Computer Science and Engineering

The Computer Science and Engineering master's programme at the Technical University of Denmark is a comprehensive and innovative education designed to prepare students for the rapidly evolving technological landscape. The programme combines theoretical foundations with practical skills, enabling graduates to develop advanced computing solutions across various industries. Throughout the course, students delve into core areas such as algorithms, software development, data structures, artificial intelligence, machine learning, computer systems, network security, and data management. The curriculum emphasizes problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and creativity, encouraging students to design and implement complex systems that address real-world challenges.

Students have the opportunity to specialize in areas like embedded systems, cloud computing, big data, cybersecurity, or software engineering, tailoring their education to their interests and career aspirations. The programme is characterized by a strong research orientation, with courses often delivered by leading experts and researchers in the field. Practical projects, laboratory work, and collaboration with industry partners are integral parts of the learning experience, providing hands-on exposure to cutting-edge technologies and industry practices.

The programme structure includes coursework, project work, and a thesis component, culminating in a master's degree that qualifies graduates for advanced roles in academia, research, or industry. The university fosters an international environment, welcoming students from all over the world and promoting cross-cultural collaboration. Students also benefit from access to state-of-the-art labs, researchers, and collaborations with industry partners, ensuring they are well-prepared for careers in software development, system architecture, data analysis, or research. Graduates of the programme are equipped not only with technical expertise but also with the ability to adapt to new technological developments, make meaningful contributions to their fields, and pursue innovative solutions to complex problems in different sectors of society.

Programme provision

In order to obtain the MSc in Computer Science and Engineering the student has to meet the following requirements:

• Have passed General Competence Courses adding up to at least 30 ECTS points
• Have passed Technological Specialization Courses adding up to at least 30 ECTS points
• Have carried out a Master Thesis of at least 30 ECTS points within the scope of the general program
• Have passed a sufficient number of Elective Courses to bring the total number of ECTS points for the entire course of study to 120 

Courses

General Competence Courses

One of the following courses is mandatory and if more than one of the courses are taken then all but one course count as elective courses:

The remaining courses have to be chosen from the list of courses below:

Only applicants holding either a Bachelor of Science in Engineering, a Bachelor in Engineering or a Bachelor of Natural Science degree can be admitted to a Master of Science in Engineering programme. From September 2017 the bachelor degree must be less than 10 years old.

The individual MSc Eng programme states in detail which bachelor programmes qualify and whether applicants have to complete supplementary educational activities.

Requirements for supplementary educational activities can equate to up to 30 ECTS credits and are specified in the form of a list of courses under the individual MSc Eng programmes.

The specific requirements must be met before graduating from the bachelor programme or in connection with conditional admission to a particular MSc Eng programme. The courses must be passed prior to the commencement of studies within one year from the conditional admission.

Supplementary educational activities in connection with conditional admission to an MSc Eng programme do not form part of the MSc Eng programme, and partial tuition fees are charged. If the supplementary courses have not been passed within the deadlines specified, the conditional admission to the programme is withdrawn.

The Master of Science in Engineering programmes are offered in English. Therefore applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English (B-level, IELTS, TOEFL- or Pearson test).

Academic requirements for this programme

Academic Requirements (Danish Students)

The following bachelor programmes at DTU entitle students to admission to the MSc Eng Programme in Computer Science and Engineering:

• B Eng in Internet Technology and Economics (with a study plan from 2009 or later)
• B Eng in IT (also from the former IHK)
• B Eng in IT and Economics
• B Eng in IT and Electronics
• B Eng in Software Technology
• BSc Eng in Software Technology

The following bachelor programmes from outside DTU entitle students to admission to the MSc Eng Programme in Computer Science and Engineering:

• B Eng in ICT (ASE/AU, VIA, and also from the former IHA)
• BSc Eng in Software (AAU)
• BSc in Computer Science (AAU, AU, KU, RUC, SDU)
• BSc in Software Development (ITU)
• BSc in Software Engineering (University of the Faroe Islands)

Students with similar qualifications can be admitted after individual evaluation.

It is expected that students themselves can acquire any prerequisites within computer science that they may be missing due to an atypical background.

In order to get the optimal benefit of the MSc Eng programme, it is recommended that the elective parts of the bachelor education are used to build up the right prerequisites for the desired study plan.

