Study Plan for Master in Applied Computer Science, part-time (120 ECTS) (2026–2030)

The programme is available full-time and part-time (2 and 4 years, respectively).

In this programme, you will choose one of the following specialisations when applying for the program:

• Interaction Design
• Artificial Intelligence
• Internet of Things
• Cyber Security Management

Each of these specialisations requires that you have some pre-knowledge in addition to the admission requirements, except for the specialisation in Internet of things where all pre-knowledge is given in the admission requirements.

Required pre-knowledge in:

Interaction Design:

• at least 3 ECTS credits in human computer interaction

Artificial Intelligence:

• at least 3 ECTS credits in algorithms
• at least 3 ECTS credits in statistics
• at least 3 ECTS credits in mathematics

Cyber Security Management:

• at least 3 ECTS credits in cyber security

If you don’t have this pre-knowledge, HiØ offers digital learning modules in all topics in the beginning of the first semester. This material will be available in HiØ’s learning platform.

Students that complete and pass the programme are awarded the degree Master in Applied Computer Science.

Students that are admitted to the specialisation in Internet of Things (IoT) will also have the right to use the protected title sivilingeniør after graduation.

The additional title sivilingeniør will be stated in the diploma.

Knowledge

For all specialisations, the candidate:

• has thorough knowledge of scientific methods used within the field of applied computer science.
• is able to apply computer science knowledge and understanding to new and unfamiliar settings.
• is able to analyse scientific problems within applied computer science and relate this to the history and role of applied computer science in the society.

For the specialisation in artificial intelligence, the candidate:

• possesses advanced knowledge about literature, theories and methods used within the field of applied computer science, with particular emphasis on artificial intelligence across areas such as machine learning, deep learning, information retrieval, and evolutionary computing.
• has specialized insight and a good understanding of contemporary research and development in artificial intelligence.

For the specialisation in cyber security management, the candidate:

• possesses advanced knowledge about literature, theories and methods used within the field of applied computer science, with particular emphasis on cyber security managemnent across areas such as cyber security governance, cyberescurity risk management and incident response.
• has specialized insight and good understanding of the research and development in cyber security management.

For the specialisation interaction design, the candidate:

• possesses advanced knowledge about literature, theories and methods used within the field of applied computer science, with particular emphasis on interaction design, interaction design experiments and design for cooperation.
• has specialized insight and good understanding of the research and development in interaction design.

For the specialisation in internet of things, the candidate:

• possesses advanced knowledge about literature, theories and methods used within the field of applied computer science, with particular emphasis on automation, IoT, modelling and digital twins.
• has specialized insight and good understanding of the research and development in cyber physical systems and internet of things.

Skills

The candidate:

• is able to collect and analyse relevant information with emphasis on source criticism and use them to structure and develop academic arguments.
• is able to analyse existing theories, methods and interpretations and independently challenge established knowledge and practice with regards to applied computer science.
• is, in an independent manner, able to use relevant and suitable methods when carrying out research and development activities.
• is able to plan and complete an independent and limited research or development project under supervision and in adherence to research ethics.

General competence

The candidate:

• is able to communicate academic issues, analyses, and conclusions, with specialists in the field and to the public, in writing as well as orally.
• can present research and results from extensive independent work clearly and unambiguous within the field of applied computer science.
• is capable of critical reflection on the ethical challenges within the field of applied computer science.
• is able to utilize gained knowledge and skills to carry out new advanced tasks and projects.
• has retained and further developed his/her academic curiosity, knowledge, openness and precision, and are able to use this to contribute to innovative thinking and innovation processes.

For all specialisations

A bachelor’s degree or an equivalent education of at least 180 ECTS credits, and in addition or included:

• at least 80 ECTS credits in computer science, of which at least 20 ECTS credits must be in programming
  

To be admitted, the applicant must have an average grade value from the qualifying education of at least 25 (according to ECTS standards).

English language requirement:

1. Passed the subject English at a Norwegian upper secondary school (140 hours) and been awarded an average grade of 3 or better, or
2. International English Language Test Service (IELTS), with a minimum overall band score of 6.0 (academic test), or
3. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), HiØ code 6240 with a minimum score of 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based), or 80 (internet-based), or
4. Pearson PTE Academic test, with a minimum overall score of 58, or
5. Cambridge ESOL Examinations, First Certificate in English with a grade of B or better, Certificate in Advanced English or Certificate of Proficiency in English, or
6. Completed university degree in the subject English language or literature, or
7. Completed bachelor’s degree taught in English from Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK, or the USA (the degree must have been physically taught in one of these countries), or
8. Other approved documentation of English language tests may be subject to an individual and discretionary assessment.

Additional requirements for the specialisation in Internet of Things

• at least 25 ECTS credits in mathematics
• at least 7,5 ECTS credits in physics
• at least 5 ECTS credits in statistics

In the first and second semester, students take three courses from their chosen specialisations. The four specialisations are:

• Interaction Design
• Artificial Intelligence
• Internet of Things
• Cyber Security Management

A specialisation is only offered if at least five students are admitted to the specialisation.

