finland and abroad. Thanks to the flexible curriculum, many Aalto students work already during their studies and guarantee themselves entry positions before graduation. There is also a very active entrepreneurship community at Aalto, working as a springboard for founding a company. 

A common route into employment is getting hired by companies who pay students for writing their Master’s theses. Other students start their own companies or continue to research careers at universities or industry research labs.

Job titles of our recent graduates include: 

  • Cloud Architect 
  • Data Scientist 
  • Game Programmer 
  • IT Consultant 
  • Full Stack Developer
  • Mobile App Developer 
  • Software Architect 
  • Software Engineer 
  • Technical Web Analyst 
  • Usability Specialist 
  • Cyber Security Specialist 
  • Research Assistant 
  • Doctoral Researcher 

Our recently graduated alumni work for example in the following companies, universities and research institutes: Aalto University, Accenture, BetterDoctor, Centre national de la recherche scientifique, Conformiq, Eficode, Ericsson, Espotel, EXFO, Finnish Defence Forces, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, First American, Forcepoint, F-Secure, Futuremark, Futurice, Giosg, GM Wargaming, Harvard University, Institut national de recherche en informatique et automatique, Jongla, Microsoft, Nitor Creations, Netlight Consulting, Nixu Corporation, Nokia, Nordea, OneSpin Solutions, Orbis, Palantir Technologies, Planixs, Qualtrics, Queen’s University Belfast, Quintic, Reaktor, RedLynx, Santander, Seriously Digital Entertainment, SSH Communications Security, Smartly.io, Space Systems Finland, Supermetrics & Floweb, Trimble, Tuxera, University of Helsinki, Valas Media, Vincit, , Wolt, ZEF etc. 

Unto Rautio

School of Science graduates in working life

School of Science Master's graduates are highly successful in finding jobs corresponding to their education. On this page you can find information on job titles, job sectors and career development of our graduates.

School of Science

Research focus

The studies in the programme are closely related to the world-class research conducted at the Department of Computer Science

Co-operation with other parties

Computer science is a multidisciplinary field by nature – it is much harder to name a field in which it is not used than it is to name one where it plays an integral part. The School of Science operates closely with other Aalto schools and students from other Master’s Programmes regularly frequent courses of the Computer Science major. Likewise, Computer Science students can include a minor in their elective studies. The minor can be chosen freely from any Aalto school. Individual elective courses can also be taken from other programmes at Aalto University or other Finnish universities through the Flexible Study Right (JOO).

Programme-specific admission requirements

Computer Science applicants meeting the general eligibility criteria for master's studies are evaluated according to the below Evaluation criteria. The evaluation process is described under Applicant evaluation process. In addition to obligatory application documents, this study option asks the applicants to submit also the documents listed under Requested documents.

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Computer Science Guild (external link)

Tietokilta ry (TiK) is the guild for computer science students. Tietokilta has about 800 student members of which most study a degree programme in computer science.

Contact information

Learning Services at Aalto University School of Science

For enquiries regarding the programme-specific application documents or studies in the programme, please contact Learning Services of Aalto University School of Science

[email protected]

Admission services

For enquiries regarding the application process, obligatory application documents or English language proficiency, please contact Admission Services

[email protected]

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