Welcome to study the latest software technologies at Oulu University of Applied Sciences! Modern Software and Computing Solutions is our new Master Degree Programme in English that aims to meet the challenges of the software industry. The software industry is undergoing a transformation as information becomes digital and data volumes grow in both public organizations and private companies. All data must be stored and analyzed securely without compromising the data. In the training, you will deepen your knowledge of software techniques and data analysis methods. After graduation, you can work on digital products or services, for example.

With digitalisation, most of the services offered to consumers and businesses have moved online. This provides companies with a large amount of user-driven data that they can use both to develop services and streamline their own operations. However, handling large amounts of data is not easy. The machine learning algorithms used to process the data require so much computing power that even the most efficient consumer computers cannot cope with the computational load, or at least the computation can take hours or even days. Supercomputers suitable for high-performance computing have been procured in Finland by CSC (Center for Scientific Computing), from which it is possible to obtain computing time for machine learning applications that require power.

Raw computing power alone is not a problem in many applications, but software can be streamlined with appropriate algorithms and data structures. In addition, it is important for the programmer to learn to understand the differences in computational efficiency between different algorithms. These issues are also studied in this degree program. When a lot of data is in motion, it is important to be able to protect it as effectively as possible from outside attacks. Therefore, the degree program also studies the basics of block chain technologies. 

During the training, you will become familiar with the latest software development technologies, such as data analytics and data visualization, machine learning methods, cloud and micro services, container technologies, high-performance computing, and block chains. During the studies, students’ skills in general programming are also strengthened and deepened.  

Education in English is comprised of e-learning and can be completed flexibly while working in 1–2 years. The studies mainly involve scheduled online courses and assignments. A master’s degree is, as its name implies, a Master’s degree that gives the same qualifications as a university Master’s degree. 

Some of the studies are shared with those who complete the Master’s degree in other fields. In particular, there are joint studies with the Data Analytics and Project Management Degree Programme. The thesis included in the degree is started at the beginning of the study. The topic of the thesis is usually based on working life. When applying for the degree program, the student already presents a topic that he or she intends to study in his or her thesis. Of course, the topic can be changed during your studies. 

The degree is 60 (technical) or 90 (business) credits and consists of the following units: 

• Professional advanced studies 20 or 45 ECTS
• Electives 10 or 15 ECTS
• Thesis 30 ECTS

For more detailed content of the degree program, see the Study Guide. The aim of studies in the field of science is to provide students with the skills required for a master’s degree in scientific research. Professional advanced studies focus on software tools and methods and their application. At the heart of the degree program is a pragmatic approach, which is emphasized especially in advanced studies and thesis work. The thesis focuses on applied research based on the needs of companies. 

The study programme includes a research development task supporting work life of 30 ECTS, i.e. a Master’s thesis, which can be started at the beginning of studies. The thesis is oriented around the private sector in such a way that the student chooses the subject matter on their own or can combine the development assignment to their own work. This way, the student is responsible for designing, testing and implementing a development project based on a genuine demand. This also helps the student to develop as an independent innovator.

The thesis requires a systematic and investigative approach, knowledge in the field, the ability to define the task, methodological expertise, cooperative and communication skills as well as presentation and publishing skills. 

After graduating, you can work as an expert in product development, in projects and in production. Employment options include:

• Product development or production management. 
• Managing demanding ICT development projects .
• Design and managerial tasks in the ICT field.
• Demanding professional tasks in your respective field.

According to the Labour Institute for Economic Research (Palkansaajien Tutkimuslaitos – PT), completing a master’s degree can raise an employee’s annual income by thousands of euros.

The programme will provide you with a Master’s degree level of qualification (EQF7) Post-graduate studies are offered by the Oulu University of Applied Science’s School of Professional Teacher Education and the University’s faculties. The programme will also support your opportunities for post-graduate studies in the University and in the School of Professional Teacher Education.