Master's Programme in Information and Communication Technology

Study programme code MASTIKT

ECTS credits 120

Admission requirements Admission requirement for the two-year Master's programme is a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Telecommunications, or similar. The degree must include at least 30 ECTS in mathematics and statistics.

Recommended previous knowledge As all courses are taught in English, a good knowledge of the English language is required.

General description and profile of the programme The master´s programme has three standard specialization profiles: - Mobile data communications - System development with focus on distributed systems - Security Each specialization consists of courses with a total of 90 ECTS and a master's thesis counting 30 ECTS. The courses IKT416 Methodology, MA-408 Discrete Mathematics and ORG432 Communication and Collaboration are compulsory courses for all profiles. Students may apply for individual combinations of courses. The first semester gives a basic platform for the specialization profiles. Second and third semester consist of more advanced specialization courses. Fourth semester the students work with their master´s thesis.

Specific arrangements for recognition of prior learning (formal, non-formal and informal) Arrangements for the recognition of prior learning are described in the information on the institution under "General arrangements for the recognition of prior learning (formal, informal and non-formal)".

Examination regulations and grading For a description of the examination regulations, see the Examination Regulations of the University of Agder.

For information about the Norwegian grading system, see ECTS credits and grades. Specific information on grading for each course is found in the individual course descriptions.

Graduation requirements The Examination Regulations of the University of Agder regulate the graduation requirements for each programme of study.

Learning outcomes On successful completion of the study programme, the student should be able to apply scientific method and current technology to analyse and solve problems for industry and public sector. develop and use secure ICT systems and services, within a wide range of application areas. work independently and in teams, and to disseminate problems and solutions orally and in writing, in English as well as Norwegian, in technical as well as general contexts.

Teaching methods The teaching shall provide scientific and technical competence as well as the ability for problem analysis and solution, communication and cooperation. The complete programme is taught in English. Hand-ins and project reports can be answered in English, Norwegian or another Scandinavian language. In several courses, Norwegian and foreign students work together in groups. The programme gives very good opportunities for taking part of the programme at partner universities abroad. A number of teaching forms are used, like ordinary lectures, Internet discussion groups, seminars, group work and exercises, individual computer exercises, laboratory exercises, case studies and participation in current research projects. In most courses, the hand-in of well structured project reports are expected, usually written in a standardized document template. Every semester the students shall prepare and update their personal study plan. The students are expected to take full responsibility for their own learning situation and the progress according to the personal study plan. It is assumed that the students learn part of the curriculum by self study, especially in the seminar courses. It is also required for the students to have their own portable computer with a wireless network interface. There is usually no compulsory attendance to the ordinary lectures, but in some courses, there might be compulsory attendance to part of, or the whole course.

Assessment methods Several assessment forms are in use. In some courses there are compulsory hand-ins or other requirements to be admitted to the examination(s). Other courses have tests or exercises throughout the semester as part of the examination or as the full examination. The assessment form for a course is given in its course description. The examinations are given in English, but can be answered in English, Norwegian or another Scandinavian language.

Student exchange Full-time master´s degree students can integrate study abroad in their individual study plan, and take the 4th semester at a partner university abroad, where the university has an exchange agreement. Usually the exchange takes place in the 3rd or 4th semester. A written agreement with the Faculty International Office is required, and the courses and/or thesis subject must be approved by the head of study before the agreement is signed. The faculty of Engineering and Science has a long list of partner universities with which the student exchange can be arranged in an efficient way. Master´s degree students from abroad can not be exchange students out from Norway. The master´s programme is open to exchange students for taking one or two semesters, with courses and/or the master´s thesis.

Requirements for continuing in the study programme Students who were admitted without Mathematics 3 or statistics (or the equivalent), must have passed these courses before they can enter the 2nd year of the programme. Students can not start on the master´s thesis if they are lacking 20 ECTS or more, and all examinations from the 1st and 2nd semester must have been passed.

Occupational profiles of graduates and access to further studies Graduates from this master´s programme often obtain positions within the computing and communication business, but also in all larger technology companies. The rapid technology evolution within ICT is spreading to all kinds of businesses, also for the "ordinary" small and medium sized companies. Therefore, a high level of competence within ICT is required for the planning, development and use of new technology in all companies which want to be winners in the fierce competition on the national and world markets. Many graduates also go to consultants, banks, airplanes the Defence forces or other public services. The master´s programme also enables the candidate to continue within teaching or research in Norway or abroad. Graduates from the master´s programme may be qualified for admission into a doctoral programme. The faculty of Engineering and Science has its own PhD programme in ICT.

Qualification awarded The study programme leads to the degree of Master in Technology - study option: Information and Communication Technology.

Other information The campus has a wireless network and the master´s students use laptop computers in most courses. The student society Hermes arranges social events, class trips abroad and the annual career fair in the beginning of the spring semester, where the students meet leading companies from all of Norway.

Contact person Head of department Andreas Prinz or Study Coordinator Ole-Christoffer Granmo.