The goal of the Master in Computer Science program is to provide an in-depth education in computer science, associated with the versatility of management and economy. This curriculum leads to a wide array of professional activities: engineers in computer science are the creators of complex computing systems, software development project leaders, operation managers, researchers, etc. They understand and analyse the complex needs of the society. They create computing systems answering these needs. They master the technological evolution in the field. They implement the designed solutions, ensure the quality of the products and of the development process.
At the end of their master, students will master the fundamental concepts of the following subjects:
• Algorithms and data structures;
• Programming languages;
• Software engineering;
• Artificial intelligence ;
• Operating systems and networks.
It is important to emphasise that two master's programs coexist, offering an almost identical content in computer science:
• The Master in Computer Science Engineering
• The 120-credit Master in Computer Science, presented here.
This extended offer serves 2 goals.
1. The master in computer science engineering is the continuation of the bachelor program in engineering (science de l'ingénieur, orientation ingénieur civil) and trains computer science professionals with versatile engineering skills.
The master in computer science is the continuation of the bachelor program in computer science (sciences informatiques) and provides an opening toward social sciences and management.
2. The coexistence of two programs offers a suitable formation to a larger audience of students. On one hand, the master in computer science engineering, leading to the legal title of Civil Engineer (ingénieur civil), is only accessible to bachelors in engineering (science de l'ingénieur, orientation ingénieur civil) and to some other engineering degrees (ingénieur industriel), in order to ensure that the general engineering program requirements are met. On the other hand, the master in computer science is accessible to bachelors in computer science (sciences informatiques), to UCL bachelors having followed the Minor in Computer Science, and to some external bachelors through available bridging programs.
It is important to note that both programs offers the same level of specialisation in computer science.
Apart from exceptions mentioned in the detailed program, all courses of the program are given in the English language, whose mastery is essential in the field of computer science. This gives French-speaking students an opportunity for intensively practicing English as part of their training, and opens access to the program at the inter-community and international level. In particular, it is possible to participate as part of a dual-degree program, in partnership with selected non-French-speaking universities.
The master in computer science program of each student will total a minimum of 120 credits, spread over two years of study, corresponding to 60 credits each and including:
- core curriculum (33 credits),
- a specialised module (30 credits),
- one or more options,
- some elective courses.
The graduation project is normally performed during the last year. On the other hand, courses can be placed at will by the student in the first or second year, as long as it suits his/her educational project and the prerequisites are respected. This is particularly true in the case of a student carrying out part of his studies abroad. Consequently, the years to which activities are assigned in the detailed program are only indicative.
If, during his previous academic curriculum, the student already followed a course appearing in the required part of the program, or some reputedly equivalent training, he will replace it with activity of his choice while always making sure to respect the legal prescripts. He will also check that the minimum number of credits required for the validation of his degree, as well as for the mention of his selected options on the annex of the degree, is obtained.
The program thus formed will be subjected to the approval of the relevant program commission.
The master program will total, whatever the focus or the options chosen, a minimum of 120 credits spread over two years of study, corresponding to 60 credits each.
The whole program is provided in English, except for the options in biomedical engineering, management and CPME. For non-French-speaking students, alternatives to the compulsory courses in French will be proposed by the program commission on a case-by-case basis, according to the student's curriculum. In particular, for students who did not obtain their bachelor degree at UCL, the course in religious sciences may be replaced by a supplementary activity to the master thesis, under item FSA2993.
It is always possible for a student to communicate in French within a course and the relevant evaluations. In particular, the master thesis can be written and defended in French.