In the third and fourth semester, the students have a common course in scientific methods, ethics and writing and work with an interdisciplinary project together with students from other specialisations. This project is either a project defined by the research groups at the department or a business project defined by one of our business partners. In addition, students have an elective course.

In the next four semesters, the students are doing their master's thesis (60 ECTS). In order to qualify for the master's thesis, students must have passed at least 50 ECTS.

In addition to traditional lectures and seminars, students learn through:

• Project work
• Lab exercises
• Workshops
• Reading circles
• Quizzes
• Supervision
• Student presentations
• Student-led seminars
• Plenary discussions
• Colloquium
• Self-study

Each student's benefit from this type of organisation will depend on the student's own efforts and interest. The student must show interest in his/her professional development, and must be able to work independently with theory, implementation and knowledge acquisition. The students are offered supervision in all courses in the master programme. Master students are expected to take initiatives and approach tutors, and be responsible for their own learning.

A modern library is available for all students at Østfold University of Applied Sciences . The library helps the students in developing their information competence, i.e. the ability to search, find, evaluate and use relevant information. In addition to personal service, the students are offered library courses on international databases and evaluation of information quality. They are also offered courses in scientific referencing.

The department has several lab facilities that are used in the master courses:

• Makerspace
• Digital Fabrication Lab
• VR Lab
• CPS Lab
• Robotics Lab
• Machine Learning Cluster
• Data Security Lab

These labs are used directly in teaching activities, and to carry out compulsory requirements and student projects. The labs are available for all students and employees 24 hours, 7 days a week.

Compulsory assignments
Some of the courses have requirements for attendance and/or compulsory assignments, exercises and projects. These assignments have to be completed and approved before taking the final examination. More details regarding compulsory assignments are found in the course descriptions.

Academic writing
The students will be trained in academic writing throughout the study programme. This is done by emphasising content, structure, reliability, and referencing.

Continuous feedback
The taught courses include exercises, assignments and projects, completed either individually or in groups. The students are given feedback on all exercises, assignments and projects.

Assessment
Final assessment takes several forms: written individual examination, portfolio assessment, project assessment, oral examination, or a combination of these. The grading scale used is the A - F scale.

Upon agreement with the instructor you may in some cases use Norwegian for your hand ins and/or exams.

More details regarding assessment are found in the course descriptions.

Plagiarism control/ cheating
Master's theses are subject to electronic plagiarism control, as may also be the case with other courses and required coursework. Exam papers that are partly or entirely identical will not be approved and will be regarded as cheating. For further information please see Exam regulations for Østfold University of Applied Sciences.

The master`s programme is based on research activities at the department, but it also contributes to our research. All courses in the first year are directly related to the research performed at the department. This implies that our courses are continually developed and always up to date.

The master theses are always based on research and development performed at the department or at one of our partners. Students may get the opportunity to participate in the department´s research projects, as well as to carry out a business project with a relevant IT company. Papers written by students have on several occasions led to scientific publications.

Several members of the academic staff have close contacts and projects with foreign institutions and research environments. The department has several incoming international students and is focused on increasing student and faculty exchanges with foreign colleges/universities.

The language of instruction is entirely in English and therefore accommodates the needs of foreign students.

The department also offers the possibility to obtain a double degree with other universities in Europe. More specific information can be found on the programme`s webpage.

To be able to offer relevant education of good quality, HiØ is dependent on feedback from the students and their participation in course and program evaluations. This study programme is regularly evaluated in order to assure and develop its quality:

• An annual national student survey is conducted among second year students on all bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes by the Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education (NOKUT). The results of the survey are published on the website studiebarometeret.no.
• Østfold University of Applied Sciences conducts periodic evaluations of the study program as a whole.
• Evaluations are carried out in all individual courses; see the individual course descriptions for more details.

See separate course descriptions.

Course literature is subject to change until 15th of May for autumn courses, and 15th of November for spring courses.

Students may take 1-2 semesters of their studies at one of the university college's partner institutions. Both the International Coordinator at the department as well as HiØ's International Office help accommodate studies abroad, and the department have exchange agreements with several universities in Europe, USA, Canada and Australia.

Detailed information on exchange opportunities at universities abroad can be found on HiØ's international pages.

A study abroad stay shall replace the equivalent semester at Østfold University of Applied Sciences and will be included in the Norwegian master’s degree. The courses you are taking abroad must therefore be pre-approved by the university college.

International experience can offer advantages in the job market, where language and cultural competence are in demand. An exchange program will also provide you with the skills to operate in an international job market.

A master's degree in Applied Computer Science provides opportunities for leading positions within application development, web development, consulting and project management in IT companies in Norway and abroad. It also qualifies for work in the public sector, for instance in the fields of research, health and education.

A master's degree also qualifies for PhD-studies in Norway and abroad. Different admission requirements may apply at different universities. Østfold University of Applied Sciences offers a Phd-programme in digitalisation and society. More information about the programme and admission requirements can be found on our webpage.