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COMPUTER ENGINEERING

Master of Science in Engineering

About the programme 
Language: English  (See language requirements)  | Place of study: Aarhus  |  Commencement: August / September and January / February

Introduction

Aarhus University’s Master of Science in Computer Engineering is designed for students who wish to deepen their knowledge, competencies and skills in the design, development, and integration of computer hardware and software systems. The two- year Master’s programme equips the student with advanced theoretical and practical aspects, emphasizing both the foundational principles and the latest technological developments and application in the field.

You can dive into a wide array of fields, such as digital twins, cyber physical systems, embedded systems, computer vision, artificial intelligence, next-gen wireless networks, distributed systems, and robotics, which are the core fields for digitalisation of modern society.

Job and career opportunities with a MSc in Computer Engineering are immense.

Flexible study programme

The MSc programme consists of 20 ECTS mandatory courses, 40 ECTS specialisation courses, 30 ECTS elective courses for which there is the possibility to select courses from different departments, and a final thesis project of 30 ECTS.

The 40 ECTS of specialisation courses gives you a unique opportunity to shape your programme according to your areas of interest. Starting from the summer of 2025, you can choose from the following specialisations:

The teaching is usually divided into lectures and theoretical and practical exercises in small classes and small groups. Students are expected to have the ability to complete course projects on their own as well as collaborate with their peers on group assignments.

Flat structure

At Aarhus University, the educational environment fosters close and informal interactions between students and faculty. The social structure is uniquely flat, questions are always welcome, interaction and discussions are highly encouraged, and you can always catch up a chat with any one from our academic staff.

Interdisciplinarity and social life

Aarhus University is a comprehensive university encompassing a broad spectrum of fields, from engineering and natural sciences to the arts, health, and business, creating a vibrant community where students can engage with peers across diverse academic disciplines.

The university is centered in the city of Aarhus and houses 40.000 students. Practically everyone speaks and understands English, making it easy for you to settle and get around. The university has more than 40 campus Friday bars open to everyone and has a strong focus on social life and work-life balance.

Career prospects

Digitalisation is ‘the big change’ and digital technologies are penetrating every sector. Computer Engineering graduates have a plethora of career opportunities across various sectors, including but not limited to software development, ICT systems and services, as well as consultancy roles.

Most of the graduates establish successful careers as software architects, developers, IT consultants, or project managers across various ICT systems.

Additionally, there's the option to pursue an academic or research career, particularly with further studies towards a PhD, or to embark on entrepreneurial endeavors within the technology sector.

To summarise, MSc. graduates of Computer Engineering in Denmark experience a notably low rate of unemployment.

Meet the students

Admission requirements

In this section you can learn more about the admission requirements relevant to the master of science in Computer Engineering. Depending on your educational background and your qualifications, there are different ways to meet the admission requirements: 

1. International and other qualifications


This section is relevant for you, if you have: 

  • a Bachelor's degree or equivalent from an institution outside of Denmark or
  • a Bachelor's degree or equivalent from a Danish institution, which does not ensure you a 'Legal right of admission´ or 'Direct admission'.

The two sections listed below are relevant only for students with a bachelor's degree from a Danish institution: 

2. Legal right of admission
3. Direct admission


Below you will also be able to learn more about language requirements and find out whether or not this master's degree programme has a limited intake. 


1. International and other qualifications

If you have an international educational background, you must meet both the general admission requirement and the specific admission requirements: 

General admission requirement

You must have a bachelor's degree or equivalent that is comparable to a Danish bachelor's degree in both level and duration (180 ECTS). 

For more information about how your bachelor's degree is assessed, please see the national database

Specific admission requirements

If you meet the general admission requirement, the university will continue on to assess whether or not you meet the specific admission requirements. 

You can be admitted to the master's programme if the university assesses that your education has a level, scope, and content that corresponds to the academic requirements specified below. 

You can meet the admission requirement with Bachelor’s degree programme (BSc) or professional Bachelor's degree programme (BEng) if you have the following subject areas:  Number of ECTS

Bachelor courses in Mathematics 

In the following subject areas: 

  • Calculus 

  • Linear algebra 

  • Probability  

  • Statistics 

20

Computer technology 

Topics within the field of Computer technology are for example; programming and modelling, algorithms and data structures and computer architecture. 

