Computer- Science MSc
What will you learn?
The MSc in Computer Science is designed to allow you to customise your learning experience to align with your interests and career objectives. With only two mandatory courses, our programme encourages you to delve deeply into your chosen area of computer science. You may also opt to specialise by following one of our emphasis lines in AI, Cyber Security, or Software Engineering. Details about the emphasis lines can be found below. Our graduates have a strong track record of publishing their research globally, demonstrating the programme’s success in fostering academic and professional growth.
Potential study areas
- Artificial intelligence - Centre for Analysis & Design of Intelligent Sytems (CADIA)
- Cybersecurity - Frostbyte lab
- Databases with an emphasis on multimedia data - Centre for Research on Engineering Software Systems (CRESS)
- Engineering software systems - CRESS
- Language technology - Language & Voice lab
- Socially expressive computing - SECOM
- Theoretical Computer Science - Icelandic Centre of Excellence in Theoretical Computer Science (ICE-TCS)
Thesis project examples
Our students undertake a variety of innovative theses that highlight the flexibility and breadth of our academic programme. Recent examples include:
Emphasis lines
Jointly with HI, we offer an emphasis line in cybersecurity, which is expected to become a full M.Sc. within two years. The Cybersecurity M.Sc. offers practical education in the challenges of modern Cybersecurity, with unique courses in Cyber Defense, Machine Learning, Ethical Hacking and Applied Cryptography.
Students will gain a strong foundation in the practical and theoretical skills needed to defend networks, computers, applications and organizations from cyber-crime or state-level sponsored attacks. Courses will be practically oriented, using our laboratory facilities, exposing you to real-world scenarios and practical experience with security issues.
To graduate with an emphasis line in cybersecurity, students must complete a research thesis on a relevant cybersecurity topic for 30 ECTS or 60 ECTS.
Cybersecurity courses at RU
- T-742-CSDA Computer security: Defense against the dark arts (8 ECTS)
- T-710-MLCS Machine learning in cybersecurity (8 ECTS)
- T-748-REMA Reverse engineering and malware analysis (6 ECTS)
- T-737-TDAC Emerging topics in digital health, AI, and cybersecurity (6 ECTS)
- T-777-BLMR Exploration of ethical issues in emerging technology through the lens of Black Mirror (6 ECTS)
- T-749-ICIS Introduction to Industrial Control Security (8 ECTS)
- T-746-COPS Cyber security management & compliance in practice (8 ECTS)
Cybersecurity courses at the University of Iceland
- TÖL605M Fundamentals of ethical hacking
- TÖL213M Applied cryptography
- TÖL212F Governance of the internet
- TÖL113F Quantum cryptography
How will I learn?
Flexible study options and academic support
Our programme is designed to provide flexibility, allowing students to tailor their studies to align with personal interests. Upon starting the programme, you will be paired with an academic adviser—a faculty member—who will guide you in developing a customised study plan that aligns with your academic goals and interests.
Programme delivery
Our MSc programmes are delivered onsite and designed for full-time study. For students who wish to extend their study period, it’s possible to take fewer courses each semester and complete the programme over a longer duration. Please note that all classes require attendance during daytime hours.
Programme highlights
- Small class sizes: Benefit from a more personalised education experience, with most classes limited to no more than 20 students, allowing for close interaction with faculty.
- Research centre integration: Upon commencing their thesis, students are integrated into the research centre associated with their supervisor. This integration offers numerous benefits, including invitations to seminars and other activities, exposure to international visiting faculty, and access to an extensive network of researchers.
- Independent study: Delve into your research interests under faculty guidance through independent research projects.
Earn while you learn: teaching assistant opportunities
Graduate students can enrich their educational experience and earn a salary by working as teaching assistants in our BSc programme, gaining valuable teaching and academic skills.
Research and industry collaboration
- Thesis options: Engage in deep research with a one-semester or full-year thesis project. For those not pursuing a full-year project, we offer independent research opportunities for up to 16 ECTS.
