Master in Applied Computer Science - MACS

Innledning

We are living in a digital world where the web is becoming a unified distribution channel for news, professional information, maps, educational content, games, movies and videos, graphics and photos, and music delivered to computers, TVs, game consoles, or mobile phones. Technologies for digital photo and video, for web and mobile applications, and for computer games therefore play important roles in today's and tomorrow's world. A master's degree in Applied Computer Science (formerly Master in Media Technology) will give the students a sound basis for becoming a professional application developer in this rapidly changing world of modern computer applications. Students graduating from the program will be competent to work for companies and organisations that develop new and useful computer and digital media applications or that make advances use of such.

Studiets varighet, omfang og nivå

The study program is a two years' (120 ECTS) postgraduate program leading to a Master's degree. The study program qualifies for PhD studies.

Forventet læringsutbytte

After successfully completing the program, students:
Knowledge
•Possess advanced knowledge in the application of computer science theory and methodology  to problems faced when developing solutions to problems in the area of mobile,  web, or media computing
•Possess specialized insight and good understanding of the research frontier in a selected part of the applied computer science area, especially within the area of media computing and the areas of mobile, web, and game computing
•Possess thorough knowledge of professional and scientific theory and methodology of relevance to applied computer science
•Are able to apply computer science knowledge and understanding to new and unfamiliar settings
•Are able to analyze academic problems based on the history, traditions, and particularities of applied computer science and its place in societyPossess advanced knowledge within the area of media technology, with emphasis on color imaging, image and video processing, and web technology

Skills
•Are able to analyze existing theories, methods and interpretations and to challenge established knowledge and practice with regards to applied computer science
•Are, in an independent manner, able to handle theoretical issues and solve complex practical problems in the area of applied computer science
•Are able to use relevant and suitable methods when carrying out research and development activities in the area of applied computer scienceAre able to critically review relevant literature when solving new or complex problems and is able to integrate the findings into the proposed solution
•Are able to plan and complete an independent and limited research or development project with guidance and in adherence to research ethics

General competence
•Are able to analyze relevant ethical issues (technological, professional, and scientific)
•Have the learning skills to continue acquiring new knowledge and skills in a manner that is largely self-directed
•Are able to present the results from extensive independent work, mastering the terminology of the field
•Are able to communicate academic issues, analyses, and conclusions, with specialists in the field and to the public, in oral and written forms
•Are able to contribute to innovative thinking and innovation processes

Internasjonalisering

The courses are taught in english. The study programme admits international full time students and accepts exchange students for one or two semesters. There are good cooperation with universities in Germany, The Czech Republic, Spain, Sweden, Finland and France, but also with universities in United Kingdom, Canada and United States. The students are encouraged to take a semester in a foreign university and will get help and advice in where and when.

Målgruppe

The study program is aiming to recruit graduated bachelor’s in computer science, informatics or similar, but a different background may also be relevant, especially students with interest or experience in development, integration and use of digital media systems. There are 3 target groups:
•Undergraduate students entering the program as a continuation of their bachelor degree without any prior work experience
•Industry students (or students in private/public sector in general) looking for a part-time masters program which is flexible and can be adapted to their employers' and their own individual needs.
•International students: full-time, part-time or exchange students studying at Gjøvik University College for only single semesters

Opptakskrav og rangering

Applicants must have a 3-year undergraduate degree to qualify for admission, preferably a bachelor's degree in computer science or in informatics. The applicants must document that they have at least 60 ECTS credits in information technology/computing subjects and at least 9 ECTS credits in mathematics.

Studiets innhold, oppbygging og sammensetning

The programme has two tracks:
•Media Computing
•Web, Mobile, Games
Enrolled students need to choose their preferred track at the very beginning of the first semester because of first semester differences between the two tracks.
The first year of the study program will give the students a basic understanding of - and skills in the use of - technologies for media computing and for developing web applications, mobile applications, and games. Some of these basic courses are compulsory for all students, some are targeting students of one of the two tracks. The students will also gain a basic understanding of digital entrepreneurship.
The third semester of the study will give the students the opportunity to specialise in a relevant area of their choice. They will also develop their thesis proposal and will conduct a small research oriented project. The last semester is devoted to the master’s thesis.
The program is offered in a flexible manner to fit well to all the target groups of students (full-time, part-time and distant). Prosepective distant students should note, however, that the workload is expected to be 45 hours per week during the semesters. Hence, students are not advised to sign up for full-time studies if they plan to study besides their regular job.
In general, on-campus presence is required only three weeks per semester (seminars and exams). Attendance is also strongly recommended for the initial first week of the program when preparatory courses are offered. Read more details for the upcoming year of study.
All courses are available online, but there will also be on-campus sessions on a regular weekly or bi-weekly schedule.
Students can elect up to 10 ects of courses at the 3000 level as part of their master program. Students are particularly encouraged to browse the course offerings of the study programs Bachelor of Game Programming and Bachelor in Information Security.

Tekniske forutsetninger

Students who choose to participate in the study program on distance, need a relatively new (no more than 2-3 years old) computer and a broadband Internet connection. Software that is needed is mostly freely available on the Internet. In some courses commercial products, such as MatLab, are required.
For practical computer skills, it is expected that students can use any common operating system (MacOS, Solaris, GNU/Linux or Microsoft Windows) both with graphical user interface and a command line interface.