Computing Science – (M.Sc.)

The Master´s programme in Computing Science in Groningen deals with both theoretical and practical aspects of computing, in particular in the area of Distributed Systems, Software Engineering, Intelligent Systems, Computational Science and Visualization. In most courses, a combination of lectures dealing with the theory and practical sessions is used. Apart from core computer science skills, mathematics and research methodology are also important. In student colloquia research and presentation skills are developed.

For those aiming to go into business rather than academia, project management and related topics are also offered. All skills acquired are put to the test in research projects, either within the university or in business and industrial internships. Because computer science is pivotal in many areas of research, students can easily participate in one of many research collaborations with other fields, such as bioinformatics, medicine and astronomy. Contacts with many businesses facilitate internships in a variety of fields, to match the interests of most students.

Having completed the Master´s programme in Computing Science, you will be spoilt for choice regarding future employment. There are hardly any areas of business or research which do not require computer scientists, either software engineers and architects, or researchers. Usually our students are offered suitable jobs within one month of graduating (or even before graduating). Most of our alumni end up either in software companies (or founding their own), or in academia, usually by entering into PhD programmes.

In industry, after a few years they generally move to more managerial roles and become project managers, for example. In academia the usual path is from PhD via post-doctoral researcher to university staff member, though quite a few of our successful PhD students have moved to industry as well. Many MSc and PhD students have gone into the field of medical imaging, either at various univer-sities or in the research labs of large companies. More and more are moving into bioinformatics.