Master in Applied Computer Science - MACS

Short description

We are living in a digital world where the web is becoming a unified distribution channel for news, professional information, maps, educational content, games, movies and videos, graphics and photos, and music delivered to computers, TVs, game consoles, or mobile phones. Technologies for digital photo and video, for web and mobile applications, and for computer games therefore play important roles in today's and tomorrow's world. A Master's degree in Applied Computer Science (formerly Master in Media Technology) will give the students a sound basis for becoming a professional application developer in this rapidly changing world of modern computer applications. The goals of the study program are to a large degree achieved through research-based courses that reflect state-of-the-art in research in the various fields. To a large extent, this is based on research results of the teaching staff. Students graduating from the program will be competent to work for companies and organizations that develop new and useful computer and digital media applications or that make advanced use of such.

Duration

This is a two-year master program (120 ECTS credits), which is also available part-time over three or four years. The degree awarded upon completion is “Master in Applied Compute Science”. The study program qualifies for PhD studies.

Expected learning outcomes

After successfully completing the program, students:

Knowledge

• Possess advanced knowledge in the application of computer science theory and methodology to problems faced when developing solutions to problems in the area of mobile, web, and game applications or in visual computing - i.e., processing of colour, image, and video data
• Possess specialized insight and good understanding of the research frontier in a selected part of the applied computer science area, especially within the area of visual computing or the areas of mobile, web, and game computing
• Possess thorough knowledge of professional and scientific theory and methodology of relevance to applied computer science
• Are able to apply computer science knowledge and understanding to new and unfamiliar settings
• Are able to analyze academic problems based on the history, traditions, and particularities of applied computer science and its place in society
• Possess advanced knowledge within the area of applied computer, with emphasis on colour, image and video processing, or web, mobile, and game technologies

Skills

• Are able to analyze existing theories, methods and interpretations and to challenge established knowledge and practice with regards to applied computer science
• Are, in an independent manner, able to handle theoretical issues and solve complex practical problems in the area of applied computer science
• Are able to use relevant and suitable methods when carrying out research and development activities in the area of applied computer science
• Are able to critically review relevant literature when solving new or complex problems and are able to integrate the findings into the proposed solution
• Are able to plan and complete an independent and limited research or development project with guidance and in adherence to research ethics

General competence

• Are able to analyze relevant ethical issues (technological, professional, and scientific)
• Have the learning skills to continue acquiring new knowledge and skills in a manner that is largely self-directed
• Are able to present the results from extensive independent work, mastering the terminology of the field
• Are able to communicate academic issues, analyses, and conclusions, with specialists in the field and to the public, in oral and written forms
• Are able to contribute to innovative thinking and innovation processes

Internationalization

The courses are taught in English. The study programme admits international full time students and accepts exchange students for one or two semesters. There is good cooperation with universities in Germany, The Czech Republic, Spain, Sweden, Finland and France, but also with universities in United Kingdom, Canada and United States. The students are encouraged to take a semester in a foreign university and will get help and advice in where and when. Link to International Office here

Target Group

The study program is aiming to recruit graduated Bachelor’s in computer science, informatics or similar, but a different background may also be relevant, especially students with interest or experience in development, integration and use of digital media systems. There are 3 target groups:

• Undergraduate students entering the program as a continuation of their bachelor degree without any prior work experience
• Industry students (or students in private/public sector in general) looking for a part-time masters program which is flexible and can be adapted to their employers' and their own individual needs.
• International students: full-time, part-time or exchange students studying at Gjøvik University College for only single semesters

Admission Criteria

Applicants must have a 3-year undergraduate degree to qualify for admission, preferably a Bachelor's degree in computer science or in informatics. All applicants must meet these criteria:

• 10 credits Math
• 80 credits CS, digital signal processing, computer vision, or robotics subjects where
  • at least 20 credits are beginner level CS subjects, and
  • at least 20 credits are advanced level CS subjects
  • In addition, these courses must include:
    • at least 20 credits in programming, and
    • at least 10 credits in development projects

Course Structure

The programme has two tracks:

• Colour, Image, Video Processing
• Web, Mobile, Games 

Enrolled students need to choose their preferred track at the very beginning of the first semester because of first semester differences between the two tracks.

The first year of the study program will give the students a basic understanding of - and skills in the use of - technologies for media computing and for developing web applications, mobile applications, and games. Some of these basic courses are compulsory for all students, some are targeting students of one of the two tracks. The students will also gain a basic understanding of digital innovation and entrepreneurship.

The third semester of the study will give the students the opportunity to specialize in a relevant area of their choice. They will also develop their thesis proposal and will conduct a small research oriented project.

The learning activities in the third and the fourth semesters are to a large degree research based. The students will have the opportunity work closely with the research groups within the Media Technology Lab.

The last semester is devoted to the master’s thesis.

The program is offered in a flexible manner to fit well to all the target groups of students (full-time, part-time and distant). Prospective distant/part-time students should note, however, that the workload for full-time students is expected to be 45 hours per week during the semesters. Hence, students are not advised to sign up for full-time studies if they plan to study besides their regular job.

In general, on-campus presence is required only three weeks per semester (seminars and exams). Attendance is also strongly recommended for the initial first week of the program when preparatory courses are offered. Read more details for the upcoming year of study.

All courses are available online, but there will also be on-campus sessions on a regular weekly or bi-weekly schedule.

Students can elect up to 10 ECTS of courses at the 3000 level as part of their master program. These must however not be part of the necessary credits for admission – if so, they must be replaced by new credits. Students are particularly encouraged to browse the course offerings of the study programs Bachelor of Game Programming and Bachelor in Information Security.

Technical Prerequisites

Students who choose to participate in the study program on distance, need a relatively new (no more than 2-3 years old) computer and a broadband Internet connection. Software that is needed is mostly freely available on the Internet. In some courses commercial products, such as MatLab, are required.

For practical computer skills, it is expected that students can use any common operating system (MacOS, Solaris, GNU/Linux or Microsoft Windows) both with graphical user interface and a command line interface. Students should have some experience in programming mobile devices. An introductory course will be arranged at the end of the summer break for students without such experience.