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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

The Master of Science in Computer Engineering at Aarhus University – ranked among the world’s top 100 universities – offers you the chance to study a modern and forward-looking programme that reflects the latest developments in technology and society. Here, cutting-edge research meets hands-on learning, preparing you to be among the best in your field.

You will learn to work with the technologies that drive the digital transformation of society and global progress.  

Building on the knowledge you bring from your undergraduate degree, you will deepen your theoretical understanding of core areas such as artificial intelligence, wireless communication, big data, advanced software design, robotics, and computer vision. At the same time, you will be challenged to work with complex computer systems, where many different components must interact seamlessly.

From your first semester, you will be encouraged to see opportunities where others see obstacles and to explore innovative solutions to problems that have not yet been solved. This could mean developing renewable energy systems, creating life-saving AI-powered diagnostics, or strengthening cybersecurity infrastructures that protect nations and industries. These are examples of challenges you may work with as a master’s student in Computer Engineering.

Throughout the programme, you will learn to think critically and analytically about technology, and to develop methods that push the boundaries of what is possible. This prepares you to lead innovation projects in both research and industry.

The programme offers you high level flexibility. While you will take some mandatory courses, you will largely shape your own academic journey through electives and specialisations – ranging from AI, Computer Vision and Chip Design to Robotics, and Healthcare Technology.

You can choose between 11 different specialisations, each allowing you to shape your degree according to your interests and career goals.

You can choose from the following specialisations:

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 Healthcare Technology from Aarhus 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

  • Professional Bachelor's degree programme in Electrical Energy Technology from 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 guaranteed 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

  3. 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.


Please note that grades achieved after the application deadline are not included in the assessment.

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

The Master of Science in Computer Engineering is a two-year programme consisting of 4 semesters.

The first 3 semesters follow a specific structure:

  • 20 ECTS mandatory interdisciplinary engineering competencies
  • 40 ECTS specialisation
  • 30 ECTS electives

You put together your individual study programme under academic guidance and based on your areas of interest.

These specialisations are available:

In the specialisation, you combine Level I (fundamental) and Level II (advanced), courses to earn at least 15 ECTS at Level II.

When you choose electives, you can choose from a wide range of courses from Aarhus University.


Academic regulations

For further information on the structure of the programme please see the academic regulations for Computer Engineering.

Study program diagram:

Student life

As a master’s student in Computer Engineering at Aarhus University, your daily life will be shaped by a dynamic mix of lectures, small-group classes, and project-based learning.

You will take a scientific and experimental approach, working hands-on with prototypes, testing ideas, and developing solutions in practice. Much of the teaching is research-based, and you will be taught by active researchers who bring the newest knowledge into the classroom. You will also have the opportunity to participate in research projects yourself and experience how science is created.

Our international students often highlight the inclusive and collaborative study culture in Denmark as a unique strength. Teamwork is a cornerstone in our teaching, and you will work closely with fellow students from different cultural and academic backgrounds, learning to approach problems from multiple perspectives and to develop solutions together.

You will be based at Katrinebjerg – the “IT city” of Aarhus – located close to the unique main campus of Aarhus University and the city center. Here, you will find a wide range of student accommodation and a rich cultural life, offering everything from running clubs and the annual regatta on the lake to guest lectures and film screenings. To ensure student well-being, counselling services and support networks are always available.


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Career

Graduates of the MSc in Computer Engineering step into a job market with almost unlimited opportunities – and with very low unemployment. Your expertise in IT, combined with your ability to analyse complex systems, generate new knowledge, and think critically and holistically about technology, makes you highly sought after across industries.

Importantly, the programme prepares you not only for careers in Denmark but also internationally. Employers around the world look for engineers who can combine technical excellence with creativity, critical thinking and a global outlook. You will graduate with the skills, mindset, and confidence to stand out on a globalised job market, and you will be ready to contribute to solutions that address some of society’s most pressing challenges.

You might design advanced software systems, lead innovation projects, or work at the forefront of artificial intelligence and robotics. Examples of career paths include roles as software developer, project manager, research engineer, innovation manager, technical specialist, or chief technology officer (CTO). Your skills are relevant in a wide range of sectors – from energy, healthcare, and finance to culture, defence, and beyond.

You can also use your degree as a springboard to a research career through a PhD programme, allowing you to dive even deeper into your field and contribute to groundbreaking developments.

You can read more about the PhD programme at the Graduate School of Technical Sciences.