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About RU
Department of Computer Science

Computer -
Science BSc

Duration
3 years
Credits
180 ECTS
Degree
BSc
Internship possible
Yes
Distance learning possible
No

What do I learn?

Taught in Icelandic. Proficiency in Icelandic is a requirement.

Computer science is a great choice for those who enjoy solving problems, thinking creatively, and exploring fields such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality, mathematics, data, and computer games.

Teaching methods

The programme combines lectures with hands-on projects. Many lectures are also recorded and available online. Teaching follows a 12+3 format: 12 weeks of courses with assessment at the end, followed by a three-week practical course. Students take part in both lectures and exercise classes.

Teaching language

While some courses are taught in English, the programme is primarily delivered in Icelandic. Applications from abroad are not accepted. Non-Icelandic speakers already living in Iceland may apply, but should be aware that not all courses are available in English, and this may present challenges.

Final projects linked to the industry

In their final semester, BSc students work in groups on a 15-week final project, usually in collaboration with leading Icelandic companies and institutions. Each project is supervised by a faculty member and an external examiner. Students may choose to focus on an industry-based project or take a more research-oriented approach.

Internship

Students may apply for a credited internship at the prestigious Fraunhofer Research Institute in Maryland, USA. Fraunhofer carries out intensive research in close collaboration with leading institutions, and students are invited to take part in this work. The internship is paid and typically lasts six months.

Students may also apply for 6 ECTS units’ internships at various companies within the field.

Do you have questions about the study?

What next?

Career

Graduates of the programme earn the legally protected title of computer scientist. They go on to work in diverse areas, including systems analysis and design, web and interface development, programming, quality assurance, and related fields.

Graduate studies

Will you program the future? Or will others program it for you?

Luca Aceto
Former Dean of the Department of Computer Science, RU

Computer science is a mix of mathematics, art, and language.

Margrét Sól Aðalsteinsdóttir
Computer Science student

Structure

To graduate with a BSc in Computer Science, students must complete 180 ECTS. Of these, 120 ECTS are compulsory courses and 60 ECTS are electives. Full-time study is 30 ECTS per semester, usually divided into four 12-week courses followed by one intensive three-week course.

In the programme structure, you will find the recommended route through the compulsory courses, along with points where electives can be chosen. This route is designed to help students progress smoothly through the programme and to ensure prerequisite requirements are met.

Prerequisites

Below you can see the prerequisites for all mandatory courses in the programme. Students should ensure they have completed the required courses before registering, as those who have not met the prerequisites will be de-registered. Prerequisites for elective courses can be found in the course catalogue.

1st Semester – Fall

  • T-111-PROG Programming. Prerequisites: None
  • T-107-TOLH Computer Architecture. Prerequisites: None
  • T-117-STR1 Discrete Mathematics I, Prerequisites: None
  • T-216-GHOH Software Requirements and Design. Prerequisites: None
  • IT-113-VLN1 Semester Project 1, Prerequisites: None

2nd Semester – Spring

  • T-201-GSKI Data Structures. Prerequisites: T-111-PROG Programming, T-117-STR1 Discrete Mathematics I or T-103-STST Discrete Mathematics for Engineers
  • T-419-STR2 Discrete Mathematics II. Prerequisites: T-117-STR1 Discrete Mathematics I
  • T-213-VEFF Web Programming. Prerequisites: T-111-PROG Programming
  • T-202-GAG1 Database Theory. Prerequisites: T-111-PROG Programming
  • T-220-VLN2 Semester Project 2. Prerequisites: T-111-PROG Programming, T-202-GAG1 Databases, T-213-VEFF Web Programming, T-216-GHOH Software Requirements and Design

3rd Semester – Fall

  • T-304-CACS Calculus for Computer Science. Prerequisites: T-117-STR1 Discrete Mathematics I, T-419-STR2 Discrete Mathematics II
  • T-305-ASID Applied Statistics and Introduction to Data Science. Prerequisites: None
  • T-301-REIR Algorithms. Prerequisites: T-201-GSKI Data Structures
  • T-303-HUGB Software Engineering. Prerequisites: T-111-PROG Programming

4th Semester – Spring

  • T-501-FMAL Programming Languages. Prerequisites: T-201-GSKI Data Structures, T-419-STR2 Discrete Mathematics II
  • T-215-STY1 Operating Systems. Prerequisites: T-107-TOLH Computer Architecture, T-111-PROG Programming, T-201-GSKI Data Structures
  • X-204-STOF Entrepreneurship and Starting New Ventures. Prerequisites: None

5th Semester – Fall

  • T-409-TSAM Computer Networks. Prerequisites: T-111-PROG Programming, T-201-GSKI Data Structures

