Computing Science

Overview

Key facts

Necessary prerequisites for being able to follow the programme are theoretical knowledge and practical skills regarding algorithmic problem solving, including well-developed programming skills. In particular, you must be able to program in programming languages such as C, Java, and Python and, if necessary, quickly become acquainted with further programming languages. You must also be familiar with the basics of discrete mathematics and fundamental concepts from the theory of computation such as automata, formal languages, computability, and computational complexity.

Thesis completes your studies

During the first semester of the Computing Science programme taught at Umea University you will take four courses of which two are mandatory: Computer Organization and Architecture and Efficient Algorithms. The two remaining courses are Distributed Systems and Artificial Intelligence – Methods and Applications. The latter two are not mandatory, but are pre-selected and highly recommended. Towards the end of the programme, after taking a number of elective courses, you will take the course Student Conference in Computing Science that gives a hands-on introduction to scientific writing. This course will prepare you for your master thesis comprising 30 ECTS credits, which completes your studies.

Software development

The programme courses consist of lectures, seminars, group work and tutorials in conjunction with different types of assignments and laboratory work. These assignments are usually mandatory and often consist of software development of some kind. Count on a 40-hour work week even if there are fewer hours scheduled. You are expected to organize your work by yourself in a way that suits you and your studies.

Career opportunities

The scientific way of thinking that characterizes the programme yields a solid foundation for future PhD studies, but also ables you to work independently with specialised positions in industry. You may find your future workplace at a university or private research institute or with companies such as Ericson, Facebook, Volvo, Tieto or an overwhelming number of smaller IT-related companies.

Common job titles:

• Researcher
• Project leader in the IT-business
• Systems developer
• Algorithm designer
• Data consultant