Studies

Objectives and arrangements

The International Master's Degree Programme in Information Technology provides students with comprehensive basic knowledge of IT in general and in-depth special knowledge and skills in the chosen focus area. Multidisciplinary study modules and the opportunity to combine a variety of subjects increase the diversity of the programme and the career opportunities available to graduates in both industry and academia.

The programme makes use of various teaching methods. Courses often consist of a combination of lectures, seminars, laboratory work, tutorials and/or independent learning. The course requirements usually include a written examination. The mandatory coursework is defined separately on a course-specific basis.

The average duration of the programme is two years; students spend three semesters completing courses and one semester preparing the final project (master's thesis). The programme starts annually in the beginning of September and the academic year ends in late May.

The official language of the programme is English, i.e. courses, exams and student services are arranged in English. Consequently, proficiency in both written and spoken English is an absolute prerequisite.  International students are required to submit an approved certificate of their language proficiency when applying for admission. Previous knowledge or studies in the Finnish language are not required, but at least basic courses are strongly recommended because they provide good basic language skills useful in everyday life and also a brief introduction to Finnish culture.

Structure of the programme 

The total scope of the master's degree is 120 credits, of which 90 credits (three semesters) are composed of course work and 30 credits (one semester) of the master's thesis. Each credit represents the average workload of 27 hours, including lectures, assignments, independent learning and examinations.

The degree comprises three study modules, the master's thesis and elective studies. All study modules include both mandatory and optional courses.

• Basic and common programme studies, 15 credits
The basic and common studies aim at giving students a common ground for pursuing the studies and orienting them towards the major and minor modules that concentrate on more professional skills. Basic and common studies are common to all students in the International Master's Degree Programme in Information Technology.

• Basic module in Information Technology, 25 credits
This module offers students extensive knowledge of different areas of information technology and qualifies them for more advanced studies in the chosen focus area. Some studies within this module are selected from a field related to the major subject. The module is common to all students in the International Master's Degree Programme in Information Technology.

• Advanced module (major subject) in the focus area, 30 credits
Students complete an advanced module in the focus area that they were originally admitted to pursue. The advanced study module constitutes the major subject of the master's degree. The master's thesis is written on a topic connected to the major subject.

• Prerequisite and/or elective studies, max. 20 credits
The student may freely choose these studies from the curriculum.

• Master's thesis, 30 credits

Qualification and access to further studies

The two-year programme leads to the degree of Master of Science in Technology. After completing this degree, students are eligible to directly apply for admission to doctoral studies.