The joint master's programme leads to the degree Master of Science in Software Engineering.

The joint degree is achieved at the University of Bergen and Western Norway University of Applied Sciences (HVL) in collaboration.

The joint master's programme in Software Engineering, is a two year programme (120 ECTS).

Programming theory: The graduated candidates should have gained solid, scientific based knowledge and skills in informatics. They should be introduced into scientific methods and they will be trained to work independent with complex and challenging problems. They will gain great competence in programming, on one side, - theoretical and practical, and a good overview over other areas, on the other side.

Software development: The study offers a specialization in software development. The emphasis lies on training and use of advanced system and software development methods and technologies. The objective is to educate candidates with a great competence in advanced software technology with focus on practical problems. After finishing the program the students should be well-prepared to develop all types of software and software systems as well in technological areas as in administration.

A candidate who has completed a Master's degree in software engineering should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The candidate...

- has broad knowledge within the field of software engineering and specialized insight in a limited area of application or theory of software engineering.

- has thorough knowledge of the theories and methods used in the field of software engineering.

- is able to apply knowledge, understanding and problem-solving abilities in new contexts.

- can analyze academic problems within software engineering on the basis of the history, traditions, distinctive character and place in society of the academic field.

Skills

The candidate...

- can analyze and deal critically with various sources of information and use them to structure and formulate scholarly arguments.

- can analyze existing theories, methods and interpretations in within software engineering and work independently on practical and theoretical problems in the field.

- can use relevant methods for research and practical development work in an independent manner.

- can carry out an independent, limited research or development project in accordance with applicable norms for research ethics.

- can independently design, specify and program medium-scale information systems.

- can independently analyze, test and validate large-scale information systems.

General Competence

The candidate...

- can analyze relevant academic, professional and research ethical problems tied to the field of software engineering.

- can apply his/her knowledge and skills in new areas of software engineering in order to carry out advanced assignments and projects.

- can communicate extensive independent work and masters language and terminology used in the field of software engineering.

- can communicate about academic issues, analyses and conclusions within software engineering, both with specialists and the general public.

- can contribute to new thinking and innovation processes.

- can demonstrate an understanding of and respect for scientific values about openness, precision, reliability and the importance of differentiating between knowledge and opinions.

General admission criterias

You must have obtained a first degree (bachelor's degree) of three or four years duration from an approved institution of higher education.

Your bachelor's degree must include mimimum 20 ECTS of Mathematics and minimum 60 ECTS of Informatics/Computer science.

Additional credits in Mathematics and/or Informatics can be an advantage.

Documentation of proficiency in English is also necessary if you are reciding abroad, or you have an international background.

Note that the master's programme has a limited number of places.

For international self-financing applicants

The Joint Master's Degree Programme in Software Engineering receives approx. 140 - 180 applications from self-financing students each year. Approx. five applicants are given an offer of admission.

The average grade of the Bachelor's degree must be at least 2nd class upper division/B or the equivalent as academic result.

Deadlines

Application deadline for students residing abroad (self-financing international students): December 1.

Application deadline on soknadsweb.uib.no for students residing in Norway (with Norwegian ID-number):

For study start August: April 15.

For study start January: November 1.

Good mathematical knowledge in is an advantage

Depends on specialization, and are chosen in cooperation with the supervisor.

A master's programme in Software Engineering is research-based work. This requires that you have obtained substantial knowledge within program development. In agreement with your academic supervisor, you will choose a master's thesis (60 ECTS) and make a progression plan containing important milestones for your project. Submission deadlines for the thesis are: 1. June / 20. November, the 4.th term.

Courses are taken both at the University of Bergen and at Western Norway University of Applied Sciences (HVL).

The master¿s thesis is done at one of the cooperating institutions.

For questions regarding studies abroad during the master´s programme, please contact your academic supervisor or the Study Advisors (studieveileder@ii.uib.no).

The master¿s programme will be carried out under academic guidance. The supervisor will advise upon problem-formulation, how to narrow to project, about relevant literature, and also upon progression and working methods.

The teaching form for each course can be found in the course descriptions.

When the master´s thesis is submitted, assessed and evaluated, the study is finished with an oral master´s examination. Assessment methods for each course are stated in the course descriptions.