Applied Sciences and Engineering: Computer Science

What do you learn on the master's programme? 

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, allowing you to tailor your education to your particular interests. Excited by smart cities, digital health or digital earth? Or are factories of the future, wearable technologies, smart homes, connected cars, smart retail, smart agriculture, smart grids or food production systems something for you? 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 training courses. 

Our master programme builds on your existing academic foundations in computer science (such as a bachelor in computer science, or equivalent) and provides you with a deeper knowledge and understanding of computer science in general, as well as of the state of the art in your favourite of four specialisations: 

• The Artificial Intelligence specialisation is all about 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. In addition to data mining and big data, you will be exposed to current research in the areas of adaptive systems, multi-agent systems, the origins of language and bioinformatics.
• The Data Management and Analytics specialisation (as from 2020-2021) covers scalable and distributed data management systems, information retrieval and data mining algorithms, as well as information visualisation and human-data interaction techniques. You will study algorithms, techniques, architectures and methods for the management, processing and interaction with both structured and unstructured data. The acquired theoretical knowledge will be applied in the design of applications that extract insights from streams of data, such as those produced by Internet of Things devices.
• The Multimedia specialisation explores 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. You will gain experience with complex ICT architectures for the processing, distribution, and consumption of multimedia content.
• The Software Languages and Software Engineering specialisation covers the programming languages, development tools, and abstraction and composition mechanisms that are needed to build large-scale applications. We offer courses ranging from theoretical foundations (e.g., type theory in Haskell, formal proofs in Agda), programming language paradigms (e.g., multicore and distributed programming in Clojure and Scala) and implementation techniques (e.g., compilers and virtual machines), to advanced software engineering topics (e.g., security, quality assurance, meta programming).

Find out more about this programme 

The strengths of our Applied Sciences & Engineering Computer Science master's programme

• Participate in a truly international programme, thanks to a diverse blend of students, teaching staff and research groups, plus the opportunity to speak English.
• Excellent interaction between researchers and students on a wide scope of research topics across four departments (Electronics and Informatics, Hydrology and Hydraulic Engineering, Computer Science and Geography).
• Ideal foundation for a career as data scientist/engineer, thanks to a broad education in generic smart systems design complemented by elective minors in important fields.

Discover all our general strengths as a university

Still undecided? Exploring different study options? We have put together an overview of the Computer Sciences programs offered by the Faculty of Sciences and Bioengineering Sciences and the Faculty of Engineering to highlight their similarities and differences. Be sure to check it out before making your decision.

After graduation

After graduation: industry or academia?

You will be equipped with skills that are paramount to a successful career in high-end industry or academia and build the foundations of a sharp, inquisitive mind dedicated to pushing the boundaries of knowledge and human accomplishment.

Alternatively, why not join one of our highly professional research teams at VUB and make a social 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.

Discover the many opportunities