Master in Computer Science

Master in Computer Science is one of 10 English-taught Computer Science programmes at Master's Degree level in the register, offered by 7 institutions. 8 of them list an annual fee for students from outside the EU, EEA and Switzerland, from EUR 6,700 to EUR 17,300; this programme lists EUR 8,700 a year. 8 are recorded as free for EU, EEA and Swiss students. The same programme title is offered at 5 institutions, so compare the content, campus and requirements before you choose.

The MSc in Computer Science at the University of Copenhagen is a two-year master's programme taught in English. It ends with a master's thesis. You can shape the degree around your own interests or follow one of eight study tracks.

What you study

The programme covers both theory and practice. You choose from courses such as digital imaging, programming languages, distributed and parallel systems, systems engineering, human-machine interfaces, combinatorial optimization, and computer games. The page also lists fields you can follow courses within: algorithms and data structures, programming languages, image analysis, data science, human-computer interaction, software engineering, and digital interactive entertainment.

If you want to go deep into one area, you can pick a study track. The eight tracks are:

• Algorithms and Complexity: design algorithms, work with algorithmic paradigms and data structures, and argue about correctness and time and space complexity. Some courses are theoretical, others point to big data, optimization, bioinformatics, and software engineering.
• Programming Language and Systems: principles of programming languages and formal methods, with a focus on safety- or performance-critical domains. You learn to define the meaning of programs formally, prove properties, and get hands-on with analysing and transforming non-trivial programs.
• Image Analysis and Computer Vision: vision-based solutions, physics-based modelling and simulation, and methods from machine learning. The track points to research, high-tech companies, social media, and animated movies.
• Machine Learning: development, analysis, and application of machine learning algorithms. Topics include frequentist learning, Bayesian inference, deep learning, online and reinforcement learning, and information retrieval.

The page describes four of the eight tracks in detail. It does not name the other four.

How the programme is organised

You take courses over two years and finish with the master's thesis. You can combine elective and restricted elective courses to build your own programme or follow a track. There is also an option to study Computer Science with a minor subject, but that is only for applicants with a Danish Bachelor's degree in Biotechnology.

Who it suits

The programme suits students who want room to choose. You can stay broad across algorithms, systems, data, and interaction, or specialise through a track. The tracks have recommended prerequisites. For Algorithms and Complexity, you should have an introductory course in algorithms and data structures, basic discrete mathematics, and linear algebra. For Programming Language and Systems, an introductory compilers or programming-language implementation course plus basic discrete mathematics. For Image Analysis and Computer Vision, basic maths and statistics and extensive programming experience. For Machine Learning, linear algebra at introductory undergraduate level.

Admission, language and next steps

You apply through the application portal. The page does not offer pre-assessment of your background. If you hold a qualifying bachelor's from UCPH in Computer Science, Computer Science and Economy, Machine Learning and Data Science, or Cognitive Data Science, you have a legal right of admission and are guaranteed a place if you apply by the deadline. You can use that right up to three years after finishing your bachelor's.

Several degrees automatically meet the academic requirements, including Computer Science from UCPH, the University of Southern Denmark, Aarhus University, and Aalborg University, Software Development from IT University of Copenhagen, and Software Technology from the Technical University of Denmark. Natural Science and IT from UCPH qualifies with the MSc admission course package in Computer Science.

Other Danish or international degrees are assessed individually. You need at least 45 ECTS in computer science: at least 7.5 ECTS in programming covering two substantially different paradigms, at least 10 ECTS in computer systems architecture, and at least 10 ECTS in theoretical computer science. You also need at least 7.5 ECTS in mathematics within discrete mathematics, linear algebra, and mathematical modelling. The language requirement is English B.

Documentation depends on your category. It can include transcripts, course descriptions, a self-assessment form, proof of language proficiency, a CV, and a copy of your passport or national ID. Applicants from outside the EU, EEA, and Switzerland pay an application deposit and tuition fee. Students from the EU, EEA, and Switzerland study free of charge.

Master’s applications go straight to University of Copenhagen, not through optagelse.dk, and the institution sets its own deadline. The register shows 15 January 2027 as the next deadline for this programme. Intake, as the register states it: Starts 1 September 2027 (apply by 15 January 2027). Entry requirements and language tests are set by the institution, so start from the official programme page. Our guides cover tuition fees, residence permits and housing.