Teaching method

Features intended to favour interdisciplinarity :

The Master in Computer Sciences is of its nature interdisciplinary.

Like very many graduates, masters in computer sciences will in the course of their careers have to direct projects and a team and will have to take account of the socio-economic context in which they will work. So, students who wish can continue the training in management from their bachelor’s studies and focus on the option management. In addition, the master’s program in computer sciences offers the option CPME.

Furthermore, students who wish it and propose a coherent project have the possibility of broadening their training in non-technical areas by means of the electives.

Variety of teaching methods

The teaching method used in the Master program in Computer Sciences puts students in situations of active learning, a balanced mix of group and individual work. A major place is reserved for non-technical skills (autonomy, sense of organisation, time management, communication in different ways ...). In particular, by means of a pedagogical approach emphasising project work (including a major project putting students in a semi-professional situation), the training develops in them critical thinking enabling them to design, model, implement and validate complex information systems.

The thesis represents half of the workload of the final year, it offers the possibility to go more deeply into a certain area and, by its extent and the context in which it takes place, is an excellent preparation for the real work of being a computer scientist or a researcher.

Diversity of learning situations

Students will be confronted with a variety of pedagogical approaches adapted to the different disciplines: lectures, projects, tutorials, problem-solving sessions, case studies, laboratory experiments, industrial or research placements, group work, individual work, seminars. For certain subject matter, e-learning will allow the students to learn on their own at their own rhythm and to perform virtual experiments.

This variety of situations will allow students to build up their knowledge in an iterative and gradual way, developing their autonomy, sense of organisation, time management, their capacity to communicate in different ways. The latest computer material (hardware, software, networks) will be available to the students for their work.

Use of foreign languages

Globalisation is imposing on all societies the need to open up to foreign markets. Moreover, the language of computer sciences is mostly English. To allow students to improve their knowldge of technical English, most of the courses in the first semester of both years are given in English. The course notes and the assistance are also in English. However, students may always ask questions and take the exam in French if they wish.

In addition, the programme allows students to follow language courses at the ILV and to go on exchanges abroad.