Information Technology

Developed with industry standards in mind, this two-year programme aims to equip students with a solid understanding of computation, communication and information processing in the context of our fast-changing society. Students who successfully complete this programme will find themselves open to a number of exciting opportunities within industries such as software, biotechnology, data analysis and many more.

As one of Åbo Akademi’s most diverse programmes, past students of this programme are currently employed in a vast array of different disciplines. Just some of the roles achieved by our students include: CTO (Chief Technology Officer), Senior R&D Engineer, Lead Developer, Security Expert and System Designer. As well as other key areas including project management and advisory roles, many of our students have also used the programme as a springboard for further study and research in their chosen field.

Structured to accommodate the broad range of skills required to succeed in the IT industry, students of this programme will also be given the choice to specialize in one of two given areas:

• Computer Science: with a special emphasis on computational modeling, computational data analytics, and formal methods for safety-critical distributed systems.
• Computer Engineering: with a special emphasis on engineering of software intensive systems, with a focus on cloud computing, the industrial internet, safety-critical and autonomous systems.

Depending on their chosen area of specialization, students will graduate with a Master of Science degree in Computer Science or a Master of Science (Technology) degree in Computer Engineering with a specialization in Software Engineering. A number of mobility programs also offer students of information technology an opportunity to study abroad and develop international contacts. The completion of a master’s thesis will also provide students with the opportunity to develop a capacity for independent learning and research, whilst liaising with industry professionals at the same time.

How can I apply?

The applicant applies directly to the Master’s Degree Programme in Information Technology, Master of Science for admission to the Computer Science track and/or to the Master’s Degree Programme in Information Technology, Master of Science (Technology) for admission to the Computer Engineering track. All applicants must meet the academic and language requirements.

Students applying to the Master’s Programme in Information Technology will be able to rank the two available tracks (Computer Science and Computer Engineering with a specialization in software engineering) in order of preference in the application form. The second preference can be optionally added.

Admission requirements

A completed university level Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or Computer Engineering or in a closely related field is required for admission. Eligible applicants are selected on the basis of how well the bachelor’s degree corresponds to the programme and on the study merits of the student.

We expect the applicant to has passed courses in several of these areas:

• Mathematics
• Basic computer science courses ( e.g. algorithms and data structures, operating systems, computer networks and protocols, compiler construction)
• Basic courses on computer architecture, computer network or system design
• Programming courses (e.g. courses in C/C++ or Java programming)

Applicants to the Master’s degree programmes taught in English must always prove their knowledge of the English language and fulfill the general academic requirements.

No entrance examination. The applicants are selected based on the following criteria:

• Overall quality of the application
• Quality of the major (grades and alignment with the specialization offered by the programme)
• Quality of supporting studies /minors (grades and degree of support to the specialization offered by the programme)

You can prove your level of language proficiency in English by submitting one of the following English-language test scores to your application:

• IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System): Scores in the Academic test with an average of 6.5, with no individual scores below 5.5. Even if you have the minimum score required in the different sections, you will not be eligible if the required total score is not achieved. Note that the IELTS General Test score is not accepted.
  You can attach a copy of the test report form to your application. The test report form must be verifiable. The results are valid for two years. 
• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): Total scores of at least 575 points in the paper-based test (PBT), or 90 in the Internet-based test (iBT). The Test of Written English (TWE) is required for those taking the paper-based TOEFL test.
  In addition to this it is recommended that applicants from China and East Asia, unless they take the iBT test, take the TSE (Test of Spoken English) if they have not studied in one of the following countries: Australia, Canada, Great Britain, Ireland, New Zealand or USA. The required score in the TSE is 45.
  The TOEFL reporting code for Åbo Akademi University is 9880. The results are valid for two years. 
• PTE Academic (Pearson’s test of English): Total score of at least 62 points. Once you receive your test score send it to Åbo Akademi University from your PTE account. Choose Finland as the “Country” and  Åbo as the “City”, then select the university you want to send your results to and confirm your order. After this, ÅAU should have access to your test results within 48 hours. Be advised that online language test results will only be accepted from the test organiser. The results are valid for two years.

Fee-paying students can apply for a scholarship to cover a part or the whole tuition fee.

There are three scholarship categories:

1. Full Scholarship, covering the tuition fee and includes a annual scholarship to cover the student’s living expenses (6 720 €), awarded for 2 years (second year conditional)
2. Tuition Fee Scholarship, covering 100 % of the tuition fee, awarded for 2 years (second year conditional)
3. Tuition Fee Scholarship, covering 50 % of the tuition fee, awarded for 2 years (second year conditional)

The decision to grant a scholarship is based on

• the academic performance of the student in his/her previous studies,
• how well the applicant meets the programme requirements
• the answers the applicants have given in the application form

When applying to Åbo Akademi University, applicants can indicate on the application form their wish to apply for a scholarship. In the application form the applicants are asked to answer a set of questions related to motivation and future goals. The answers to the questions will be assessed by the scholarship committee who makes the decision on granting the scholarships. In the assessment the following is evaluated: communicative skills, academic goals and general interest in the field.

The decision on the granted scholarship is given to the applicants together with the admission letter. In order to accept the scholarship the applicant must have accepted the study entitlement offered (binding acceptance).

Scholarships for the second year of study

The scholarships are awarded for two years. However, the second year is conditional depending on the progress of the studies. In order to qualify for the scholarship in the second year, a scholarship holder must earn at least 55 credits during the first academic year (the progress of the studies is checked in the end of May).

In addition to the scholarships listed above there will also be a chance to apply for a scholarship for the second year. This opportunity is open for all those students who have paid their fees during the first year or who have received a tuition fee scholarship covering 50% of the tuition fee in the first year. The requirement to receive this scholarship is excellent study records (GPA over 4), 55 earned credits during the first academic year and a good motivation to continue the studies.