Applied Sciences and Engineering: Computer Science – (M.Sc.)

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Strong embedding in ongoing research

The faculty of Science and the faculty of Engineering of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel have joined forces to offer a highly competitive and interesting programme. The courses and specializations are strongly embedded in the ongoing research activities of research groups each specialized in a particular domain of Computer Science. The research groups participate in various international research networks and projects. Master students carry out their study in one of these groups. By being part of a professional research team, students receive maximal opportunities to learn and develop scientific skills, and to participate in this world-class research. The teams also have experience in developing research trajectories that result in societal and economic impact. They have implemented an active policy in technology and knowledge transfer, patenting, spin-off creation, industrial networking and innovation.

Active style of learning

Furthermore, courses are designed to promote an active style of learning. In addition to regular lectures, a broad range of instruction techniques are employed, such as group and individual projects, seminars, workshops, and research trainings. It is also possible to take courses from another Belgian university, or to study for one or two semesters at a foreign university. The language of instruction is English.

Joint organisation of two departments provides wide range of research topics

Two departments, the Department of Computer Science in the Faculty of Science and the Department of Electronics and Informatics in the Faculty of Engineering, jointly organise the Master programmes. Together, they have more than 200 researchers who cover a wide range of research topics.

All students study a core programme of 30 credits; do a research training of 6 credits and a master thesis of 24 credits. Students choose one of four specializations: Artificial Intelligence, Multimedia, Software Engineering, or Web & Information Systems. 54 credits should be spent to mandatory and optional courses in this specialization. 6 credits can be chosen completely freely. This brings the total to 120 ECTS credits.

The specializations are:

• Artificial Intelligence: The focus in this specialization is on building intelligent software artifacts. The theories of complex dynamic systems and self-organization are emphasized starting from the theory of complex dynamic systems as developed in related fields such as mathematics, physics, and biology. Students will be exposed to current research in the areas of adaptive systems, multi-agent systems, and the origins of language.
• Multimedia: Students in this specialization will conduct in-depth exploration of techniques for signal processing and communication of multimedia content. The program is designed to build thorough technological and scientific knowledge of various multimedia domains such as digital television, telephony and video phony, computer animation, computer games, and the Internet. Students will gain experience with complex ICT architectures for the processing, distribution, and consumption of multimedia content.
• Software Engineering: In this specialization, students gain the skills needed to build complex software applications and software intensive systems. Students are also taught scientifically sound methods, as well as the newest techniques and tools for the developing of software. The curriculum also includes research topics in programming languages and integrated development environments.
• Web & Information Systems: This specialization is geared towards information system development and application development in the context of the Web. Students will learn about data and semantic representation techniques and acquire thorough technological and scientific knowledge related to the newest technological developments for the Web. Students can participate is research in the area of ontologies, new media systems (multimedia, Virtual Reality, games, social systems), and the "Internet of Things".

Accreditation

All degree programs are accredited by NVAO.