30

Additionally, bachelor courses in within at least one of the following topics: 

  • Computer networks 

  • Control technology 

  • Digital signal processing 

  • Machine learning. 

10
Total  60

We cannot assess in advance whether your specific degree will meet the above requirements. Therefore, we recommend that you apply for the programme if you believe that you meet the academic requirements. In this regard, it is a good idea to compare your degree with the programmes that provide direct admission. 

2. Legal right of admission

The following Bachelor's degree programme(s) from Aarhus University entitles you to an offer of admission to the Master's degree programme in Computer Engineering: 

  • Bachelor's degree programme (B.Sc.) in Computer Engineering from Aarhus University

Please note that you must apply for admission to the Master's degree programme within three years of completing your Bachelor's degree programme. 

Learn more about Legal right of admission.

3. Direct admission

Certain Bachelor's degree programmes from Aarhus University and various other Danish Universities have been determined to meet the admission requirements to this Master's degree programme in Computer Engineering: 

  • Bachelor's degree programme (B.Sc.) in Computer Engineering from Aarhus University 

  • Bachelor's degree programme (B.Sc.) in Computer Engineering from Technical University of Denmark  

  • Bachelor's degree programme (B.Sc.) in Computer Science from Aarhus University, Aalborg University, University of Copenhagen, Roskilde University and University of Southern Denmark  

  • Bachelor's degree programme (B.Sc.) in Computer Engineering from Aalborg University  

  • Bachelor's degree programme (B.Sc.) in Cyber Technology from Technical University of Denmark  

  • Bachelor's degree programme (B.Sc.) in Cyber and Computer Engineering from Aalborg University  

  • Bachelor's degree programme (B.Sc.) in Robot Technology from Aalborg University and University of Southern Denmark  

  • Bachelor's degree programme (B.Sc.) in Software from Aalborg University  

  • Bachelor's degree programme (B.Sc.) in Software Development from the IT University of Copenhagen  

  • Bachelor's degree programme (B.Sc.) in Software Engineering from University of Southern Denmark and the University of the Faroe Islands  

  • Bachelor's degree programme (B.Sc.) in Software Technology from Technical University of Denmark  

  • Professional Bachelor's degree programme (B.Eng.) in Electronics from Aarhus University  

  • Professional Bachelor's degree programme (B.Eng.) in IT and economics from Technical University of Denmark  

  • Professional Bachelor's degree programme (B.Eng.) in IT electronics from Technical University of Denmark  

  • Professional Bachelor's degree programme (B.Eng.) in Robot Technology from University of Southern Denmark  

  • Professional Bachelor's degree programme (B.Eng.) in Software from Aalborg University 

  • Professional Bachelor's degree programme (B.Eng.) in Software Engineering from University of Southern Denmark  

  • Professional Bachelor's degree programme (B.Eng.) in Software Technology from Technical University of Denmark  

  • Professional Bachelor's degree programme (B.Eng.) in Software Technology from Aarhus University and University of Southern Denmark 

Download appendix for your application

You must fill in this appendix and upload it to the application portal. The appendix helps the Admission Board to assess your application.
Download appendix


Limited intake and selection criteria

This master's degree programme has a limited intake. 

Because of the limited intake all qualified applicants will be prioritised according to a set of selection critieria (see below). 

Meeting the admission requirements does not automatically ensure your offer of admission. Only if you have a specific bachelor's degree from Aarhus University with a so-called 'legal right of admission' will you be guarenteed an offer of admission to this master's degree programme.

Selection criteria

If there are more qualified applicants than available student places, the selection will be based on the following criteria (each criterion counts for 1/3): 

  1. Grades from the qualifying degree 

  2. Grades achieved in relevant subject fields:

    • Free project work  

    • Mathematics  

    • Programming  

    • Data structures and algorithms  

    • Computer architecture  

    • Signal processing  

    • Machine learning 

Please note that grades achieved after the application deadline are not included in the grade point average (GPA). 

  1. Relevant subject fields (measured in ECTS). In this assessment, ECTS credits that are a part of the admission requirements described under ‘Other qualifying degrees’ are not included.  

    • Free project work  

    • Mathematics  

    • Programming  

    • Data structures and algorithms  

    • Computer architecture  

    • Signal processing  

    • Machine learning 

* The relevant subject fields are evaluated based on the following point system: 1 point per additional ECTS within the relevant fields with the exception of free project work that gains 1 point per additional 5 ECTS. You can earn a maximum of 1,5 point per subject field and 6 points for free project work. You can earn a maximum of 15 points in this criterion.

