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´s degree in engineering within computer science, computer engineering, telecommunications or a similar field. The degree must include courses amounting to at least 30 ECTS credits in mathematics and statistics.

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

General description and profile of the programme

The master´s programme consists of compulsory core courses and elective specialisation courses, organized into four semesters. The first semester provides a basis for later specialisation. During the second and third semesters students specialise further within a selected area. In the fourth semester the students work on their master´s thesis.

Compulsory core courses amount to 95 ECTS credits:

- ORG432 Communication and Collaboration, 5 ECTS credits

- MA-418 Discrete Mathematics, 5 ECTS credits

- IKT413 Object Oriented System Development, 5 ECTS credits

- IKT421 Advanced Internet Services and Protocols, 5 ECTS credits

- IKT424 Random Variables and Stochastic Processes, 5 ECTS credits

- IKT426 Research Seminar, 5 ECTS credits

- IKT416 Research methodology, 5 ECTS credits

- IKT511 Correct Systems, 5 ECTS credits

- IKT420 Basic Project, 5 ECTS credits

- IKT411 Advanced Project, 10 ECTS credits

- IKT508 Specialization Project, 10 ECTS credits

The master's thesis, IKT590 Master´s Thesis, is 30 ECTS credits.

The students choose elective courses amounting to 25 ECTS credits. 15 ECTS credits must be within one of the specialisation profiles. 10 ECTS credits may be chosen from other profiles or relevant courses from other master programmes. The faculty has defined five different combinations of elective specialisation courses that are organized into five standard specialisation profiles. The students must fulfil the requirements for at least one of these profiles:

- Mobile data communications

- System development

- Security

- Health informatics

- Open source

Each specialisation profile is worth15 ECTS credits. The selection of topics for compulsory project work and the master´s thesis should be in accordance with the specialisation profile that the students have chosen.

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 students should:

- Have obtained advanced knowledge of ICT and specialized knowledge within their selected specialisation profile.

- Have a thorough knowledge of the main scientific methods used in ICT research.

- Be able to apply their knowledge in new areas within ICT.

- Be able to analyse ICT problems, both from a research perspective and from an industrial perspective.

- Be able to analyse existing theories and methods, and solve applied and theoretical problems independently.

- Be able to apply relevant research and development methods in an independent manner.

- Be able to critically analyse various information sources, and apply these for structuring and formulating arguments.

- Be able to conduct an independent research and development project under supervision, in agreement with the prevailing academic and ethical standards for research.

- Be able to apply their knowledge in new areas in order to pursue advanced tasks and projects.

- Be able to communicate comprehensive independent work by mastering the relevant forms of expression used in ICT research and development.

- Be able to disseminate their knowledge of applied and theoretical problems and solutions, orally and in writing, to their peers and to a general audience.

- Be able to contribute to innovation and the generation of new ideas in academic and industrial ICT projects.

Teaching methods

A range of different teaching and working methods will be used, including lectures, Internet discussion groups, seminars, group work and exercises, individual computer exercises, laboratory exercises, case studies and participation in ongoing research projects. In most courses, students are expected to submit well-structured project reports, usually written in a standardised document template. Every semester the students must prepare and update individual education plans. Students are expected to take full responsibility for their own learning and personal progress in keeping with their individual education plans. It is assumed that the students will attain parts of the curriculum objectives through self study, especially in the seminar courses. Students are also required to have a laptop computer with a wireless network interface. There is usually no compulsory attendance at ordinary lectures, but students may be subject to attendance requirements for some courses, or parts of a course. The entire programme is taught in English. Written assignments and project reports may be submitted in English, Norwegian or another Scandinavian language. In several courses, Norwegian and international students work together in groups.

Assessment methods Several different forms of assessment are used. In some courses, compulsory written assignments or other coursework requirements must be successfully completed before the student is admitted to the final examination(s). Other courses use a system of continuous assessment, where the final grade is completely or partially based on tests or exercises throughout the semester. The form of assessment is given in the course description for each course. The examinations are given in English, but may be answered in English, Norwegian or another Scandinavian language.

Student exchange The programme gives students the opportunity to take parts of the programme at partner universities abroad. Full-time master´s students can take the 3rd and/or 4th semester at a partner university abroad. Credits awarded at the foreign university may be transferred into the student´s programme at UiA. In order to become an exchange student, the courses/thesis work that the student is planning to undertake at the foreign institution must be given a preliminary approval by the student´s programme coordinator at UiA, and a written Student Contract must be signed with the International Education Office. The faculty of Engineering and Science has a large number of partner universities with which the student exchange can be arranged in an efficient manner. The master´s programme is open to incoming exchange students from foreign universities, who may follow one or two semesters of the programme.

Requirements for continuing in the study programme

Students who have been given conditional admission to the programme must meet all the admission requirements before they can pass into the 2nd year of the programme.

Before enrolling for IKT590-G Master's Thesis, the student must successfully complete courses amounting to at least 70 ECTS credits. All courses that lead directly to the thesis work must be successfully completed.

Occupational profiles of graduates and access to further studies After successfully completing the master's degree, candidates will be able to move directly into the professional field as an ICT engineer in a range of capacities. Graduates frequently obtain leading positions in industry and business. The programme has direct relevance to the computing and communication industry, but job opportunities are not limited to such activities. The program also qualifies graduates for a career in research and doctoral studies in ICT, which is offered at most universities throughout the world. The Faculty of Engineering and Science offers its own PhD programme in ICT.

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

Other information Students are required to have a laptop computer. A wireless network is available on campus and the master´s students use their own laptop computers in most courses. The Hermes student society arranges social events, class trips abroad and an annual career fair, where the students meet leading companies from all of Norway, in the beginning of the spring semester.

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