Master Computer Science (MSE)
Deepen your knowledge of the software and communication technologies of the future and become an expert in your field. In this practice-oriented program, you’ll benefit from faculty with close ties to industry and research, as well as up-to-date course content. Through problem-oriented projects, you’ll utilize the infrastructure of the OST Institute and independently solve challenging computer science problems using engineering and scientific methods, always with an eye toward economic, social, and sustainability considerations.
Program at a Glance
Degree
Master of Science in Engineering with Specialization in Computers Science (90 ETCS)
Program Start
Spring semester: 22 February 2027
Autumn semester: 20 September 2027
Duration
3 semesters fulltime full-time or 5-6 semesters part-time
The degree program can be completed alongside professional employment.
Tuition
CHF 1,000 per semester
Campus
Rapperswil-Jona or Buchs: You select one of these locations for your area of specialization.
Zurich: Theory and Context Modules
Admission
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in the field of Computer Science. Academic performance across the entire Bachelor’s program must correspond to an ECTS grade of A or B.
More Information on Admission
Accepted Bachelor's degrees:
BSc Computer Science
Other recommended bachelor's degrees:
BSc Systems Engineering
Admission Deadline
Spring semester: 30. November 2026
Autumn semester: 30 April 2027
Advantages of MSE Computer Science:
- Specialisation with a distinct profile: You will focus specifically on one aspect of computer science and develop into an expert in a clearly defined field. In doing so, you will build a strong professional profile.
- Better career prospects and greater appeal in the labour market: With a Master’s degree, you will stand out clearly from competitors with a Bachelor’s degree. Companies actively seek out proven specialists and reward this expertise accordingly.
- Excellent research with practical relevance: In Switzerland, the OST is a leading centre for applied research and development in software engineering, software systems, programming languages, usability and software-defined networking. The institutes work closely with industry and are at the forefront of innovation.
- Projects with renowned industry partners: You will work on challenging projects in collaboration with leading companies. Many Master’s students publish papers at international conferences alongside their supervisors, thereby raising their profile within the field.
- Advisor support: During their Master’s programme, students receive individual support from an advisor, a professor in their chosen field. The advisor ensures that the students’ academic goals are achieved through the appropriate choice of modules.
Software Engineering and Technology
They research, analyse and develop all kinds of innovative applications, software systems and architectures in close collaboration with stakeholders. They follow an appropriate, agile and risk-based software development process and use suitable tools and programming languages. They are able to take on various roles within software development teams and even lead small development teams.
Advanced User Interfaces
In this specialisation, you will research, design, implement and evaluate advanced, user-centred user interfaces for specialist and gaming applications. These user interfaces utilise various modalities such as gestures, speech, virtual reality and augmented reality, as well as artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques, to enable the most natural interaction and the best possible immersion for the user.
Programming Languages
Programming language theory deals with the design, implementation and analysis of programming languages and programmes. Although it is rooted in formal mathematics, it is of great practical importance for programming and software engineering. Topics such as functional programming, type systems, compilers and runtime systems contribute to the development of correct, efficient and maintainable software. This specialisation enables you to conduct research in this field with a view to advancing the state of the art in programming and software engineering. You will also learn how to apply techniques from this field in the practice of software engineering.
Software-Defined Networking
The networks of the future are centrally controlled, automated and programmable. During your degree programme, you will research, develop, implement and operate networks that meet new requirements and enable new applications. These networks are intelligent, more secure and interact with applications. You will learn how these new networks work and explore new possible applications.
Communication Systems
You will analyse, plan, implement and operate all kinds of communication systems, whether networked, cloud-based, distributed, embedded or mobile. You will be able to research and develop distributed applications, communication protocols, interfaces, services and systems, virtual platforms and networks, and learn how to operate these systems securely and reliably. We provide you with in-depth knowledge in the fields of wireless communication and IT security. You will learn to evaluate and deploy new technologies.