Do you already have a solid academic background in Computer Science and do you want to work toward an even deeper computer scientific understanding and knowledge? Then the master’s in Computer Science is the programme you’re looking for! The two-year programme has a broad scope, but also offers a wide variety of highly specialised elective courses. As such, it actively prepares students for positions in contemporary computer scientific research and development.
Our courses and specialisations are strongly embedded in the ongoing activities of research groups that are each specialised in a particular domain of computer science. The groups publish in international journals and at international conferences, and participate in international research networks and projects. Master students carry out at least half of their studies within one of these groups. By being part of a professional research team, students have the best opportunities to learn and develop scientific skills, and to participate in world-class research. The groups also have experience in developing research trajectories with societal and economic impact. They have implemented an active policy in technology and knowledge transfer, patenting, spin-off creation, industrial collaboration, and innovation.
This master's programme is jointly organised by two departments, the Department of Computer Science at the Faculty of Sciences and the Department of Electronics at the Department of Engineering. Together, they employ more than 200 researchers, who cover a wide range of research topics.
Tom Jaspers, Google UK, London
“Thanks to the diversity of courses taught in the Computer Science programme I was able to find and refine my interests in this very broad field. The Artificial Intelligence specialisation offered a challenging and interesting path into a subject that is embedded in nearly every new technological advancement.The style of teaching pushed us to keep exploring beyond the course material, and allowed me to gain a deep familiarity with the latest research. There was an important emphasis on the foundations of Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence, something that helps me in my career when keeping up with the latest academic work.”
About half of the students in our master’s programme come from Belgium, the other half come from all over the world. Courses are taught and guided by a similarly diverse mix of professors and assistants. The membership of the research groups is truly international, and you can communicate with the university administration in English. You can also go abroad during your studies to one of our prestigious partner universities.
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This master programme is designed for students with a solid, fundamental academic background in computer science (such as a bachelor in computer science, or equivalent). It will provide you with a deeper knowledge and understanding of computer science in general, and one of four specialisations in particular. The programme prepares you for an active role in computer science research and development, in academia as well as in the ICT industry. In addition to a meticulously designed core programme complemented by state-of-the-art specialisations, the curriculum offers a wide range of electives that allow you to tailor your education to your interests.Our courses promote an active style of learning. As well as regular lectures, we use a broad range of instruction techniques, such as group and individual projects, seminars, workshops, talks by invited experts in the field, and research trainings.
Artificial Intelligence
The focus is on building intelligent software artefacts. We emphasise the theories of complex dynamic systems and self-organisation, starting from the theory of complex dynamic systems as developed in related fields, such as mathematics, physics and biology. As well as datamining and big data, students will be exposed to current research in the areas of adaptive systems, multi-agent systems, the origins of language and bioinformatics.
Multimedia
You will conduct in-depth exploration of techniques for signal processing and communication of multimedia content. The programme is designed to build thorough technological and scientific knowledge of various multimedia domains, such as digital television, telephony and videophony, computer animation, computer games and the internet. Students will gain experience of complex ICT architectures for the processing, distribution, and consumption of multimedia content.
Software Languages & Software Engineering
You will study languages, techniques, tools and methods to build complex software applications and software-intensive systems. In the practical part of most courses, you will apply this knowledge in the context of a wide variety of innovative hardware. We offer electives including theoretical foundations, specialised programming paradigms, virtual machines, advanced software engineering principles and the more process-oriented aspects such as agile development.
Web & Information Systems
This specialisation is geared towards information-system development, and application development in the context of the web. You will learn about data and semantic representation methods and techniques, data visualisation techniques, user interfaces and innovative user interaction techniques. Participate in research in the development of new media µsystems, multi-modal interaction systems, innovative document systems, and large-scale data processing.
Take a look at an example of your future timetable!
Learning outcomes describe the intended knowledge and understanding, skills and attitudes that you must master after completing your studies.
Do you want to know more about the specific learning outcomes of this programme? Click here for more information.
After obtaining your master’s degree, you are perfectly prepared for a high-level job in the ICT industry or for research in an academic or industrial context. You will have the expertise to enter a wide range of professional sectors, but no matter where you are employed, you are bound to find yourself at the cutting edge of technological innovation.
You will be equipped with exactly those skills that are paramount to a successful career in high-end industry or academia: a sharp, inquisitive mind dedicated to pushing the boundaries of knowledge and human accomplishment.
You can even become part of one of the highly professional research teams at VUB with a societal and economic impact. Here you will be able to implement an active policy in technology and knowledge transfer, patenting, spin-off creation, industrial networking and innovation.
Yasmin Fathy, Master in Applied Sciences and Engineering: Computer Science, Profile Artificial Intelligence
"I am from Egypt and just graduated from the two-year Master in Computer Science, profile Artificial Intelligence (AI). I would definitely recommend this challenging programme to all graduate students who want to reach a high level of research. The diversity of courses also allowed me to grasp the essence of research in different disciplines. I had a great time in Brussels, learned so much and made friends from all over the world."
Did you know you can go abroad during your studies Computer Science at VUB? This is possible through the well-known Erasmus+ programme, but there is also a whole range of other possibilities both inside and outside of Europe.
You can go on Erasmus exchange to:
Germany
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
For more information, please contact the faculty exchange coordinator.
Application prerequisite for the programme Master of Computer Science is an academic bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or equivalent. Equivalency and admission to the programme will be based on a review of the student’s academic record and will be evaluated case by case. Entering in the second semester (February) is possible under certain conditions.
Admission is based upon acceptance of the application (proof of meeting the academic and language requirements, satisfactory background...). All necessary information regarding the admission requirements, deadlines and application forms can be found on the application page.