6th Semester – Spring

  • T-404-LOKA Final Project. Prerequisites: T-216-GHOH Software Requirements and Design, T-220-VLN2 Semester Project 2, T-303-HUGB Software Engineering
Fall
Programming
T-111-PROG / 6 ECTS
Computer Architecture
T-107-TOLH / 6 ECTS
Software Requirements and Design
T-216-GHOH / 6 ECTS
Discrete Mathematics I
T-117-STR1 / 6 ECTS
Semester Project 1
T-113-VLN1 / 6 ECTS
Spring
Data Structures
T-201-GSKI / 6 ECTS
Discrete Mathematics II
T-419-STR2 / 6 ECTS
Web-Programming
T-213-VEFF / 6 ECTS
Databases
T-202-GAG1 / 6 ECTS
Semester Project 2
T-220-VLN2 / 6 ECTS

Emphasis Line

At the end of the first year, students can choose to follow one or two emphasis lines that reflect their interests, or continue in general computer science. Courses within an emphasis line can be taken at any point in the programme, provided prerequisites are met.

To graduate with an emphasis line, students must complete at least 30 ECTS within that line. At the end of the third year, students should email the programme coordinator with:

  • The name of the emphasis line they wish to graduate with
  • A list of the courses they have completed that meet the requirements for the emphasis line

Students need to inform the department if they wish to graduate with a particular emphasis line.

The available emphasis lines are:

Emphasis in Artificial Intelligence

To graduate with an emphasis in Artificial Intelligence, students must complete five courses in total.

Mandatory courses (2):
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Introduction to Machine Learning

Elective courses (3, 18 ECTS):
Choose three from the following:

  • I-707-VGBI Business Intelligence
  • T-634-AGDD Advanced Game Design and Development. Prerequisite: T-624-CGDD Computer Game Design & Development
  • T-624-CGDD Computer Game Design & Development. Prerequisite: T-301-REIR Algorithms
  • E-409-LEIK Game Theory. Prerequisites: T-103-STST Discrete Mathematics for Engineers or T-101-STA1 Mathematics I or T-117-STR1 Discrete Mathematics I, and T-111-PROG Programming
  • T-637-GEDE Game Engine Design. Prerequisites: T-301-REIR Algorithms and T-511-TGRA Computer Graphics
  • T-502-HERM Simulation (VFD). Prerequisites: T-101-STA1 Mathematics I, T-302-TOLF Statistics I, and T-402-TOLF Statistics II
  • T-403-ADGE Operations Research (VFD). Prerequisites: T-101-STA1 Mathematics I and T-302-TOLF Statistics I
  • T-201-LINC Linear Algebra with Computer Science. No prerequisites
  • T-578-ITCV Introduction to Computer Vision. No prerequisites
Example of study structure

The table below shows one possible on-site study plan for the AI emphasis. Courses may be taken in a different order, provided the prerequisite requirements are met.

1. Semester - Fall 2. Semester-Spring
T-111-PROG Programming
T-216-GHOH Software Requirements & Design
T-107-TOLH Computer Architecture
T-117-STR1 Discrete Mathematics I
IT-113-VLN1 Practical Project 1 (3-week)            
T-201-GSKI Data Structures
T-419-STR2 Discrete Mathematics II
T-213-VEFF Web Programming
T-202-GAG1 Databases
T-220-VLN2 Practical Project 2 (3-week)
2nd year
3. Semester - Fall  4. Semester-Spring
T-304-CACS Calculus for Computer Science
T-301-REIR Algorithms
T-303-HUGB Software Engineering
T-305-ASID Applied Statistics and Introduction to Data Science (3-week)
T-501-FMAL Programming Languages
T-215-STY1 Operating Systems
Elective (general or emphasis line)
X-204-STOF Entrepreneurship and Starting New Ventures (3-week)
3rd year
 5. Semester - Fall 6. Semester-Spring
T-409-TSAM Computer Networks
T-504-ITML Introduction to Machine Learning*
Elective (general or emphasis line)
Elective (general or emphasis line)
Elective (3-week)
T‑201‑LINC Linear Algebra with Computer Science (example)**
T‑637‑GEDE Game Engine Design (example)**
T‑622‑ARTI Artificial Intelligence*
T‑404‑LOKA Final Project (15‑week)
*Mandatory for the AI emphasis
**Example elective from the AI emphasis list

Three-week courses

Each semester at RU is divided into two parts. For the first 12 weeks, students take four courses that conclude with an assessment. This is followed by one intensive three-week course, taught full-time. These courses give students the chance to put theory into practice through hands-on projects, teamwork, guest lectures, and collaboration with industry.

Mathematical Programming
Mobile Application Development
Game Design and Development
Digital Service Design
Computer Security
Practical Project 1
Practical Project II
Duration
3 years
Credits
180 ECTS
Degree
BSc
Internship possible
Yes
Distance learning possible
No

Facility

Everything in one place

At Reykjavik University, all teaching and operations take place under one roof. Emphasis is placed on ensuring that everyone has easy access to the services within the building.