- Industry partnerships: Benefit from our collaborations with leading companies like Veitur and Marel, which provide specially designed projects and internships. You may also collaborate with these partners on your thesis or engage in a project at your current place of employment.
Double degree: From Iceland and Italy
The Faculty of Computer Science and the Faculty of Technology and Science of the University of Camerino (UNICAM) offer a master's degree in computer science with a degree from both schools.
Camerino is a historic hilltop town in the Apennine mountains located 200 kilometres northeast of Rome, midway between Ancona and Perugia. The University of Camerino was established in 1336 and thus had over six and a half centuries of history.
Today, more than 10,000 students attend the University distributed throughout its five faculties (Architecture, Pharmacy, Law, Veterinary Medicine, Science and Technology). There are 297 teachers (1 teacher for every 34 students) and 312 technical-administrative clerks.
UNICAM has an essential tradition in didactics and scientific research: numerous innovative degrees are offered in different faculties, including master's degrees, and many of its professors have received prestigious national and international recognition.
Careers
Future prospects
This graduate course is highly regarded for its depth and practical focus, providing graduates with a competitive edge in the job market. Graduates will be well-prepared to apply their specialised skills and knowledge in the following ways:
- Tools and techniques for designing, implementing, testing, documenting, and maintaining computer systems.
- Foster knowledge through business and knowledge development.
- Use research methodologies, technology, and problem-solving approaches to solve problems in their area of expertise.
- Ensure reliable access and evaluation of professional information.
- Developed methods and tools for identifying difficult real-life situations and implementing computer-aided solutions.
- Stay open to new ideas and developments.
- Write and present successfully for professionals and the public.
- Collaborate effectively with team members to manage, plan, and implement computer systems.
- Submit a short research project proposal, organise its implementation, develop the project, analyse the outcomes, and report them professionally.
„I think the programme is great. You can create your programme, and there are just a few compulsory courses so I can concentrate on the ones I'm interested in. It is also possible to take classes in completely different programmes than your main. However, I prefer to stay inside the curriculum.“
Edda Pétursdóttir
This programme is fantastic, and the work options upon graduation are excellent. The connection to the corporate world is strong, allowing students to learn about real-world initiatives.
My experience with the programme is excellent. There are excellent facilities for master's students at RU, interesting courses are taught, and incredible access to teachers. I was also surprised by the scale of the computer science department's research centres.
Structure
The Master's programme in Computer Science is designed to be completed over two years and offers two distinct study tracks. Students do not need to declare which track they are taking until the end of their first year, allowing them time to assess their interests and academic direction before making a commitment
Course-based track:
The course-based program requires students to complete three terms of coursework (90 ECTS) and a thesis in the final term (30 ECTS).
Research-based track:
The research-based programme involves two semesters of coursework (60 ECTS) and a year of research (60 ECTS).
Mandatory courses
- T-701-REM4 Research Methodology
- *T-519-STOR Theory of Computation -*if not already completed at BSc level
- T-740 SPMM Software Project Management
Elective courses
Students may choose electives from MSc courses offered in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering. Additionally, they may enrol in undergraduate courses or courses outside the School of Computer Science/Engineering under specific conditions: Only advanced undergraduate courses are permitted, and they must not duplicate any courses the student has previously completed. A list of eligible courses will be made available before each semester. For courses outside their programme, students should choose those that enhance their chosen specialisation. Prior approval from both the course instructor and the Graduate Studies Council is required for enrolment.
Term structure
Each semester is divided into two parts:
- 12-week Semester: During this period, students usually take 3–4 courses, equivalent to 24 ECTS.
- 3-week Semester: This shorter, intensive period focuses on a single course. Classes take place daily, fostering an immersive and practical learning experience.
The MSc program in computer science at HR stands out from similar programs in Iceland in that it has an international certification (ASIIN) that confirms its quality.
Entry requirements
Facility
Tuition and scholarships
- For information on tuition fees, please see tuition fees.