Students with a BSc Eng in Electrical Engineering from DTU have access to be admitted subject to having completed courses as follows: 

It is mandatory to take the following two courses:

It is mandatory to take at least one of the following courses:

In addition the following courses are recommended:

Students with a BSc Eng in Mathematics and Technology from DTU or a BSc Eng in Network Technology and IT from DTU have access to be admitted subject to having completed courses as follows:

It is mandatory to take the following three courses:

It is mandatory to take at least one of the following courses:

In addition the following courses are recommended:

Other students with a relevant BSc Eng or B Eng degree from Denmark have access to be admitted subject to an individual evaluation.

The required level may be gauged by comparison with the contents of the DTU courses listed above.

International Students

The MSc in Computer Science and Engineering programme requires a bachelor degree in computer science or related fields, for example a BSc Eng in Software Technology degree. Students with a bachelor degree in related fields can be admitted if they can document competences as described below.

The student must have solid skills in mathematics and thorough knowledge of software development, including:

• Knowledge of at least one programming language and of general programming paradigms
• Knowledge of the use of basic data structures for effective realization of algorithms
• Experience with development of small and medium-sized programs

The student is expected to be generally capable of studying and using new programming languages.

The student must also be able to document competences within several of the following topics:

• Computer science modelling, including automatons and semantics
• Databases, including data models and query languages
• Declarative programming, including functional programming and logic programming
• Digital systems, including digital electronics, computer architectures and systems construction
• Concurrency, including concurrent programming and concurrent systems
• Networks, including web technology and communications networks

The individual study lines and courses may have stricter requirements, and it is a good idea to check them too.

Admission is decided on the basis of the relevance and quality of the bachelor degree. 

International students may have a background that differ from the typical student at the MSc programme and should be willing to acquire by themselves any prerequisites that they may be missing.

All steps in the admission procedure are handled through DTU's Office of International Affairs, whereto inquiries about formalities should be directed. Questions about the academic qualifications and the programme content should be directed to the director of studies.

The Computer Science and Engineering programme at the Technical University of Denmark offers a range of financing options to support students throughout their studies. Tuition fees are applicable for international students, while Danish and EU/EEA students benefit from tuition-free education. For students required to pay tuition, various scholarships and grants are available, including government-funded initiatives, university-specific scholarships, and external funding opportunities. The Danish government provides grants for students from certain countries, and the Danish State Educational Grant and Loan Scheme (SU) offers financial support to Danish and EU students enrolled in authorized programmes, including Computer Science and Engineering. Students are encouraged to apply early for these grants to ensure timely support. Additionally, the university collaborates with various industry partners and research projects that sometimes provide stipends or internships with financial compensation, enabling students to gain practical experience while earning income. International students may also explore private scholarships or funding from their home countries. The university provides comprehensive guidance on financing options, application procedures, and deadlines, ensuring students are well-informed and able to plan their finances effectively. For students requiring further financial assistance, external loan programs from private banks or international organizations may be viable options, subject to eligibility criteria. Overall, the financing landscape is designed to support both domestic and international students, making education in Computer Science and Engineering accessible and sustainable. It is important for prospective students to consult the university’s official financial aid webpage and contact student services for personalized advice and up-to-date information regarding available funding opportunities.

The Bachelor of Science in Engineering in Computer Science and Engineering at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) is a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to provide students with a strong foundation in both theoretical and practical aspects of computer science and engineering. This program aims to equip students with the necessary skills to develop, analyze, and manage complex computer systems and software solutions across various industries. The curriculum integrates core topics such as programming, algorithms, data structures, computer architecture, and software engineering, while also offering specialized courses in areas like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, and embedded systems.

Students enrolled in this program benefit from a multidisciplinary approach, combining mathematical and engineering principles to solve real-world problems. The program emphasizes hands-on learning through laboratory exercises, project work, and collaborations with industry partners. This prepares graduates to work effectively in team settings, communicate technical information clearly, and innovate within the rapidly evolving technology landscape. DTU’s strong industry connections facilitate internships and cooperative education opportunities, allowing students to gain valuable industry experience before graduation.

The program usually spans three years (six semesters), culminating in a bachelor’s thesis that assesses students’ ability to apply their knowledge to practical challenges. Internationalization is a key feature of the program, with opportunities for students to participate in exchange programs, internships abroad, and joint projects with international universities. Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Engineering in Computer Science and Engineering are well-prepared to pursue advanced studies (Master's programs) at DTU or other prestigious institutions worldwide, or to enter the workforce directly in roles such as software developer, systems analyst, IT consultant, or network administrator. The program is accredited in accordance with European standards, ensuring recognition and quality assurance in the professional engineering community.