Chalmers University of Technology
MSc Computer systems and cybersecurity
Gothenburg, Sweden
MSc
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
TUITION FEES
SEK 160,000 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* tuition fees for non-EU/EEA students
Key Summary
As a student in this program, you will attain a solid grasp of computer systems and networks, through an education both broad and deep. The program will endow you with a set of essential skills to prepare you to work in the fields of Information and Computing Technology.
You will gain hands-on experience with the latest technologies and research in algorithm design, programming languages, and computer systems engineering, as well as theoretical knowledge and engineering skills in cyber security, computer systems engineering, dependable real-time systems, and distributed computing and systems.
You will be taught courses by internationally recognized computer science and engineering faculty, in subjects including computer networks, parallel and distributed systems, computer architecture, cyber security, and real-time systems. In addition to academic training in skills related to algorithm design, programming languages, and computer systems engineering, you will gain real experience with emerging technologies, and have opportunities to participate in cutting-edge research.
This master's program is the first at the Chalmers University of Technology to provide the necessary preparation to contribute to rapidly growing new areas in the ICT industry, such as ubiquitous computing and cyber-physical systems. If you are interested in taking your expertise in these and other areas further, the program will also give you an excellent background for pursuing doctoral studies.
During the program, you will learn to design methodologies used to construct computer systems and networks — fault-tolerant distributed algorithm design, concurrent programming, computer systems engineering, and secure and dependable systems design, for example.
We welcome applications from a diverse range of graduates in relevant fields. Rather than concentrating on a single aspect of computer systems and networks, the courses provide the broad, practical, and up-to-date experience required by major ICT companies to develop computer systems and networks. The aim is to create the next generation of professionals in the field of computer science and engineering.
Scholarships are a great source of funding for Master's students who are liable to pay tuition fees. Some of these are administrated by Chalmers and others by external institutions. Additional scholarships may be appended to the list and applicants are therefore encouraged to check this webpage regularly.
Please visit the university website for more information.
Compulsory courses year 1
During the first semester, the programme starts with three compulsory courses that form a common foundation in Computer systems and networks. Each course is usually 7.5 credits.
- Computer networks
How does the internet work? How are new computer networks designed? How do we ensure that our networks function correctly and efficiently? And how do we program applications that communicate with each other? This course teaches the basics of network design and implementation, covering topics from core protocols like TCP/IP to emerging network technologies. The course also emphasizes the fundamental algorithms underlying computer networks.
- Operating systems
How do applications run on a computer system? How do multiple applications run at the same time? Operating Systems are an integral part of all computer systems, from workstations to smartphones to embedded systems in vehicles. This course provides an introduction to OS design and implementation. Students who have taken a similar course during their bachelor studies may choose an elective course instead
- Distributed systems
Why are computing systems becoming increasingly distributed? How can we build reliable and fault-tolerant distributed systems? Why does the Internet scale to billions of users? How are modern distributed systems such as the cloud, the smart grid, or connected cars built? These are a few questions addressed in this course. The goal is to understand the design of distributed systems and discuss the underlying principles and mechanisms that drive today's distributed systems.
Compulsory courses year 2 In the second year, you must complete a master's thesis to graduate. The thesis may be worth 30 credits or 60 credits depending on your choice. In addition to the thesis, there is also a course in technical writing.
- Technical writing in computer systems and network
How can you prepare yourself to write a master thesis? What exciting topics in the field of Computer systems and networks could you work on? How can we learn from the professional literature about these topics? This course covers a broad range of skills that are needed for planning and carrying out a thesis project in the area of Computer systems and networks.
- Master's thesis
Students may perform their thesis work in an industrial context or within a research group at Chalmers. Students who want to write a research-oriented thesis may apply for an additional 15 credit research project or extend their research thesis work to 60 credit units.
The master's programme has been carefully designed to be relevant to a growing industrial and governmental ICT sector. In particular, the healthcare, e-commerce, aerospace, automotive, and telecom industries all rely on secure, dependable, safe, and energy-efficient computing systems and communication networks. The master's program allows you to combine academic training with engineering work experience, a combination that opens up diverse career paths, such as becoming:
- the Chief Technology Officer who takes responsibility for the company's technological development plan and influences its competitiveness in the market
- the Systems Architect and Designer who builds computer systems and designs networked applications and protocols
- The project Manager is responsible for driving specific projects by choosing technical directions and leading people
- the Software Engineer who develops systems and run-time software that interfaces to the hardware platform
- the Security and Network Specialist who oversees company computer resources to ensure that sensitive data and services are only accessible to authorized users.