Programme structure

The programme has the following structure:

• 60 ECTS Master's thesis and 60 ECTS courses or
• 30 ECTS Master's thesis and 90 ECTS courses

Programme structure for students admitted to the Master's programme in 2018 and 2019.

Course of study

Example with long master's thesis of 60 ECTS credits:

4. semester	Master's thesis	Master's thesis	Master's thesis
3. semester	Master's thesis	Master's thesis	Master's course
2. semester	Master's thesis	Master's course	Master's course
1. semester	Master's course	Master's course	Master's course
	10 ECTS credits	10 ECTS credits	10 ECTS credits

Example with short master's thesis of 30 ECTS credits:

4. semester	Master's thesis	Master's thesis	Master's thesis
3. semester	Master's course	Master's course	Master's course
2. semester	Master's course	Master's course	Master's course
1. semester	Master's course	Master's course	Master's course
	10 ECTS credits	10 ECTS credits	10 ECTS credits

The tables above give examples of courses of study. You can structure the programme differently, for example by starting on your thesis already in the first semester. All courses should normally be completed and passed before the last semester.

Courses and master's thesis

During the first semester, you choose courses and the topic of your master's thesis in collaboration with your supervisor. 

The programme has two specializations 

You can choose between two different specializations, or you can combine the two:

• Distributed systems and networks
• Software

See courses you can choose from.

Master's thesis

The master's thesis is an independent research work carried out under supervision. You can choose either a long thesis of 60 ECTS credits, in addition to 60 ECTS credits of courses, or a short Master's thesis of 30 ECTS credits in addition to 90 ECTS credits of courses.

If you choose a long thesis, the work is distributed over several semesters. The submission of the master's thesis is done on a fixed date in the last semester. If you choose a short master's thesis, the research thesis is placed entirety in the last semester. The theme of the thesis is presented on a given date at the beginning of the semester and the deadline for submission is 17 weeks after this date. You must present your master's thesis publicly at the end of the semester. Following the presentation is an oral examination with the sensors and supervisor about the thesis.

Read more about beeing a master student at the Department of Informatics. 

Supervision through the studies

You can get supervision from several different research groups offering topics and master's thesis:

• Reliable systems (PSY)
• Networks and Distributed Systems (ND)
• Scientific Computing and Machine Learning (SCML)
• Information Systems (IS)
• Data and Knowledge Management (DKM)
• Software Engineering (SE)
• Programming Technology (PT)
• Computing Education (ITU)

Progression requirements

The standard study time for the master's programme is two years, or four years if you apply for part-time studies. If you spend more time than two years, it's important that you familiarize yourself with the policies for admission and your right to study. Your right to study may be cancelled if you do not register for the first semester of the study programme and you have absence without valid reason for more than one semester.

Recognition of Master's courses from former education

If you are admitted to the Master's programme and you have completed Master's courses outside the University of Oslo, you may apply to have these courses recognised as part of your degree. Please contact the Department of Informatics for more information.

Diploma and degree

This programme leads to the following degree: Master of science in Informatics: Programming and Systems Architecture

The diploma is issued when you have completed the courses that meet the requirements for a degree. Read more about diplomas.