Further information: Campus | Háskólinn í Reykjavík

Living in Iceland

Many things must be considered before arriving in Iceland and during the first few weeks of your stay. Find everything you need about living, studying, and thriving in Iceland here:

New knowledge

RU is at the forefront of artificial intelligence research worldwide. Students who collaborate on projects and perform research with researchers from the Artificial Intelligence Center HR, CADIA, have access to the centre's facilities for experiments and unique development in the Black Hole, a multimedia experimental area. Some devices can be used to communicate between people and computers, including virtual reality devices (Oculus Rift and HTC Vive), giant screens (3m x 2m), computer vision (Kinect), directional microphones, computer-controlled LED lighting, speaker systems, and sound mixers, to name a few. The room can be reserved for project work or experiments. 

Why computer science at RU?

  • Practical projects
  • Strong ties to industry
  • Teaching takes place over 12 weeks, followed by three weeks of practical projects
  • Internationally accredited programme
  • Final project with a research focus/research component in collaboration with companies or RU scientists

Viðbótarefni

Þekking

Lærdómsviðmið fyrir BSc í tölvunarfræði tilgreina að handhafar prófgráðunnar skuli hafa þekkingu á:

  • Fjölda algengra stefa og almennum meginreglum sem beita má í víðu samhengi innan tölvunarfræði
  • Þeim félagslegu, lagalegu, siðferðislegu og menningarlegu álitamálum sem eru óaðskiljanlegur hluti tölvunarfræði
  • Því hvernig hugbúnaðarkerfi eru notuð á mörgum mismunandi sviðum. Þetta krefst bæði færni í tölvunarfræði og þekkingar á sviðinu
  • Grundvallaratriðum hugbúnaðarþróunar, þ.m.t. forritun, gagnagrindum, algrími og flækjustigum
  • Grundvallaratriðum kerfa, þ.m.t. högun og skipulagi, stýrikerfum, netvinnu og samskiptum, samhliða vinnslu og dreifvinnslu, auk öryggismála
  • Grundvallaratriðum stærðfræði, þ.m.t. „discrete structures“, tölfræði og reiknivísi
  • Grundvallaratriðum hugbúnaðarverkfræði, þ.m.t. hugbúnaðargreiningu og hönnun, mati og prófunum, ásamt ferlum hugbúnaðarverkfræði
  • Grundvallaratriðum forrita, þ.m.t. upplýsingastjórnun og snjallforritum
  • Fjölmörgum forritunarmálum, viðmiðum og tæknilausnum
Færni

Lærdómsviðmið fyrir BSc í tölvunarfræði tilgreina að handhafar prófgráðunnar geti beitt aðferðum og verklagi eins og hér segir:

  • Kunnáttu til að beita þeirri þekkingu sem þeir hafa tileinkað sér til að leysa raunveruleg vandamál
  • Skilning á því að tiltekið vandamál megi leysa á margs konar hátt og að viðkomandi lausnir geti haft raunveruleg áhrif á líf einstaklinga
  • Getu til að miðla lausnum sínum til annarra, þ.m.t. hvers vegna og hvernig lausn leysir vandamál og hvaða ályktanir voru dregnar
  • Getu til að beita með árangursríkum hætti þekkingu sem þeir hafa tileinkað sér gegnum vinnu að verkefnum
  • Skilning á uppbyggingu tölvukerfa og þeim ferlum sem beitt er við gerð og greiningu kerfanna
  • Hafi til að bera skilning á einstaklingsábyrgð og sameiginlegri ábyrgð og takmörkunum einstaklinga, sem og takmörkunum tæknilegra verkfæra
  • Skilning á hinum mörgu tækifærum og einnig - takmörkunum tölvunarfræði.
Hæfni

Lærdómsviðmið fyrir BSc í tölvunarfræði tilgreina að handhafar prófgráðunnar geti beitt þekkingu sinni og leikni eins og hér segir:

  • Hafa skilning á hinum fjölmörgu stigum ítarleika og einföldunar
  • Átta sig á samhenginu sem tölvukerfi virkar innan, þ.m.t. samspil þess við fólk og efnislega heiminn
  • Geta átt samskipti við og lært af sérfræðingum á mismunandi sviðum gegnum allan starfsferil sinn
  • Búa yfir traustum grunni sem gerir þeim kleift og hvetur þá til að viðhalda viðeigandi færni eftir því sem sviðið þróast
  • Geta stýrt eigin starfsferilsþróun og eflingu starfsframa
  • Stjórna eigin þekkingaröflun og þróun, þ.m.t. stjórnun tíma, forgangsverkefna og framgangs
  • Hafa þróað með sér samskiptafærni sem hluta af reynslu þeirra af verkefnavinnu
  • Vinna með skilvirkum hætti bæði sem einstaklingar og meðlimir teyma
  • Flytja áhrifaríkar kynningar fyrir áheyrendur af ýmsu tagi varðandi tæknileg vandamál og lausnir við þeim
  • Hafa skilning á samspili fræða og verklags
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