English language requirements

In order to be admitted to this programme you must meet the university's english language requirements

Students with bachelor's degree from Aarhus University with a so-called 'Legal right of admission' are exempt from the English language requirement. 

Assesment of qualifications

Unfortunately, Aarhus University is not able to assess your qualifications beforehand. In order for your qualifications to be assessed you must apply for admission. To learn more, please go to Assessment of your qualifications


Programme Structure 2025

The Master of Science in Computer Engineering is structured with two semesters per academic year. The first year, the course programme is put together individually with academic guidance by your study programme counsellor.

The first three semesters follow a specific structure: 20 ECTS in mandatory interdisciplinary engineering competencies, 40 ECTS in specialisation, and 30 ECTS in elective courses.

The specialisation courses are combined with courses at Level I (fundamental) and Level II (advanced), ensuring that you complete at least 15 ECTS in Level II courses.

These specialisations are available from fall 2025:

Programme Structure 2024

The teaching on computer engineering is organised with two semesters per academic year.

The education consist of 20 ECTS mandatory courses, 40 ECTS study line courses, 30 ECTS elective courses and 30 ECTS master thesis.

Study lines

  • Wireless Networks (CE)
  • Distributed Systems
  • Embedded Systems
  • Software Engineering
  • Computer Vision
  • Robotics
  • Time Series Signal Processing

Study line courses can be found here

At the 40 ECTS study line courses, you must combine study line courses at level I (fundamental) and level II (advanced) of which minimum 15 ECTS must be at level II.

The course programme is put together individually with academic guidance by your Head of degree programm.


Study program diagram:


Academic regulations

For further information on the structure of the programme please see the 


PhD programme

If you have the necessary skills and interest, you have the option of applying for admission to the PhD programme. In the PhD programme, you start working on a research project and are gradually trained through courses and personal guidance to become a researcher.

Student life

Aarhus University has many social spaces where you can meet other students outside lessons and this is an excellent basis for social activities. There is an engineering club for staff and students through which students can network with like-minded people. Like all departments, there is a popular Friday bar, and "De Studerendes Råd - RIA" organises celebrations and social events for all students.

Campus – a unique place

Aarhus University campus is unique, with buildings closely grouped together and surrounded by nature. The campus is conveniently situated close to the city centre, and student accommodation is readily available as long as you apply on time. There are a range of activities, ranging from running to regatta on the lake, as well as guest lectures, film screenings, and university events taking place throughout the year. To ensure student well-being, counselling services are available for students, to offer support and guidance during their time at Aarhus.

Aarhus as a city

As the second-largest city in Denmark, Aarhus is a young and dynamic place with plenty of opportunities. The 40,000 students at the university make up 17.5% of the city’s population, which leaves its mark on city life. An attractive feature of Aarhus is that there are beaches and woods a short bike-ride away, as well as cultural events taking place throughout the year, including the Aarhus Festival in September. The theatres in the city and the ARoS international art museum offer many events that enable you to experience the Danish culture.

Follow the student life at Aarhus University

-experienced, photographed and filmed by the students themselves.

With thousands of pictures #AUInternational, #AarhusUni gives insight into the everyday life as a student at AU; the parties, procrastination, exams and all the other ways you’ll spend your time at university.

The photos belong to the users, shared with #AUInternational and #AarhusUni.

Career

Job functions for grads

The chart shows the five most common types of work for graduates 1-2 years after finishing their degree. The data is derived from a survey made by Epinion for the Ministry of Higher Education and Science and Aarhus University in 2020.

Competence profile and job opportunities

Companies demand graduates with considerable theoretical depth and analytical working methods. You learn to combine the theoretically strong knowledge of a computer scientist with the more practically oriented and innovative approach of an engineer, so that you are well equipped to meet the needs of the job market.

Aarhus University educates graduate Computer Technology engineers for the regional, national and international job markets. Graduates can find work in a wide range of fields and institutions. 


Do you already know what you want to do after you finish your studies? Whether you already have a career path in mind, or would like to find out more about possible options, our career services can help you. Our specialised services are here to support students and help them get into the job-market.
Check out our careers page to see how our services can give you a head start!