Master's Programme in Information and Communication Technology, 5 years

Study programme code MASTIKT5

ECTS credits 300

Admission requirements

- a pass in the final upper secondary school examination in the general and business area of study, including mathematics R2 and physics Fysikk 1 as area of study subjects.

- a pass in the final technical school examination, or

- a pass in the preliminary course examination for engineers (which is also offered at the University of Agder).

General description and profile of the programme

For students admitted to the 5 year master´s programme in Information and Communication Technology, the first 3 years of the study programme are corresponding to one of the bachelor programmes in Computer Engineering or Electronic and Electrical Engineering, with "Mathematics 3" as a mandatory course. The last 2 years are corresponding to the 2-year master´s programme in Information and Communication Technology.

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 are expected to 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 course. It is also required for the students to have their own lap top 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 programme coordinator 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 admitted to the five-year study programme, must have passed 165 ECTS of their study plan in order to proceed into the first year of the graduate programme. All courses from the first three years must have been passed, before they proceed into the second year of the graduate programme.

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, airlines, 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 of Science in Information and Communication Technology.

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