Applied Sciences and Engineering: Computer Science

The Master of Computer Science is a two-year (120 ECTS) advanced study in computer science organized by the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, a Flemish university located in Brussels, Belgium. This English-speaking programme is designed for students with a solid, basic academic background in computer science (Bachelor in Computer Science). The objectives of the programme are to provide a deeper understanding and knowledge of various specializations of computer science and to prepare the student for an active role in computer science research and development. The following specializations are offered: Artificial Intelligence, Multimedia, Software Engineering and Web & Information Systems.

Course outline

All students study a core programme of 30 credits; do a research training of 6 credits and a master thesis of 24 credits. Students should choose one out of four specializations: Artificial Intelligence, Multimedia, Software Engineering, or Web & Information Systems. 30 credits should be spent to mandatory and optional courses within the chosen specialization. The 24 remaining optional courses can be taken within the specialization or from another specialization. Finally, 6 credits can be chosen completely freely form any of the VUB courses. This brings the total to 120 ECTS credits. The master thesis as well as the research training needs to be related to the chosen specialization.

Specializations offered

 Artificial Intelligence
The focus in this specialization is on building intelligent software artifacts. The theories of complex dynamic systems and self-organization are emphasized starting from the theory of complex dynamic systems as developed in related fields such as mathematics, physics, and biology. Students will be exposed to current research in the areas of adaptive systems, multi-agent systems, and the origins of language.

 Multimedia
Students in this specialization will conduct in-depth exploration of techniques for signal processing and communication of multimedia content. The program is designed to build thorough technological and scientific knowledge of various multimedia domains such as digital television, telephony and video phony, computer animation, computer games, and the Internet. Students will gain experience with complex ICT architectures for the processing, distribution, and consumption of multimedia content.

 Software Engineering
In this specialization, students gain the skills needed to build complex software applications and software intensive systems. Students are also taught scientifically sound methods, as well as the newest techniques and tools for the developing of software. The curriculum also includes research topics in programming languages and integrated development environments.

 Web & Information Systems
This specialization is geared towards information system development and application development in the context of the Web. Students will learn about data and semantic representation techniques and acquire thorough technological and scientific knowledge related to the newest technological developments for the Web. Students can participate is research in the area of ontologies, new media systems (multimedia, Virtual Reality, games, social systems), and the "Internet of Things".

Visit the Applied Sciences and Engineering: Computer Science page on the Vrije Universiteit Brussel website for more details!